International ProStar Revealed
By Steve Sturgess,
Executive Editor
International's eagerly awaited sleeper version of the steel-cab 8000 Series was unveiled to the public at the Mid-America Trucking Show – too late to make this issue. However, to accommodate our deadlines, International staged a studio reveal in Chicago in early February.
And what a reveal it was.
Named ProStar – the Stars are coming back into favor as numbers are dropped at International – the truck looks great, with highly styled sheet metal and mouth-watering interiors. When it arrives later in 2007 with the International Big-Bore engine, it should prove to be a truly winning combination.
ProStar is the result of five years, $300 million and 10 million miles in development. The development targets included best-in-class fuel economy, unparalleled driver satisfaction, unprecedented uptime and lowest cost of ownership.
Fuel Economy
Featuring sculpted fenders, a sloped hood to enhance visibility and sleek cab and roof shaping, the new International cuts through air efficiently, says the company. Computer-aided design included computational fluid dynamics to optimize design in the early stages of the process and 1/8-scale wind tunnel testing for basic shape development. Then, full-scale wind tunnel testing was completed with a trailer attached, which revealed an 8 percent drag reduction improvement compared to International's previous best model.
Unparalleled Driver Satisfaction
Drivers benefit from the way the truck feels on the road and the level of comfort in the cab. International says it has integrated ride and handling to reduce fatigue and improve responsiveness. All-new chassis and suspension, including in-house developed air-ride front axle and a new steering gear, give excellent handling, well-isolated ride and anti-dive under heavy braking.
The seat, the cab and chassis suspensions have been tuned to remove annoying frequencies and resonances.
International says the cab is exceptionally quiet, with comfort enhanced by the massaging seats. Visibility is first class over the sloping hood. In-depth ergonomic research, including detailed measurement of hundreds of truck drivers, was used to design the cab and sleeper for maximum comfort, safety and productivity. Extra seat travel, flexible positioning of the steering wheel, instrument panel gauges and steering wheel-based controls all combine to accommodate a wide range of driver sizes.
Drivers should feel at home in the comfortable sleeper, which boasts improved fit and finish, storage space options, excellent HVAC performance and a roomy feel with more natural light.
Unprecedented Uptime
The quest for reliability drove every design and process improvement. Great attention was paid to the most common causes of breakdowns: tires, electrical harnesses, connectors, batteries, air leaks, air brakes and fuel systems. To deal with these issues, International developed monitoring, prognostic and diagnostic systems to improve uptime and provide information to drivers and fleet managers.
After all the development work, test vehicles were put in the hands of customers hauling freight for private carriers and major truckload and LTL for-hire carriers in diverse applications, geographic and climate conditions. More than 25 production-validation tractors have accumulated more than 6 million miles of road testing since late 2004, including customer test units and internal test vehicles.
Lowest Cost Of Ownership
One of the design focuses was fast service and repair. For example, ease of access for maintenance and a minimal requirement for special service tools were design objectives. More than 60 efficient repair and maintenance features have been incorporated, including transmission replacement time reduced by 90 minutes; headlight bulbs and windshield wiper blades that can be replaced by a driver or mechanic without tools; a four-piece bumper that allows maintainers to replace only damaged pieces in the event of an accident; and a tilt forward away to ease engine access.
International also synchronized service intervals so customers gain an average of 59 more days on the road over the life of the vehicle.
Initial production will be based on 122-inch BBC (bumper-to-back-of-cab) tractors with daycab and high-rise sleeper configurations. The second phase of production will include additional BBC and sleeper configuration options. As the models phase in, International gradually will reduce the availability of 9000-Series models. However, the 9900i and 9900ix will remain in the lineup even when others are gone.
Shipments of the new International ProStar to dealers will begin in the first quarter of 2007.
Hendrickson Expands Composilite Family
Hendrickson recently expanded the Composilite family with the emergence of Composilite FBC, a self-steering auxiliary lift axle in capacities up to 10,000 pounds.
Delivering the advantages haulers value in the Composilite family – from helping to stretch their vehicles' life span to reducing maintenance – the FBC proves a choice for fleets and owner-operators who do not need a full 13,500-pound-capacity lift axle for federal bridge compliance.
Weighing only 689 pounds, Composilite FBC maintains the durability and features of the Composilite ST by delivering maneuverability with a 28-degree wheel cut.
An in-line air spring design provides maximized packaging space. All Composilite lift axles mount in a 23.5-inch packaging space, allowing easier multi-axle configurations.
Composilite FBC accommodates six-hole or eight-hole hubs for use with 17.5-inch or 19.5-inch tires. The lightest configuration uses six-hole hubs, rims and 17.5-inch tires with the FBC weighing in at only 873 pounds.
Composilite FBC can be ordered with an integrated air system that reduces installation time through a pre-located air tank, hoses and valves.
Voyager Observation Monitor Available
Observation monitors targeting the commercial vehicle industry are available through Audiovox Specialized Applications, an international manufacturer and supplier of mobile audio/video equipment.
With the Voyager AOM703 heavy-duty color LCD flat panel observation monitor and up to three heavy-duty Voyager observation cameras, you can eliminate hazardous blind spots commonly encountered while on the road or out on the job.
The 7-inch Voyager AOM703 delivers a high-resolution color picture that will aid drivers in backing up, changing lanes and maneuvering a vehicle. This monitor comes standard with three camera inputs that enable images from both rear and side body cameras to be seen by the driver.
The monitor can be hooked up to locations such as the left and right blinkers and reverse gear, thus activating full-screen views of the areas around the vehicle that need increased visibility.
In addition, the AOM703 has a built-in speaker, backlit color/contrast brightness controls and a slimline profile.
Signum Oil Analysis Program Expanded
ExxonMobil has announced the expansion of its proprietary Signum Oil Analysis program.
The advanced, online-enabled oil analysis program is designed to help maintenance professionals improve equipment durability and reliability, anticipate potential failures and reduce overall maintenance costs.
Signum Oil Analysis brings the power and expertise of ExxonMobil's global laboratory network directly to maintenance professionals, and redefines flexibility and convenience for conducting oil analysis.
Available via the Internet at www.exxonmobil.com/signum, the service enables users to manage their oil and lubrication analysis needs quickly anytime, anywhere. The online interface provides customers with immediate access to ExxonMobil's dedicated lubrication specialists and customized recommendations based on the company's proprietary oil analysis and test control limits.
"With Signum Oil Analysis, maintenance professionals always have, at their fingertips, a wealth of valuable information and a comprehensive view of their entire oil analysis program," says Susan Bello, industrial lubricants services adviser for ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties.
Signum Oil Analysis offers customers immediate access and direct control of their lubricant sampling program. For instance, using the password-protected website, you can manage/update equipment registrations, select analysis options based on your equipment or maintenance cycle, print completed labels for your sample bottles, confirm the status of your samples once they have arrived at the lab, order oil analysis sampling kits online, communicate with colleagues and ExxonMobil, and access a wealth of information in the online knowledge library.
Thermo King Battery Kit Targets Liftgates
Thermo King's External Battery Charging Kit was designed specifically with the liftgate in mind, according to Jason Forman, accessories product manager for Thermo King.
"It provides an out-of-the-box solution by tapping a reefer's power supply without risk of draining its battery."
While many drivers operate liftgates and other electric accessories as part of their day-to-day operations, maintaining a sufficient power supply to these accessories can be a challenge when the vehicle engine is turned off. Engines may be turned off because of anti-idle considerations, or simply because using fuel from the tractor's engine to power the liftgate is a waste of money. When the engine is turned off, the liftgate will use batteries to provide power, which generates a large current draw and can drain the batteries.
By allowing the reefer alternator to recharge the liftgate or other accessory batteries, the kit prevents the external system from drawing directly from the reefer battery, and the reefer unit is completely isolated during liftgate operation.
"Isolating the reefer battery from the external current draw ensures continuous starting power," Forman says. "The reefer unit battery is never affected, and the kit will help keep the liftgate or other accessories working all day."
New Cabinet Accents Freightliner Sleepers
Freightliner Trucks has introduced new interior storage equipment for three of its heavy-duty truck models. All Coronado SleeperCabs, as well as Columbia and Century Class S/T Signature interior models, are now available with standard one-piece cabinet doors. The one-piece cabinet doors are also available as an upgrade on Columbia and Century Class S/T SleeperCabs with Base and Heritage interiors.
Backed by a comprehensive warranty, the cabinet doors are made with a highly durable, scratch-resistant material. These one-piece doors keep valuables safe and the cab looking clean.
The improved cabinet design reduces the number of door panels from two to one, eliminating the potential for rattle noise and creating a more enjoyable driving experience.
Built with a high-grade material called thermoplastic polyolefin, the cabinet doors come with a special scratch and mar package, reducing signs of wear and tear to help maintain overall appearance of the cab. Security is also improved with the ability to store valuables out of sight and behind closed doors.
Sloan's MaxxDuty Built To Resist Moisture
As winter with its ice and snow turns to spring with its heavy rains, fleet managers and owner-operators can rely on Sloan Transportation Products MaxxDuty USA-Plus electrical wiring harnesses to weather the harshest elements.
Using a secondary pin-lock and an integral O-ring style sealing protection that's molded into the connector, the harnesses help prevent moisture from reaching the terminal areas.
MaxxDuty USA-Plus harnesses feature ultrasonic welded splice joints, which minimize current loss by providing positive contact. Using a virgin PVC mold compound, the harnesses are engineered for added durability and longer life. Plus, a durable cable jacket resists oils, acids, alkalis, sunlight, heat, weathering and abrasion.
"Our patented modular connectors create a precise seal that can withstand whatever weather conditions your equipment faces," says Brett Miller, vice president of engineering for USA Harness. "We've engineered our harnesses so that fleet managers will experience simplicity, serviceability, reliability and most importantly, significant labor cost savings."
Sloan Transportation is the exclusive distributor for USA-Plus OE-quality wire harnesses for the heavy-duty aftermarket.
Sloan's MaxxDuty USA-Plus harnesses are compatible with all types of trailer lamps, both imported and domestic, including LED and incandescent. The harnesses can accommodate as many as 10 individual circuits for the most demanding specialized electrical requirements.
Freightliner Releases Business Class M2 CD
Freightliner Trucks has rolled out its latest version of body builder information, the Business Class M2 Resource CD, Version 3.0.
This interactive tool is designed to help body builders, dealers and customers construct the right truck for their business needs by engaging them in vehicle dimension design before a truck is physically built.
"The new M2 Resource CD is outstanding, innovative technology that offers huge time savings for users when spec'ing out one of our vehicles for body installation," says Jonathan Randall, director of product marketing. "This software offers exceptional advantages and options for our customers and dealers."
The M2 Resource CD Version 3.0 offers digital spec'ing abilities for the complete Business Class M2 product line, which includes the 100, 106, 112, 106V and 112V truck models. Users can pick from a multitude of vehicle views, including exterior, interior, axle, engine and component dimensions. The user is able to construct important dimensions of the vehicle, from the cab configuration down to the exhaust system, using this inventive program.
First introduced in July 2002, the Business Class M2 Body Builder Resource CD has been upgraded in Version 3.0 to include improved graphics and an expanded viewing area, making dimensions and drawings easier to read and print.
Mobil Delvac Extends Coolant Drain Intervals
ExxonMobil has announced an addition to its Mobil Delvac family of premium lubricants and greases – Mobil Delvac Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze.
The new product is designed to provide exceptional corrosion protection for all cooling system metals, including aluminum, brass, cast iron, steel, solder and copper, and helps extend coolant drain intervals.
Formulated with patented organic corrosion inhibitors and stabilizers, as well as contamination-tolerant additives, Mobil Delvac Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze is compatible with all coolant technologies, and can help reduce the formation of harmful acids that impede cooling system protection, an especially vital benefit for engines that feature exhaust gas recirculation technology.
Mobil Delvac Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze can provide up to six years or 600,000 miles of on-highway use, or 12,000 hours of off-highway use.
Holland Launches Aftermarket Web Page
The Holland Group Inc. has announced the launch of its "Holland Genuine Parts" Aftermarket page on its corporate web site at www.thehollandgroupinc.com.
This latest addition to Holland's web presence, accessible by clicking on the "Genuine Parts" button, promises to offer Holland customers a complete line of Holland aftermarket products to ensure optimum performance for their Holland components. Additionally, visitors can quickly find Holland Genuine Parts from distributors across North America through the "Where to Buy" link.
You'll find current list prices, inventory reduction sales, and quick reference guides downloadable in pdf for fifth wheels, landing gear and trailer suspensions.
When fleets adhere to Holland's suggested routine maintenance schedule and use Holland Genuine Parts, they ensure that the optimum performance of their products will be realized.
From rebuilding fifth wheels to servicing suspensions, Holland's Genuine Parts are the same quality components designed, tested and built for the original assemblies. Holland Genuine Parts provide the performance, durability and reliability Holland customers have come to expect from Holland products.
Holland specializes in products for coupling, lifting, and suspension systems for trucks, buses, tractors and trailers. These products include fifth wheels, landing gear, air and mechanical suspensions, kingpins, pintle hooks, drawbars, couplers, liftgates and roll-formed components.
Cole-Hersee Introduces New Ignition Switch
Cole Hersee Co., which manufactures heavy-duty electrical and electronic products for the vehicle industry, announces its Compact Ignition Switch with keys for a variety of trucking applications.
These heavy-duty switches have plated steel casings to resist corrosion and have two positions – Off and Ignition. To ensure safety, the key is only removable in the Off position.
Cole Hersee's 95614 Compact Battery Ignition Switches are rated at 5 amps 12V DC. Available with two 12-inch wire leads with ring terminals; the switches are sealed with a rubber boot for protection against dirt and moisture.
New Products Continued...
