Hyundai Rolls Out New Class 4 & 6
Hyundai Truck America (HTA), the newly formed division of Hyundai Motor Co., is rolling out a Class 4 and two Class 6 trucks comprehensively equipped yet competitively priced.
Initially offered through 30 HTA dealers, the HLD150 Class 4 mid-range and HMD230 and HMD260 Class 6 medium-duty trucks are cab-over-engine units featuring extended cabs. The high level of interior trim is geared for driver efficiency and comfort.
Standard equipment for the group includes:
• Air-conditioning
• ABS brakes
• AM-FM stereo cassette radio
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Cruise control
• Heated outside rear-view mirrors
• Power windows and door locks
• Wood grain dash panels
• Cloth seats
• Full instrumentation
• Suspension driver's seat with right-arm rest
• Driver and passenger reading lamps
• DuPont IMRON 5000 Urethane paint.
The HLD150 has a GVWR of 14,510 lbs. and is powered by a four-stroke, water-cooled Detroit Diesel 638 engine rated at 160 hp @ 3,500 rpm and 295 lb/ft. of torque @ 1,800 rpm. The turbocharged and intercooled engine is mated to an Allison AT 542 four-speed automatic transmission.
The heavy-duty steel frame is available in four different wheel bases. The front axle features a reverse Elliot I-beam design with a multileaf-spring suspension. Hyundai says design promotes precise front- wheel geometry that helps prolong tire life and offers a smooth ride.
The HMD230 and HMD260 are rated at 23,000 lbs. and 25,510 lbs., respectively. These Class 6 trucks are powered by a Cummins turbocharged and intercooled ISB engine producing 215 hp @ 2,500 rpm and 520 lb/ft. of torque @ 1,600 rpm, and are mated to a ZF 6S-850 6-speed, fully synchromesh manual overdrive transmission.
The HMD230 is available in five different wheelbase configurations and HMD260 in two. The company says the heavy duty frame and suspensions are designed to provide years of reliable and dependable service.
Yokohama Offers Tire For Dump, Trash Trucks
Yokohama Tire Corp.'s new MY507A features an anti-chip compound to improve durability when mounted on concrete mixers, dump trucks and garbage trucks. Offering tire life and durability, the tire helps these trucks endure puncture-prone environments off-road and well as on the highway.
The company says the new compound means a dump truck or concrete mixer can better handle the hazards of a construction site, and a garbage truck can better manage the most treacherous landfill. For improved off-road durability, the tire design features high-strength belt construction. Funnel-shaped grooves and a wide block-type rib design increase traction, while stone ejectors dislodge rocks and minimize casing damage.
STEM-2 technology reduces internal heat and stress and protects the casing. As a tire rotates under load, demands on the casing and rubber compounds can become stressed. The strain of this energy can wear out a tire prematurely. STEM-2 designs redirect that energy to protect the casing and extend the life of the tire. The MY507A is immediately available in 385/65R22.5. Yokohama will soon offer additional sizes. The MY507A is supported by a six-year limited warranty through three retreads.
Rollover Stability Systems
Meritor WABCO has designed its Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Roll Stability Support (RSS) systems for linehaul tractor/trailer combinations. They provide intervention to reduce the likelihood of a rollover situation. The RSC is for the tractor and is available through truck OEMs early in 2003. The trailer system, RSS, will be available through trailer OEMs in mid-2003.
The RSC system focuses on a vehicle's center of gravity and the lateral acceleration limit — or rollover threshold. When critical lateral acceleration thresholds are exceeded, RSC intervenes to reduce speed — first at the engine, then applying retarder and brake control. An accelerometer mounted directly to the anti-lock braking system (ABS) electronic control unit (ECU) monitors the vehicle's lateral acceleration.
RSS is an independent system for trailers and offers electronic assistance to reduce the likelihood of rollover. The technology is integrated in the trailer anti-lock braking system, requiring no additional hardware. Similar to the tractor's RSC system, the RSS focuses on lateral acceleration and wheel speed, monitoring the critical acceleration limit. If this limit is exceeded, the trailer brakes are automatically applied helping to reduce the vehicle's speed.
The RSC and RSS systems are two elements offered by Meritor WABCO and ArvinMeritor as part of their complete braking system. Other braking system components include: anti-lock braking system, electronic braking systems, air dryers, brake control valves, air compressors, foundation brakes, automatic slack adjusters, friction materials, and hubs and drums.
