Ultra-Deep Drive Radial
Firestone has rolled out a 29/32-inch deep drive axle radial for long distance line haul use. The FD690 PLUS features a deep tread together with a continuous shoulder design specially engineered to combat irregular wear.
The tread features an aggressive block/lug design, with numerous angled edges to cut through water and road films. The center lugs are linked to each other with tie bars to add stability against tread squirm and to fight heel and toe wear.
Additional tread stability is provided by a continuous shoulder design. By resisting side forces, the shoulders of the FD690 PLUS help prevent the initiation and spread of irregular wear, without sacrificing wet traction.
Suitable for both single and tandem drive axle applications, the FD690 PLUS is available in a G load rating, in both standard and low profile sizes for 22.5 and 24.5-inch wheels.
Bridgestone Steer Radial
Bridgestone's new steer-axle radial incorporates innovative technologies to fight irregular wear. The R280 is designed primarily for long distance and long regional hauling.
The tire's footprint shape automatically optimizes itself during early stages of wear to increase the effectiveness of Bridgestone's patented Equalizer Rib design. The Equalizer Rib structure is just one of several features employed by R280 radials to prevent the initiation and spread of irregular wear.
Among these are stress relief siping along every rib to combat river wear, special sipe contouring to resist block wear, straight-sided ribs and Bridgestone's Defense Groove design to fight wavy and shoulder edge wear.
These innovations are combined with an exceptionally wide tread that delivers slow, even wear. To improve retreadability, the R280 radial's groove bottoms have platforms designed to prevent retention of casing-damaging stones.
Horton Kysor K22RA Fan Clutches
Kysor K22RA fan clutches can be replaced and repaired with the new Klondike Series products.
The Klondike Series line includes a replacement fan clutch for Kysor's K22RA; a major kit, seal kit and five hub bearing kits for Kysor's K22RA fan clutches; and a lining kit for repair of rear- or front-air Kysor fan clutches. Horton anticipates expanding the Klondike Series to include other products.
Klondike kits and components are interchangeable with OE fan drives. Horton's replacement fan clutch for Kysor's K22RA fan clutches engages without air pressure and keeps the engine cool until service is available.
Dana Spicer LMS System
Peterbilt Motors Co. and Kenworth Truck Co., now offer Dana Spicer LMS Hub Systems as standard equipment on both drive and steer axles for their Class 8 commercial vehicles in North America.
Dana has long been a partner with both Peterbilt and Kenworth in the North American commercial vehicle market, and the Dana Spicer LMS Hub systems were previously standard on steer axles for Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks.
Low-Lube Top Plate
Fontaine International's new 7000 Series cast fifth wheel is designed to maximize grip by using the company's patented No-Slack II locking mechanism. It also touts less lubricant usage when mated with Fontaine's no-lube top plate mating surface. The plate is rated at 55,000 pounds on the vertical load, 150,000 pounds on the drawbar pull.
Diagnostic Tool For ABS Data
PLC DataMaster taps into a trailer's anti-lock braking system. Compatible with Meritor WABCO's Enhanced Easy-Stop ABS, the device uses power line carrier (PLC) communications and a sophisticated memory structure to extract readings from up to 500 trailers. The result: It requires less time for data retrieval than traditional methods and creates less paperwork in the process. The self-contained, hand-held device quickly connects to a parked trailer's J560 seven-way connector, eliminating the need for cumbersome laptop PC/interface connections.
The 20-character display shows vital trailer statistics related to ABS status codes, trailer identification and odometer readings.
Hendrickson Back-Up Alarm System
Hendrickson's automatic trailer Back-up Alarm System improves awareness in areas of limited maneuverability and visibility.
The system activates a loud warning sound when the vehicle is moving in reverse. A wheel-end direction sensor reads the ABS tone ring activating the alarm, a 97-decibel repeating pound pulse, after one-half of a reverse revolution of the tire. The alarm ceases two seconds after the trailer stops or when it moves forward .
The system comes in a kit, which includes a direction sensor, electronic control unit, wiring harness and alarm. The electronic module features an additional output that may be wired for a warning or back-up light (not included in the kit).
