Products & Services
Bridgestone Greatec Wide Base Now Available
Fleets looking to benefit from the use of wide base radials can now find the Bridgestone Greatec at authorized Bridgestone dealers, truckstops and and through OEMs.
The Greatec features a very high load capacity, enabling a single tire to replace a dual assembly on drive or trailer axles. Greatec radials are available in the 445/50R22.5 size, equivalent in overall diameter to regular low-profile radials for 22.5-inch wheels. Switching to Greatec radials does not change vehicle height, an important advantage over other wide base radials. And, the wide footprint of Greatec radials also meets requirements imposed by some state laws regulating footprint pressure as a function of tread width.
According to Guy Walenga, BFNT's engineering manager, North American Commercial Products, the tires are built using a new casing structure that incorporates what BFNT engineers call a Waved Belt design. In addition to conventional radial tire belts, Greatec radials employ belts built from steel cords that are not straight, but formed into a gentle "waved" shape. "This exclusive, patented design balances stiffness and resiliency to provide a very strong, stable casing that in turn, produces a remarkably stable footprint shape throughout the life of the tire," Walenga said.
Depending on the types of tires and wheels converted, Greatec radials could reduce overall vehicle weight by 600 to 1,200 or more pounds. For a gasoline hauler, this could mean 200 or more extra gallons of fuel per load. The radials are designed to directly replace tractor dual assemblies without need to modify axles. On trailers, retrofit may be possible using two-inch offset wheels, if axles and axle end components are of the proper type and in proper condition. Such a change may also require a change in the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of the axles. Since only the OE manufacturer can evaluate such a change, it is critically important to consult the manufacturer before retrofitting trailers with any brand of wide base radials. <
Thermo King Introduces Cost-Saving Fuel Products
Thermo King Corp. has introduced two fuel products designed to lower costs and prevent unnecessary repairs.
The Thermo King Fuel Display, a remote fuel level indicator, helps eliminate empty-tank downtime and controls the cost of maintaining fuel levels in unattended storage trailers.
The Anti-Siphon Device is an effective, low-cost product used to prevent fuel thefts. Once attached to the fuel receptacle, the device self-locks by catching the bottom of the 3.5-inch neck to prevent removal. The Anti-Siphon Device has a 60-gallon-per-minute flow rate and is easy to install.
Bosch Debuts New Long-haul Alternator
Robert Bosch Corp. has introduced the new Ultra Premium Long Haul Alternator for commercial vehicles, designed to provide greater electrical power and efficiency on the road or at idle.
The Long Haul alternator (AL9960LH), which replaces more than 220 different original equipment alternators, operates at more than 70% efficiency while conventional OE replacement alternators operate at 55% efficiency. This high efficiency design transforms energy into power rather than performance-robbing heat, saving fuel every mile, the company says.
Backed by Bosch's 24-month, 250,000-mile warranty, the alternator can save as much as $400 in fuel savings in 100,000 miles on the road, the manufacturer said.
Phillips Industries Publishes New Catalog
A new catalog available from Phillips Industries details its expanded line of accessories.
These include STA-DRY heat shrink connectors and tubing, insulated connectors, STA-DRY cable ties, primary wire and tools for fleet maintenance shops.
Part numbers for pre-packaged poly bags, kits and clamshell displays offer a variety of part selection and quantities to fit the needs of individual operations.
Spicer Replacement Carrier Program
Dana Corp. has launched a new Core-Free Carrier Program. Spicer Heavy Axle customers will no longer be accessed a core charge when purchasing a carrier assembly. The program will do away with the need to - and the costs associated with - returning cores for credit.
The Core-Free Carrier Program is now in effect, and Dana will offer only new Spicer carriers. Dana is eliminating remanufactured carriers from the product line. Another change being made is the addition of a two-year, unlimited miles warranty on any remanufactured carrier that customers still have in inventory and sell after July 1.
Freightliner Offers ConMet CastLite Brake Drums
Freightliner Trucks now offers ConMet CastLite brake drums for all truck models in its product line.
These newly available brake drums are designed to deliver significant weight savings and improved performance with a lower cost premium than other lightweight drum designs.
CastLite brake drums are available for a wide-range of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle applications. Rigorous specifications and precision machining eliminate vibrations and ensure optimum performance, the manufacturer says.
The brake drums achieve significant weight savings due to a computer-optimized, patent-pending shape. This unique shape allows for up to a 15% weight reduction over standard, full-cast brake drums while maintaining a high level of durability and Horton Introduces PolarExtreme Fan Drive
Horton Inc. has introduced the DriveMaster PolarExtreme fan drive, which delivers 2,400 inch-pounds of out-of-box torque to turn larger fans with more blades and cool EGR engines.
The DriveMaster PolarExtreme Fan Drive is available for both first-fit and replacement applications.
The heavy-duty DriveMaster PolarExtreme Fan Drive is spring-engaged and air-disengaged. It features a superior friction liner designed for longevity.
MBC Partners With International
Modern Business Computing Inc. (MBC) has partnered with International Truck and Engine Corp. to develop Diamond Connection Solutions, a fleet maintenance software and parts replenishment system.
Diamond Connection is designed to help International dealers work with companies managing vehicle fleets, organize their inventories and streamline effective parts ordering.
The most beneficial function of the software is the ability to track quantities, costs and reorder points of truck parts in inventory based upon previous usage patterns and ordering information. Using this information, the system works in conjunction with International dealers to provide a dependable just-in-time automatic reordering scheme for parts, in order to keep inventory levels at desired levels.
Diamond Connection Solutions also features components for work order information, preventative maintenance schedules, core tracking, warranty monitoring, vehicle information, reminders and user security. Additionally, the package includes full reporting capabilities to provide the customer with detailed and specific data about his fleet including information such as total cost summaries and parts usage histories.
Gabriel Introduces Two New Cargo Locks
Gabriel Technologies, founders of the War-Lok transportation security product line, announce the addition of two new locks offering advanced cargo and trailer protection for the trucking industry.
The TAB-10 (truck air brake lock) and the TGH-10 (trailer glad-hand lock) prevent cargo tampering, theft and terrorism threats on trucks and trailers.
This lock protects idling trucks from theft by completely encasing the air valves. Because this lock is not a permanent attachment, it can be re-used from one cab to another.
The TGH-10 is composed of cast aluminum and protects a trailer's brake system hoses from being connected to the tractor. It also has an extra flange for additional protection of the two-plate mounting bolts associated with the air hose connection.
Both the TAB-10 and TGH-10 have more than 260 million key combinations possible and the ability to master key 20,000 different locks. Each product's locking core is designed with a flat-keyed locking system. The TAB-10 and TGH-10 are pick resistant, drill resistant and key duplication is impossible, the company says. They can also be combined with the other products within the War-Lok trucking line to create a complete trucking/trailer security solution, known as the TSK-50.
