Stemco Introduces Its New BAT RF Product Line
Stemco has introduced a new product line to cut commercial vehicle ownership costs and improve safety.
Stemco's BAT RF products use advanced sensor technologies and radio frequency identification (RFID) to collect and communicate critical data on vehicle condition and maintenance. The modular product suite includes:
• AirBAT RF - Tire pressure monitor providing instant visual reading of air pressure and transfer of the data by radio frequency.
• TracBAT RF - Electronic mileage counter capable of communicating vehicle mileage data wirelessly over RF channels.
• HandBAT RF - Handheld RF reader to collect and display wireless data.
• DataBAT RF - Personal computer software that accepts downloaded data from the HandBAT for tracking and reporting.
The BAT RF system provides a number of potential benefits to fleet customers, including, efficient gathering and accurate reporting of mileage and air pressure; reduced expense from on-road tire failures; increased fuel economy and improved vehicle safety as a result of proper tire inflation; and easy, accurate access to vehicle mileage information.
Stemco is a provider of heavy-duty truck and trailer wheel end products and an EnPro Industries company.
International To Build Class 8 Truck Engine
International Truck and Engine Corp. said it will develop and produce International engines in the 11- to 13-liter range for International Class 8 highway tractors and severe service trucks starting in the fall of 2007.
According to the announcement, International will continue to offer the current range of Cummins and Caterpillar engines in its heavy vehicles. "We also expect continued collaboration with Cummins on engine component development and sourcing," the release said.
The International engines will be a product of a previously announced strategic agreement between International and MAN Nutzfahrzeuge to collaborate on design, development, sourcing and manufacturing of components and systems for commercial trucks.
The new engines will combine world-leading technologies aimed to deliver the features Class 8 customers want, including best-in-class fuel economy, reliability, uptime, long life, robust performance, durability and an exceptional driver experience.
Like the family of International engines, the new engines for Class 8 vehicles will be 2007 EPA emissions certified and proven with extensive field-testing.
International said it has already used the integrated trucks and engines model successfully in the school bus, medium truck and severe service truck businesses.
Peterbilt, Hino, Kenworth Tops In J.D. Power Satisfaction Study
Peterbilt, Hino and Kenworth took top honors in the 2004 Medium Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study done by J.D. Power and Associates.
In the conventional medium duty segment, Peterbilt performed significantly above average on each of the six factors of vehicle satisfaction. This is the fourth time in six years the company has held the top ranking. Kenworth, Sterling and Chevrolet, in that order, followed Peterbilt in the segment rankings. Each performed significantly better than the industry average.
For the third consecutive year, Hino ranked highest in overall vehicle satisfaction among cab-over medium-duty trucks. It received segment-leading ratings in five of six factors. UD Trucks also ranked above average.
Medium-duty truck vehicle satisfaction is based on the following key factors, in order of importance: vehicle quality; engine; transmission; ride, handling and braking; cab interior; and exterior design and styling.
Kenworth ranked highest in dealer service satisfaction, with the highest scores in five of seven categories. GMC Truck, Peterbilt, Ford and Sterling followed Kenworth.
Dealer service satisfaction is measured using the following factors: dealer attitude, service delivery process, service quality, price of service, service facility, service initiation and service adviser.
Both conventional and cab-over owners in the 2004 study reported considerably higher satisfaction levels compared to three years ago on each of the six key factors, researchers said. Loyalty among medium-duty truck owners is also at a three-year high. Forty-five percent of those included in the study said they definitely would repurchase the same make, compared to 38% in 2003 and 39% in 2002.
"Customer satisfaction among medium-duty truck owners has increased in each of the past three years, contributing to higher repurchase intent among owners of both conventional and cab-over medium-duty truck models," said Brian Etchells, research manager in J.D. Power and Associatesâ commercial vehicle group. "Manufacturers are doing a better job of satisfying customer needs for a quality truck that is comfortable, functional and performs well, leading to higher brand loyalty levels."
The study is based on responses from more than 1,500 primary maintainers of two-year-old Class 5-7 trucks.
Supreme Creates Isuzu's Custom 'Red Rider' Body
Supreme Corp. has unveiled one of its latest customized commercial truck bodies - a special-edition stake body set atop a Cardinal Red Isuzu/GMC/Chevy NPR/W3500 Gas chassis.
The "Red Rider" truck body was commissioned by Isuzu Trucks to commemorate its 20th year of doing business in America, and was built and sold in a limited edition of 200 nationwide.
"To mark this milestone in our history, we wanted to build a practical, tough work truck, infused with an element of all-American fun," says Kristine Raymond, vocational marketing manager at Isuzu.
Supreme has enjoyed an ongoing relationship with Isuzu since 1988, and the Red Rider is part of an exclusive partnership between the two companies. Features offered by the Red Rider edition include:
• 14-foot-long x 96-inch-wide body to accommodate a sizeable load
• Varnished hardwood floor
• 42-inch high galvanized steel stakes with varnished wood slats
• 1/8-inch treadplate bulkhead with laser-cut opening, painted black
• Stainless steel wheel simulators
• Power windows and door locks
• CD stereo
• Air Conditioning
• Special Red Rider emblem.
Supreme builds a variety of durable, high-quality bodies for work trucks, delivery vehicles, and more - and like the Red Rider, all can be customized to meet the specific needs of the businesses or individuals who use them.
Many Supreme bodies are also available through the company's Value Pak program, which offers a range of choices for customization, combined with quick turnaround.
New 16-Liter Volvo D16 Delivers 625 hp
The most powerful diesel engine on North American highways will be available this summer through Volvo Trucks North America Inc.
Volvo Truck has unveiled the 625 hp Volvo D16 engine with an unmatched 2,250 lbs.-ft. of torque, giving it the power to handle the biggest loads and the steepest roads.
The Volvo D16 is a 16-liter inline six-cylinder diesel. It was introduced in conjunction with Volvo's new flagship truck, the Volvo VT 880, and is available in North America exclusively in the VT 880.
"The D16 is the most powerful truck engine Volvo has ever built, but it is powerful for a reason," said Peter Karlsten, president and CEO. "This engine is for customers who haul heavy loads or need to maintain a high average speed through the mountains for reduced trip times."
The Volvo D16 was designed to have more usable power than competitors, best-in-class fuel economy, best-in-class high-speed gradeability, and best-in-class driveability. The engine's unmatched torque allows it to pull heavy loads up long grades without losing speed or needing to downshift. An example of this high-speed gradeability is the D16's ability to propel the Volvo VT 880 up a 3% grade at 65 mph at 1,400 rpm, while loaded to 80,000 pounds.
In addition to 625 hp and 2250 lbs.-ft., the Volvo D16 will have three other power ratings:
500 hp @ 1850 lbs.-ft.
550 hp @ 1850 lbs.-ft.
600 hp @ 2050 lbs.-ft.
Like all Volvo engines, the D16 meets the most stringent emissions standards. And, it was designed with the very stringent 2007 and 2010 emissions standards in mind.
East Trailer Extends Its Valve Parts Warranty To Four Years
East Manufacturing is the first aluminum trailer manufacturer in the U.S. to introduce a new design of control-line air filter as standard equipment to help protect the integrity of the trailer ABS system.
This performance feature was developed by MeritorWABCO, the market leader in vehicle control systems. East trailer customers using the control-line air filter will now have their valve parts warranty extended one year to four years/400,000 miles. Labor warranty will remain at three years/300,000 miles.
The new control-line air filter provides for maximum airflow with minimal restrictions. Clean air is important to proper functioning of all air valves and subsequently braking performance and reliability. Contaminants entering through the air line to the ABS valves can affect performance. The control-line air filter protects the system from dry contaminants, helping to ensure proper operation.
The in-line filter is installed in the air line before the ABS brake valves on the control side (blue gladhand). The control-line air filter includes an automatic safety bypass, which allows for applying and releasing control-line air pressure, without loss of air timing or pressure to the brakes, if the filter becomes clogged.
East Manufacturing Corp., Randolph, Ohio, offers a full line of aluminum dump, platform, and refuse trailers, straight trucks with dump bodies, and heavy duty trucking accessories.
Vinyl-Off 10-4 Added To West End Products Line
West End Products of Roswell, Ga., has added Vinyl-Off 10-4 to its CrystalTek product line.
Vinyl-Off 10-4 is designed to remove vinyl graphic decals from vehicles and equipment without the high cost and time associated with removing old vinyl signage.
Vinyl-Off 10-4 is non-hazardous, biodegradable, nonflammable and water-soluble. The product can be used on painted surfaces, gel coats or metal without harming those surfaces.
Vinyl-Off 10-4 will be useful to companies with fleets of vehicles and those who lease or provide service to such fleets. Installers and removers of vinyl graphic decals will have a special interest as well.
Vinyl-Off 10-4 doubles or triples productivity. A trailer that previously took a day for a crew to strip can be done in half the time or less. Heat enhances the removal.
West End Products, LLC is a family owned and operated business specializing in safe chemical solutions for the transportation industry including products for vehicle detailing.
Jost Showcasing KKS Coupling System
Jost International will demonstrate its KKS tractor-to-trailer coupling system at the upcoming TMC 2005 Exhibition.
The new system automates coupling and ensures that the various stages of hitching and unhitching - a strenuous process that used to have to be done manually - can now be carried out and monitored electronically by remote control.
First, the JSK 42 fifth wheel coupling is fitted with three sensors. One sensor gives information about the correct coupling height and automatically switches on the system when coupling. The second checks the position of the kingpin and a third the status of the lock. In addition, a pneumatic cylinder is provided for the automatic actuation of the locking mechanism.
On the trailer the kingpin is fitted with the wedge, which is supported on a rotating bearing. The interface provided at the fifth wheel coupling transmits the signals between the truck and the trailer. The fifth wheel landing gear drive, which carries out the landing gear and cable drum operations automatically, is also installed here.
The operator's module, which is located in the cab, completes the KKS system. In conjunction with a central control unit mounted on the coupling, the operator's module controls all hitching and unhitching processes and displays the system status.
Cuda Develops Large Front-load Parts Washer
Cuda Aqueous Parts Washers, a leading manufacturer of solvent-free parts washers since 1993, has introduced a front-load, automatic parts washer large enough to fit engine blocks and other automotive components.
Cuda's roll-in, no-drip door makes loading and unloading parts quick and convenient. Its space-efficient design means a significant savings in floor space and the ability to locate the unit almost anywhere.
The Cuda 2840 features a wash cabinet 40-inches high and a rotating turntable that is 28-inches wide. There are 17 models with varying configurations of electrical power and options for wetted surfaces; filtration; and the rinse cycle.
As with all Cuda parts washers, the Cuda 2840 uses a vertical seal-less pump, which has proven to be extremely reliable in the parts washer application due to its high tolerance of particles in the wash solution. The 3 HP seal-less pump on the Cuda 2840 delivers cleaning power at a rate of 50 gallons per minute and 45 pounds per square inch.
The Cuda 2840 has a load capacity of 750 pounds and features an easy-accessed, removable 20-mesh debris screen that prevents loose parts and heavy particles from entering the wash solution. This prevents pump damage or blockage.
Western Star Trucks Redesigns Its Web Site
Western Star Trucks launched a unique redesigned web site at www.WesternStarTrucks.com.
Combining visuals with practical data, the site features multimedia features, company facts, user-friendly functions, and up-to-date product information.
The enhanced WesternStarTrucks.com offers visitors easy-to-use resources for locating truck data. An improved navigation feature on the front page offers customers the fastest way to find their ideal Western Star by allowing them to search by application or vocation.
Additional photos and detailed information also have enhanced all model descriptions. Visitors can now view and print out the standard specs for each truck model so they have all the information they need to begin spec'ing their own customized Western Star truck. They also can find the nearest Western Star dealer with the easy-to-use dealer locator.
Another distinctive area of the new web site describes the unique history of Western Star Trucks, announces all recent news, and outlines financing options. Parts and service coupons and specials, online driver and maintenance manuals, and electronic product literature round out the new site.
BP Lubricants Americas Debuts Its Castrol Pyroplex Grease
BP Lubricants Americas has introduced Castrol Pyroplex Protection ES, an anti-corrosion formula, extended service grease designed to shield against salt-related corrosion.
Castrol Pyroplex Protection ES is a synthetic, lithium complex grease designed for on-highway and off-road environments that is ideal for winter road conditions. It is suitable for salt-spreaders, trucks, buses and other heavy-duty equipment where extended service and maximum wear/corrosion protection is required.
The "stay-in-place" ability combined with superior mobility and high-pressure performance enables Castrol Pyroplex Protection ES to extend service intervals and reduce wear and tear on moving parts all year long.
In tests, Castrol Pyroplex Protection ES prevented bearing corrosion and provided extended service protection in a concentrated sodium chloride solution non-standard increased severity Emcor Test.
Waytek Offers Six New LED Indicator Lights
Waytek Inc. recently added six new LED indicator lights to its product line-up to complement the incandescent indicator light that Waytek currently sells.
These new LED indicator lights come in two styles. The first style, with a plastic housing, has a stovepipe lens for a wider viewing angle. It is primarily used for indoors or in-cab lighting.
The second style of indicator lights is made with a metal, watertight housing and has a high intensity LED light great for outdoor use.
Both LED styles are offered in green, amber or red. They both come with 6-inch 18 ga. wire leads. They are in stock and ready to ship. Prices start at $5.43 each with volume pricing.
Ultra-Drain Stop Spills From Going Down The Drain
New Ultra-DrainSeals and DrainSeal WallMounts allow quick response to spilled chemicals and liquids.
The Ultra-DrainSeals are molded with a reinforced mesh that is sandwiched between layers of polyurethane, increasing durability and resistance to tearing.
The urethane construction allows the pad to deform and seal off most drains - temporarily "seals" to any smooth surface.
Designed by UltraTech International Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla., the device is available in many sizes and shapes to fit almost any drain.
Ultra-DrainSeals and wallmounts are valuable addition to any emergency response plan, spill kit or stormwater management program.
International Launches Its New 7700 Truck Models
The International 7700 - the newest offering from International Truck and Engine Corp. - joins a commanding line of severe service vehicles from the truck builder and will provide many of the same standard features and benefits available with the current 7600 models - plus new options.
The new features specifically target bridge formula mixer, super dump and block hauler applications. Additional applications include severe service tanks and logger trucks.
"The International 7700 models are the newest members of the International 7000 Series that combine the style and driveability of the 7000 with the chassis strength and packaging our the popular 5000i," said Bill Sixsmith, marketing director, Severe Service Vehicle Center for International.
"It is something we like to call 'Polished Powerâ' - the great look of an International truck with the rugged power and smooth ride that vocational customers demand."
The chrome features of the International 7700 create a dominating image for drivers.
"The chrome features provide an emotional appeal that will leave customers thunderstruck," said Sixsmith. "Plus, with a new front taper leaf spring system, the International 7700 delivers a smoother ride so drivers won't be shaken up as they were before, even with empty payload."
For drivers of construction trucks looking to optimize payload weight, International is delivering a new solution with the design of the International 7700. Two of the new models feature a new front bumper to axle setting of 29.1 inches and frame system that optimizes payload weights for states that follow bridge formula limits.
Another example of the new features includes an improvement in body mounting. The location of components on a chassis is critical when mounting various bodies such as mixers and multiple lift axle trucks. The International 7700 offers new clean CA chassis packaging options that create a faster, more economical and easier process for mounting truck bodies.
The frame system includes a single 12.25-inch frame that is 400 pounds lighter than many double 10-inch frames. This feature allows customers the ability to haul greater payloads.
The standard engine on the International 7700 is a 305-horsepower Cummins ISM with an 1150-lbs.-ft. torque rating. The Eaton Fuller 10-speed overdrive transmission is also standard. The engine options also include an upgrade in power to a 470-horsepower Caterpillar or Cummins engine.
Air System First Aid Keeps Truck Air System Free Of Dirt
H.J. Schneider LLC has introduced a device that the company claims can keep a truck's air system free of contaminants.
Called Air System First Aid, the device replaces existing gladhand seals. There are no additional components to buy, and it is easily installed and color-coded for easy identification when coupling.
Featuring a polyurethane seal and a stainless steel screen, the device protects a vehicle's ABS valve from contaminants.
CoolMan 2500 Trailer Fan Keeps Dockworkers In Comfort
The Rite-Hite Aftermarket Corp. has introduced the CoolMan 2500 trailer fan, designed for loading docks where manual parcel loading and unloading take place.
The fan comes with a one-half horsepower, three-speed motor that is enclosed in a heavy-duty yellow polyethylene housing. The CoolMan 2500 helps condition the trailer environment to warmer or cooler facility temperatures. It comes with a 25-foot power cord that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet.
With its unique bracketing system, dockworkers can easily position the fan vertically and horizontally in order to move the air at the rear or at the front of the trailer, depending on where the workers are located. Or it can easily be moved out of the door opening for full access to forklift traffic.
Operate-At-Idle System Available On Heil Refuse Trucks
All of the benefits of an operate-at-idle system - fuel savings, increased productivity and reduced noise - are available from most refuse collection vehicles manufactured by Heil Environmental.
The Heil Operate-at-Idle System has been standard on Heil automated side loaders for years. Now this system can be installed on most Heil rear loaders, front loaders and side loaders.
The Heil Operate-at-Idle System enables a vehicle to perform all of its normal functions to load and/or compact garbage at standard operating speeds while the vehicle engine is at idle.
In contrast, operators driving vehicles without an operate-at-idle system have to shift the transmission into neutral and raise the throttle (rev the engine) every time they want to lift a container or pack a load. All this shifting and engine revving wastes fuel, creates additional noise and causes increased wear on the chassis, transmission and operator.
Operate-at-idle systems work by enabling the vehicle's hydraulic system to produce the amount of flow needed to achieve the designated operating speed of the vehicle at a lower rpm. Generally, this is accomplished by providing a larger hydraulic pump to accommodate the extra flow required for the vehicle to operate at idle. As a result, the engine in a vehicle with an operate-at-idle system installed has to be able to develop a sufficient amount of low-speed torque in order to create the torque and horsepower required by the large pump without stalling the vehicle.
Shark Markets Automatic Parts Washer For The Shop
Shark Pressure Washers has introduced a line of solvent-free, automatic parts washers to the rental market for in-shop cleaning, including a new top-load model for cleaning small engine parts, piston and cylinders, gaskets, brakes and machined parts.
With 16 directional nozzles, the SK-5 series produces a flushing action rarely seen in automatic parts washers.
Like an automatic dishwasher, parts are loaded into a 26-inch by 16-inch stationary basket and cleaned with jets of hot water and a biodegradable detergent formulated specifically for aqueous parts washers.
With a 15-minute washer timer, technicians can place parts inside the parts washer and go back to work while the parts are being cleaned. This eliminates the need for manual scrubbing with hazardous solvents and allows technicians more time to spend on work rather than non-billable tasks.
The SK-5 can handle loads of up to 500 pounds.
Today Shark offers more than 60 models of hot- and cold-water pressure washers, as well as its new aqueous parts washers.
Castrol Tection Extra Offered By BP Lubricants Americas
BP Lubricants Americas is now marketing its new Castrol Tection Extra - a 15W-40 diesel engine oil - at truckstops and other locations.
Castrol Tection Extra will now be available to owner-operators of heavy duty trucks, as well as towing and construction vehicles, to name a few.
"Now owner-operators can get the same protection and superior products that we've been providing to fleet and off-road customers," said Karla DelGallo, consumer truck brand manager for BP Lubricants Americas.
Diesel engines put stress on engine oil, resulting in oil shearing and thus viscosity loss. Effects of viscosity loss include reduced engine life, increased oil consumption and decreased wear protection.
Castrol Tection Extra has a viscosity that fights viscosity loss with a unique polymer and resists breakdown. Castrol Tection Extra has superior dispersancy to manage high soot levels, powerful detergency to neutralize acids generated in the engine and a unique low ash chemistry that will not compromise performance in older engines.
Castrol Tection Extra meets CI-4 Plus specifications and passed the Mack T-11 soot handling test, as well as the revised version of the Kurt Orbahn shear stability test, which are necessary to be API CI-4 Plus approved.
Castrol Tection Extra is available in SAE 15W-40 grade where API CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4/SL is recommended for stay-in-grade requirements. It is approved for use in all major large diesel engines, including Mack (EO-N Premium Plus 03, EO-N & EO-M+), Volvo, Cummins (20078, 20076, 20072 and 20071), Caterpillar (ECF-1) and Detroit Diesel (Powerguard 93K214).
Goodyear Introduces DuraSeal Commercial Tire Technology
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has developed a revolutionary commercial tire technology that repairs tire punctures when they occur, greatly reducing vehicle downtime and service calls.
Goodyear's new DuraSeal technology features a "built-in sealant" that allows truck drivers to continue operating after a tire is punctured. The technology allows the tire to remain in service until it is retreaded.
DuraSeal tires last six times longer than conventional medium truck tires before removal for repair, according to Goodyear tests.
Steve McClellan, vice president of commercial tire systems for Goodyear, said the new technology uses a gel-like, solvent-free compound built into the inner liner of the tire
No other tire manufacturer offers tires with built-in sealant. DuraSeal technology offers superior sealing efficiency as compared to aftermarket liquid sealants, McClellan said.
Bosch Brake Catalog Includes Components For Trucks
The new Bosch Premium Brake System catalog covers premium brake components for domestic and import cars, light trucks and vans.
Featuring extended coverage through 2004 model year vehicles, the catalog includes part numbers for premium brake pads, ceramic brake pads and premium brake rotors, and utilizes parts listings for most vehicles on the road today.
The 66-page catalog also features a new section that provides quick and easy cross-referencing of FMSI part numbers to Bosch part numbers for all components listed in the catalog.
Bosch supplies spark plugs, spark plug wire sets, oxygen sensors, ignition parts, oil, air and fuel filters, cabin filters, wiper blades, brake pads and rotors as well as starting and charging products, and gasoline and diesel engine management components.
Valley Industries Intros Journey HD Brake Control
The new Journey HD Electronic Brake Control from Valley Industries offers extra features not found on most other controls, including polarity protection that will not be destroyed if power and ground wires are connected backwards.
The adjustable brake control is suited for one- to four- axle trailers with two, four, six or eight brake systems.
Separate thumb wheel controls give the driver full adjustability of both the output (power) and ramp time (reaction time).
For safe stopping of trailers with electric brake systems, Journey HD offers full power capabilities and stop lamp activation when manual override is employed. The unit incorporates no internal moving parts, requires no leveling and is self-diagnostic. It mounts anywhere inside a vehicle and features an easy-to-read digital display.
Valley Industries offers a line of OEM-style wiring harness connector kits for quick brake control installation.
Oil Eater Dissolves Grease, Oil On Engines, Tools, Floors
The versatility of the new Oil Eater Cleaner/Degreaser eliminates the need for multiple cleaning solutions. The formulation safely accomplishes the cleaning that previously required solvent or acid cleaners.
Oil Eater quickly and safely dissolves grease and oil on engines, tools, concrete floors, equipment, walls, even clothes, and it won't harm skin. It can also be used in a parts washer and with a pressure washer.
The unique non-flammable cleaner is water-based, fresh-scented, biodegradable and contains no acid, abrasive or petroleum solvents. It penetrates rapidly, rinses off easily and leaves zero residues.
Oil Eater is available in 1, 5, 30 and 55-gallon containers.
Hendrickson Introduces 8,000-pound Capacity Axle
Hendrickson recently announced expansion of the Composilite family with the launch of Composilite FBC, an 8,000-pound capacity, self-steering auxiliary lift axle.
The FBC weighs only 652 pounds and maintains the durability and features of the Composilite ST by delivering outstanding maneuverability with the 28-degree turning radius. An in-line air spring design provides maximized packaging space.
All Composilite lift axles mount in 23.5-inch packaging space allowing easier multi-axle configurations.
Composilite FBC accommodates six-hole hubs for use with 17.5-inch tires. With rims and tires, the FBC weighs in at only 836 pounds. The FBC can be ordered with an integrated air system that reduces installation time through a pre-located air tank, hoses and valves.
FBC beams remain parallel to ensure proper wheel tracking and help enhance tire life, while lift plates remain parallel for longer air spring life. The stabilizer uses a cover to protect the stabilizing rod from dirt and debris throughout travel.
Composilite FBC is a good choice for fleets and owner-operators who do not need a full 13,500-pound capacity lift axle for their federal bridge compliance.
Fifth Version Of Michelin X One Targets Urban Applications
The Michelin X One XZUS tire - the fifth version of the popular X One wide single tire introduced by Michelin Americas Truck Tires - is designed for use in the waste industry, on urban delivery trucks and in other urban/regional applications.
It is the first Michelin X One tire specifically designed for all-wheel position use in such applications, offering higher carrying capacity plus lighter weight to increase payload and improve productivity.
"The X One XZUS is an extremely robust tire with many features and benefits that make it perfect for the demanding conditions in the waste industry, urban and regional uses where there is more starting, stopping and curb scrub," said Michael Burroughes, product portfolio manager for Michelin Americas Truck Tires.
Burroughes said the Michelin X One XZUS has 23/32-inch tread depth and an application specific compound.
The Michelin X One XZUS tire, size 455/55R22.5 load range M, is the first X One technology tire designed for use in specific vocations. The X One tire with Infinicoil has been previously utilized only in over-the-road trucking segments.
Michelin first introduced the X One wide single tire in 2000.
Ridewell Debuts Lightweight Auxiliary Axle Suspension System
Ridewell Suspensions has developed a new self-steering, liftable auxiliary axle suspension system.
The model 232 has a capacity rating of 13,200 pounds and is both air-ride and air-lift. The system includes a lightweight, fully integrated axle and weighs in at less than 800 pounds. The suspension's simple structure reduces complexity, increases strength and optimizes weight.
Key features of Ridewell's 232 include:
A compact mounting envelope as low as 21.9-inches from the center of the spindle to the leading edge of the hanger; a one-size-fits-all system that easily adjusts to various frame widths and ride heights with no additional brackets required; and 10 inches of up travel that can easily be optimized for various ride heights.
Other features include urethane bushings, high tensile steel and 28 degrees of wheel cut.
Video CD Details TireMaax Automatic Tire Inflation System
A free video CD from Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems highlights the capabilities, features and benefits of the TireMaax automatic tire inflation system.
The new CD - "TireMaax Tire Inflation System" (L882) - describes this option for InTraax and VanTraax trailer suspension systems.
TireMaax provides a responsive tire inflation system that taps the trailer air supply to maintain tire inflation.
Governed by an electronic control unit (ECU), the system detects low tire pressure and signals the operator to situations or circumstances requiring attention. It responds by directing air from the trailer tank to one or more tires when the inflation pressure dips below the pre-set level.
With TireMaax, air travels from the supply tank through airlines inside the axle to the wheel ends. A bolt-in, ball-bearing rotary union allows air to flow through the axle spindle to the rotating hubcap fitting, and hoses connect the hubcap tee to the tires.
A trailer-mounted indicator, designed to be installed in view of the driver, notifies the operator to system status and maintenance requirements. Check valves help prevent tire pressure loss back through the system. Manual fill and pressure checks may be accomplished at hose ends.
TireMaax activates only when needed - constant air pressurization the tires is not required.
Sloan Dura-Grip Extends Life Of Air Lines
Connecting the air lines to the tractor and trailer can be challenging at times, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Constructed from durable PVC, Dura-Grip from Sloan Transportation Products helps make air line connections quick and easy. The product prevents kinking of air lines, the most common type of failure, helping extend the life of the air lines.
Dura-Grip installs in minutes between the gladhand and air line with standard tools and resists cracking in subzero temperatures. Color-coded blue and red plastic handles reduce the chance of driver hook-up error. Dura-Grip fits most tractor air lines and is available at leading truckstops and heavy-duty distributors in a POP display pack.
Sloan products include: air brake, electrical, lift gate cylinders, hose clamps, gladhands and accessories, brass fittings, water pump, oil filler caps/dipsticks and air compressor discharge hoses.
Tuthill Controls Publishes Product Line Binder
Tuthill Controls Group has made available its new "Linking & Motion Control" Product Line Binder, which details the company's complete range of mechanical motion control products.
The binder offers specific information about the company's mechanical control systems assemblies, control cables, levers and pedals, as well as their industrial/commercial rod ends, precision/heavy duty rod ends, spherical bearings, ball joints, swivels and clevises/safety fasteners/pins.
Each product sheet includes the part description, applications, features, materials and size charts with various lengths, widths, diameters, weights, thread sizes and bores available for each part. The categories are color-coded and an index is found at the front of the binder for easy reference.
Utilimaster Corp. Expands Trademaster Utility Body
Utilimaster has recently completed engineering and is now offering its popular Trademaster utility body on the new Hino conventional cab chassis.
The Trademaster features powder-coated external compartment doors and step bumper, plus vocational designed heavy-duty hardware. The Trademaster product that has been serving plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians across the country in the smaller configurations is now available in the larger Hino cab chassis version.
The Trademaster is available on the Hino 145 model at 14,050 GWV and the 165 model at 16,000 GVW.
ASA Voyager Offers Tilt Cameras And Monitors
ASA Electronic's Voyager "tilt" cameras and monitors adjust 45 degrees, allowing truck drivers a wide panoramic or vertical close up view of their surroundings.
The camera features an aluminum die-cast body and wide-angle lens. The large, easy to use controls, allow the tilt camera to be operated from the control button on the monitor. The b/w monitor features the same compact design, and is available with two or three camera A/V inputs.
Horton Debuts Fan Drive Maintenance Training Kit
Horton Inc., manufacturer of cooling solutions for engines, now offers an updated fan drive training program for its DriveMaster Fan Drives.
The program includes a DriveMaster Fan Drive Maintenance Training Kit with a 20-minute instructional videotape, CD and new training manual.
The training kit instructs technicians in performing preventive and corrective maintenance on DriveMaster Fan Drives - the operation of control systems; removal, disassembly, rebuilding and reinstallation of the fan drive; weekly and ongoing preventive maintenance; and troubleshooting.
The kit also includes a comprehensive test of the material. Completed tests returned to Horton may qualify for a certificate of completion and recognition as a Certified Horton Technician. All Horton training materials are provided free of charge.
Air Cuff Lock Protects Truck From Unauthorized Entry
Transport Security Inc., makers of the Enforcer line of high security products for the transportation industry, announce the addition of a new lock offering advanced tractor security.
The Enforcer Air Cuff Lock #3000 prevents unauthorized release of tractor and trailer brakes.
The device is made of high impact resistant material and features the Abloy high security lock cylinder providing more than 300 million key combinations, with duplication virtually impossible. The Abloy lock cylinder of the Enforcer Air Cuff Lock #3000 provides high security and superior resistance to harsh weather. The system offers maximum security locking solutions to fit the varied security requirements of the transportation industry including: king pin locks, roll up door locks, trailer rear door locks, adjustable locks, seal guard locks and the Abloy line of padlocks.
