Bendix Named Standard ABS Supplier For Mack Trucks
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems said its ABS-6 - the next generation Bendix antilock braking system - will be standard equipment on select Mack Class 8 highway vehicles beginning in the third quarter 2004.
Bendix next-generation ABS is a robust, scalable system available in standard and premium configurations to address the full range of fleet needs.
Key benefits include superior traction systems, greater diagnostic and prognostic capabilities, a full spectrum of customization opportunities based on the individual fleet or vehicle owner needs, and ease of maintenance through the use of familiar components (i.e. sensors, relays) and system architecture.
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC supplies air brakes, charging and control systems and components, wheel-end and electronic braking systems, vehicle modules and safety technologies under the Bendix brand name.
Air-Weigh Truck Scales Now An Option On Freightliners
Freightliner Trucks is now offering the Air-Weigh in-dash on-board truck and trailer scale system as a factory option for all truck models with air suspensions.
The Air-Weigh Self-Weighing Truck Scale can improve productivity and reduce operating costs and delays caused by check weighing at truckstop scales.
Freightliner Trucks is the first OEM to offer Air-Weigh on-board scales as a factory option for its product line. The scales can help decrease operating costs by eliminating overweight fines and scale fees associated with overweight loads.
"The Air-Weigh scale system takes the guesswork out of loading, which helps our customers maximize their time on the road while minimizing fines and fees," said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Freightliner Trucks.
The Air-Weigh system consists of an in-cab truck scale and a remote trailer scale. The in-cab unit acts as the system master controller. It displays steer, drive and lift-axle weights, up to seven trailer suspension weights if equipped, GVW and net payload weight.
The Air-Weigh on-board scale is a true scale system that is calibrated to each vehicle's suspension and weight, which is measured by an installed air pressure sensor in the suspension air line. Once the system is calibrated, the Air-Weigh scale displays the weight of the axle group to within 300 pounds of a DOT-certified scale.
When a self-weighing tractor picks up a trailer that is equipped with the Air-Weigh trailer scale, the trailer weight data is automatically transmitted to the truck scale in-cab display gauge and is included in the GVW and net payload weights.
The easy-to-install Air-Weigh gauges are available in chrome or black bezel and fit into standard two-inch, in-dash gauge holes.
The Air-Weigh AW5800 series scale system is available on any Freightliner Trucks medium- or heavy-duty truck models with rear or combination front and rear air suspensions. Direct sensing of the front axle is also available on vehicles with the Freightliner AirLiner front suspension. On those tractors without front air suspension, the Air-Weigh truck scale automatically calculates the transfer of weight on and off the steer axle.
Tundra Refrigerators Optional OE On Freightliners
Freightliner Trucks is now supplying Tundra refrigerators as optional factory-installed original equipment for sleeper compartments on new trucks for 2004-2005.
The Tundra refrigerators will also be sold in the aftermarket through Freightliner Trucks dealers nationwide.
The Tundra refrigerators are being supplied by Dometic Corp., which manufactures air conditioning and refrigeration systems for marine and vehicular applications.
Lou Siegel, vice president, sales and marketing, for Dometic's Environmental Systems group, said that Freightliner Trucks' selection of Tundra followed a rigorous series of tests by Freightliner engineers to ensure that the refrigerators met their stringent requirements for ruggedness and reliability.
The Tundra units are designed to operate under the harshest environmental conditions. The steel exterior has a durable protective coating, and the interior is made of high-impact polystyrene for low maintenance and easy cleaning. The quiet Danfoss compressor runs on environmentally friendly R134A refrigerant. The unique Tundra design utilizes a dynamically cooled condensing system that circulates air across the condenser to provide more efficient heat transfer and avoid failures caused by overheated compressors.
Freightliner Trucks is offering the Tundra refrigerators in 1.8 and 2.2 cubic foot sizes with an interior freezer compartment.
Accuride Releases Wheel Inspection Wall Chart
In an effort to help maintenance and refinishing technicians identify wheel defects that could necessitate removal of a wheel from service, Indiana-based Accuride Corp. is releasing a Wheel Inspection Wall Chart.
"We are committed to playing a proactive role in improving safety and performance throughout the industry," said Larry Taylor, Accuride's senior vice president of Sales and Marketing. "The Wall Chart is straightforward and easy to reference, with illustrations that are designed to assist industry technicians in identifying conditions that cause a wheel to no longer be suitable for refinishing or to stay in service."
Wheel inspection is an important safety and maintenance factor that can be conducted quickly and accurately by a technician who is experienced and has access to effective reference tools.
Phillips Identifies Top 10 Cures For Corrosion
Phillips Industries has produced a poster itemizing specific practices that, when done consistently, decrease the accumulated costs associated with corrosion to fleet equipment.
These practices are especially important during winter weather operations. To obtain a copy of this poster, contact your authorized Phillips distributor, or call (800) 423-4512.
Phillips Industries produces advanced electrical and air brake interface equipment for the commercial vehicle industry. The company is a supplier to virtually every major tractor and trailer manufacturer in the U.S. and a leader in the North American parts aftermarket.
Volvo Trucks Debuts Redesigned Web Site
Visitors to the redesigned Volvo Trucks North America web site (www.volvotrucks.us.com) can get details on new Volvo trucks or locate a used truck, find a dealer, get information on leasing and financing, download service manuals, sign up for training courses, and find the right accessories to customize their new Volvo.
The web site is constantly adding new features to make it the first place to go for information about Volvo's products and services. The site links to an array of service and support for fleets, owner-operators and dealers, in addition to details and features about the Volvo VN tractor, Volvo VHD vocational truck and Volvo VED12 engine.
For instance, the site contains full, downloadable versions of Volvo's owners and maintenance manuals for its trucks and engines, as well as a user manual and information for Volvo's VCADS Elite electronic diagnostics system. It also includes accessory and parts catalogs, training course schedules, product brochures and online bodybuilder manuals.
The "Business Tools" section of the site contains details on how customers can use Volvo's vast resources and capabilities to run their business more effectively. These include the 24/7 support of Volvo Action Service, affordable integrated satellite communications through Volvo Link, performance tracking programs, and product service training through Volvo's North American Institute. The section also lists valuable information for those looking to acquire a truck through the Volvo MVP package of specs, or used truck options from Volvo Trucks dealers or Arrow Truck Sales. Details on finance and insurance choices are listed with Volvo Commercial Finance and the Volvo Truck Leasing System.
The site also has the Loading Ramp, where visitors can download free images of Volvo trucks and engines to use as screensavers or wallpaper. And it's the place to go to buy official Volvo merchandise.
PuraDYN Delivers Bypass Oil Filtration Systems
PuraDYN Filter Technologies Ltd. has begun delivering bypass oil filtration systems to one of the largest generator set rental companies in Europe.
Following the successful conclusion in February 2004 of an extensive testing program, engine oil change service intervals were increased four times longer than standard service intervals. As a result, the generator set rental company experienced significant maintenance cost savings as well as a payback period for the specific application of less than two months.
The generator set rental company currently has 3,000 generators in service and is expected to order approximately 75 puraDYN systems monthly. It has already purchased 85 systems and hopes to retrofit approximately half of its generator sets by the end of 2005.
Kevin Davies, managing director of puraDYN Ltd., said, "Our systems ensure that the oil is maintained in a continuously cleaned condition, enabling companies to safely and significantly extend oil drain intervals. In effect, purchases of lubricating oil can be reduced by up to 90% with similar savings for the disposal of waste oil, as well as the lowering of downtime for increased productivity. The environmental benefits include conservation of oil and less chance of spillage because of decreased handling."
The puraDYN bypass oil filtration systems work with the full flow filter to reduce solid contaminants in engine oil to below one micron with the use of its patent-pending CGP filter element; to evaporate liquid and gaseous contaminants; and to replenish the base additives so as to maintain the proper total base number (TBN) and viscosity of the oil.
By maintaining continuously clean oil, oil drain intervals are dramatically and safely extended, thereby reducing new oil purchases and waste oil disposal costs.
Waltco Debuts EZL Flipaway Liftgate
Waltco Truck Equipment Co., the Tallmadge, Ohio-based liftgate manufacturer, introduces the EZL Flipaway series of liftgates for low bed-height commercial trucks.
The EZL Flipaway is a large-platform, low bed-height compatible liftgate that's easy to install, easy to operate and easy to maintain.
Designed to accommodate Class 3-5 trucks with low bed heights, EZL folds under the truck bed for storage, yet unfolds and operates easily. It's available in two models, offering either a 2,500-pound capacity or a 3,000-pound capacity - with a large, 48-by-80-inch platform for trucks with bed heights of 38 inches to 44 inches.
The EZL folds and unfolds with only 25 pounds of force compared with 75 pounds or more required by some competitive models. Then only a single-switch operation puts the liftgate into place; flush platform hinges make it easy to move wide cargo across the platform.
The single mounting dimension covers the entire bed range. Factory pre-assembled components minimize installation time, and plug-in controls make wiring quick and foolproof. The parting bar that pivots with the liftgate arms to maximize ground clearance is installed at the factory.
Shell Group Offers Remote Fuel Tank Monitoring
Shell Oil Products US (SOPUS) and Motiva Enterprises Commercial Fuels group now offer Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) to commercial
end-users through Simmons-Corp. of Richardson, Texas.
The group's VMI capability allows SOPUS and Motiva Commercial to offer remote fuel tank monitoring and optimize delivery scheduling for the end-user customer base.
VMI is remote management of fuel supply. It uses Simmons' Fuel Tank Solutions remote-polling technology to retrieve data from tank monitoring systems installed in the customer's storage tanks. The tank data is translated into historical throughput patterns that are used to predict future needs. Orders are then automatically created and scheduled by SOPUS/Motiva Order Management Center for delivery.
Pacbrake Introduces New Exhaust Brake
PRXB is Pacbrake's new patented premium performance exhaust brake engineered to maximize braking power on most classes of diesel trucks.
This new constant backpressure exhaust brake will compete with both engine and exhaust brakes in the market. Its unique design makes it ideal for in-city driving or steep, long downhill runs.
A traditional exhaust brake can be easily upgraded to a PRXB, while sustaining a precision fit.
Features include a third more retarding horsepower than a standard exhaust brake at 1,500 rpm.
The constant backpressure adjusts as engine speeds change, maintaining optimum retarding performance through the entire RPM range.
The added performance of the PRXB at mid-range (the driver's sweet spot) will decrease the number of brake relines by more than five times over the life of the vehicle. The customer can save up to $7,500 in maintenance costs.
PRXB will soon be available in additional applications with a 5-inch and 3.5-inch brake to meet the braking needs of all diesel truck owners.
Goodyear Steer Tire Standard On Many Tractors
The Goodyear G395 LHS long haul steer tire is setting new standards in steer tire wear, durability and overall cost per mile, according to the tire manufacturer.
It has been spec'd on thousands of trucks since it was introduced and is currently the standard steer tire on all new International, Volvo and - beginning in October - Freightliner tractors.
"The G395 LHS has exceeded our sales expectations by far," said Goodyear's Steve McClellan, vice president, commercial tire systems. "It's selling because it's performing. When we introduced it, we offered fleets a no-risk guarantee: If the G395 LHS did not exceed the verifiable miles to removal of their existing steer tire, we'd retread it for free. We're happy to report that we haven't had to do a lot of free retreading. The performance of the G395 LHS made that unnecessary."
Fleets running a range of applications and routes have seen miles to removal increase dramatically since switching to the G395 LHS.
Milford, Ill.-based general freight hauler Ravens Trucking is one of them. "On one of our trucks, the G395 is wearing at 21,000 miles per 1/32-inch of tread depth, which works out to a projected total of 252,000 miles when we pull them at 6/32-inch depth," said Lloyd Ravens, fleet maintenance manager. "On another truck we're getting close to 18,000 miles per 1/32-inch, and a total projected mileage of 216,000.
"Our previous tires were getting about 12,000 miles per 1/32-inch, totaling about 100,000 miles, and we were often having to pull them at 10/32-inch because of shoulder wear."
Kenworth Buyers Can Take Online Surveys
Kenworth Truck Co. now offers new truck purchasers the opportunity to complete two owner surveys via the Internet.
Customers can submit online responses to Kenworth customer satisfaction surveys conducted 90 days and 18 months after registration of the new truck purchase.
In conjunction with those anniversary dates, Kenworth sends each new owner a postcard with an Internet link to the specific survey. The customer accesses the survey by providing the truck chassis number and contact information.
The surveys focus on the sales experience, truck delivery, product attributes and performance, interaction with the Kenworth parts and service departments, and overall performance of the customer's Kenworth dealership.
Steve Gilligan, Kenworth's general marketing manager, said, "Making these two Kenworth customer satisfaction surveys available online will accelerate our response time and aid us in continuing to provide the support that customers expect and deserve.
"Once we receive the completed survey, we notify the Kenworth dealer of any concerns expressed and request that the dealer contact the customer within five business days to begin addressing the issue," said Gilligan. "Kenworth field personnel and dealers then work together to ensure that the customer's concern has been addressed."
In addition to the web-based surveys, an independent third-party company conducts a monthly telephone survey of Kenworth customers whose trucks have reached the 90-day and 18-month ownership marks. At least 175 customers are included in each of the two survey categories.
A free Kenworth PremierCare Advantages Savings Book is sent to each customer who completes the survey on the Internet or by telephone interview. The book offers more than $1,800 in savings on quality parts, service and accessories for most leading truck makes at Kenworth dealers.
Blaupunkt Debuts Sirius Satellite Radio Tuner
Blaupunkt has announced immediate deliveries of a Sirius Satellite Radio plug-and-play radio for both home and truck that provides digital-quality, uninterrupted coast-to-coast reception of more than 120 channels of music, news, sports and entertainment.
Unlike conventional AM and FM radios that work best within 20-40 miles of a radio station, the Blaupunkt America SR04 is compatible with Sirius Satellite Radio, which offers crystal clear reception essentially everywhere in the continental United States.
The Blaupunkt America SR04 consists of a removable tuner, in-vehicle plug-and-play mounting cradle, DC power supply, wireless remote control and a satellite antenna. The audio output can be hard-wired to a truck stereo receiver with auxiliary inputs, a feature available on most Blaupunkt audio receivers. The America SR04 also has a built-in 12-channel wireless FM modulator to broadcast Sirius to any FM tuner.
At home, the same Blaupunkt America SR04 can be plugged into an optional home accessory kit, which includes the home cradle, home antenna, AC power supply and audio cables.
Sirius Satellite Radio offers 65 channels of commercial-free music, plus more than 50 channels of news, talk, entertainment and sports-- including the NFL - for a subscription price of $12.95 per month. The subscription covers both the home and car or truck use of a single satellite tuner.
The Blaupunkt America SR04 features a large easy-to-read graphic display that provides real-time information about the current channel, title and artist. A wireless remote control duplicates all functions of the tuner. It is also possible to use a search mode to locate channels, artists and program or song titles. A song-seek mode alerts the user if one of up to 10 favorite songs or programs is on another channel.
Two Castrol Oils Already Meet API CI-4 Regs
Castrol Americas, a business unit of BP Lubricants Americas, said two of its oils already meet the American Petroleum Institute's new CI-4Plus specifications.
Castrol Hypuron S 15W-40 and Castrol Tection Extra 15W-40, have been meeting these specifications since the beginning of 2004.
API CI-4 Plus is an extension of the API CI-4 category, which was not quite meeting a few key requirements in some Exhaust Gas Recirculated (EGR) engines.
According to Mike Lynskey, heavy duty engine oil product technology manager for Castrol Americas, concerns were raised by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) regarding the way API CI-4 oils manage soot and the higher shear stresses seen in the new engines.
Castrol Hypuron S and Castrol Tection Extra passed both the Mack T-11 viscosity test and the revised version of the Kurt Orbahn shear stability bench test, which are necessary to be API CI-4 Plus approved.
"Oils must be significantly more shear stable to pass the Kurt Orbahn test in API CI-4 Plus," said Lynskey. "Castrol Americas has always formulated its engine oils for maximum shear stability, as this is a critical measure for engine protection. Castrol Hypuron S and Castrol Tection Extra 15W-40 already met the new specification and are being licensed as API CI-4 Plus as of Sept. 1."
Introduced in February 2002, Castrol Hypuron S (formerly known as Castrol Enduron S) and Castrol Tection Extra exceed current specifications for API CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, SL, Cummins CES 20078, 20076, Mack EO-N Premium Plus '03 and Caterpillar ECF-1.
Castrol Americas' high TBN, low ash formulation approach for these oils was based on a dual strategy to provide the best performance and protection for the new Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) engines, while at the same time providing for enhanced performance in new and older non-EGR engines.
Lubrizol Additive Allows Production Of All Gasoline Grades
North American-based gasoline producers now can gain formulation flexibility, reduce inventory costs and streamline production with the use of UltraZol 8219, a new gasoline detergent additive from The Lubrizol Corp.
UltraZol 8219, which rounds out the existing family of UltraZol products, enables the production of all gasoline grades, from standard to high-performance to anything in-between.
At very efficient doses, UltraZol 8219 meets the EPA's 1997 Final Rule Regulation that sets the requirements for its lowest additive concentration (LAC) for the minimum level of cleanliness for bulk fuel as specified in the Clean Air Act.
UltraZol 8219 also meets the more stringent requirements of the California Air Resources Board and can be used at higher treat rates to provide deposit clean up and additional marketing claims. UltraZol 8219 is field proven with more than 50 billion miles of use. It touts a proprietary detergent additive technology formulated to be pumpable at temps down to -30¡ F.
Grote Introduces New Wire Harness Catalog
Thanks to Grote Industries' new Ultra Blue Seal Guide, fleet and truck owners can better understand the operating advantages of the Grote UBS System.
UBS matched components are designed to equip trailers with a wiring harness system featuring weather-tight connections.
The Grote UBS Guide is filled with technical information on harnesses and connectors and contains:
• A step-by-step guide for selecting correct harnesses;
• Legal requirements for truck and trailer lighting;
• Complete specification information on Grote's UBS product line.
Truck-Lite Releases 'Lighting User's Guide'
Truck-Lite has released its new "Lighting User's Guide" manual to help educate the industry user of vehicular safety lighting on a variety of topics.
These include Basics of Electricity, Why Lights Fail and How to Prevent It, Federal Regulations, New Advancements in Lighting Technology, Truck-Lite Support Tools and Glossary of Industry Terms.
The spiral bound manual is small enough to fit into any tool or glove box. It contains 66 full-color pages of lighting and electrical know-how from the industry experts. It also features a mini CD-ROM that is an essential tool in extending lighting and safety systems training to the user level.
The disk includes detailed return on investment and evaluation software, training videos, a complete line of electronic catalogs, new product releases and cross-references.
Sloan Quick-Fix Eliminates Truck Downtime
For most truck drivers a broken rubber air brake line means a tow to the nearest repair facility, or a long wait for a repair vehicle.
No longer.
Quick-Fix from Sloan Transportation Products is a simple device used to repair broken rubber air brake lines easily and inexpensively. In just a few simple steps, Sloan's Quick-Fix repairs damaged rubber air brake lines. The DOT-approved product is available with male fittings and comes with pre-applied thread sealant.
The product stores in the glove box or console and is available at truckstops and heavy-duty distributors.
Sloan Transportation Products supplies heavy truck and trailer products to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. Located in Holland, Mich., the company has made significant additions to its line of products in air brake, electrical, lift gate cylinders, hose clamps, gladhands and accessories, brass fittings, water pump, oil filler caps/dipsticks, and air compressor discharge hoses.
Unimog Introduces Three-Point Hitch
Unimog North America is introducing a heavy-duty, three-point hitch option for the Unimog U500 vocational vehicle.
Available immediately from Unimog dealers in the U.S. and Canada, the three-point hitch is manufactured by Mandako Agri, a farm implement OEM based in Plum Coulee, Manitoba, Canada.
The heavy-duty Category 3 hitch is a universal attachment that enables the Unimog U500 to hook up with hundreds of implements used in farming, such as plows, harrows, rakes, mowers and agricultural trailers. It mates with both mechanical and hydraulically-operated machinery.
The quick-attach design features one upper and two lower attachment arms, allowing the operator to hook up to anything that a farm tractor pulls. An adapter plate is available for front-mount locations.
Abanaki Offers Solar-powered Oil Skimmer
Abanaki Corp., the Cleveland, Ohio, manufacturer of oil skimming products, has released a new design for its PetroXtractor oil skimmer that includes solar-powered capability for even the most remote environments.
The PetroXtractor Solar Skimmer is designed to remove oil, fuel and other hydrocarbons from groundwater using recovery or monitoring wells. The solar unit allows for unattended remediation in areas where no electricity is available or convenient.
Like the standard PetroXtractor, the new PetroXtractor Solar Skimmer unit comes with any of three belt widths. With the widest belt size, the unit can remove up to 12 gallons of floating oil per hour. Belt lengths can be customized for well depths of 100 feet or more, which assures hydrocarbon removal even when the water level fluctuates. The lower belt pulley is tethered to the drive unit to prevent accidental loss in the well casing.
The PetroXtractor Solar Skimmer can be installed in existing wells by mounting it on a flat surface above the well casing.
The PetroXtractor Solar Skimmer is just one of many products from Abanaki Corp. Abanaki manufactures oil skimmers and other pollution control equipment that helps waste generators deal with their cradle-to-grave responsibilities in the use of oils, greases, solvents, and related hydrocarbons. Skimmer models are available with removal rates up to 200 gallons per hour.
Four ExxonMobil Oils Meet New API CI-4 Plus Specs
ExxonMobil said four of its heavy-duty diesel engine oils have met the American Petroleum Institute's (API) new CI-4 Plus specification.
The company's Exxon XD-3 Elite 15W-40, Exxon XD-3 Extra 15W-40, Mobil Delvac 1300 Super 15W-40 and Mobil Delvac 1 5W-40, all meet the API CI-4 Plus specification.
A modification of API's CI-4 standard - originally released nearly two years ago - CI-4 Plus licensed lubricants are required to deliver improved soot handling and shear stability performance in all engines. These improvements enable engine oils licensed under the API CI-4 Plus specification to better withstand the severity of the latest low-emission engines. The CI-4 Plus standard is scheduled to take effect Sept. 1, 2004.
ExxonMobil, Exxon, Mobil and Delvac are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corp. or one of its subsidiaries.
Del City Offers VarietyOf Lighting Products
Commercial truck drivers and fleets can pick from a large selection of incandescent and LED lights available at Del City, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis.
Incandescent lights are resistant to shock, heat, moisture and vibration. They are DOT certified making them ideal for trucking, construction equipment, and farm equipment applications.
Choose LED lights for brighter illumination and greater durability. Del City LEDs are shock and vibration resistant. Most circuits are epoxy resin coated to resist moisture and corrosion. In addition lenses and housings are sonically sealed.
A wide variety of styles are offered in both LED and incandescent including stop, tail turn lamps, oval stops, tail turn lamps, clearance marker lamps and scalloped clearance marker lamps.
Accessories such as reflectors, mirrors and pigtails are also available.
Holland Group Upgrades Pintle Hooks, Drawbars
The Holland Group Inc., the Michigan-based supplier of vehicle coupling, lift and suspension system products to the heavy duty transportation industry, has announced significant manufacturing upgrades to its extreme duty pintle hook and drawbar products.
The recent product improvements decrease weight while increasing the durability for the PH-990ST71 and PH-775SL11 pintle hooks and the DB-030, DB-040, DB-060, and DB-100 drawbars.
"Holland employs heat treated processing that incorporates induction hardening to give our drawbars maximum durability while reducing wear," said David Roe, coupler products director. "This induction hardening process allows our products to have a super hard surface while keeping the flexibility in the core for toughness."
The PH-990ST71 pintle hook incorporates upgrades including wear plates for additional durability and the vertical "clevis" pin has improved durability and wear resistance. The exclusive "fish mouth" design of the PH-990ST71 helps provide easier coupling as well. The PH-775SL11 pintle hook features Holland's grease-free NoLube technology and was designed to meet the extreme duty requirements of the U.S. military. The covered latch design along with a built-in automatic secondary lock allows for true one hand latch operation. Both the pintle hooks and drawbars are geared for both on- and off-road use.
