Buying used trailers: Flatbeds, unique trailer applications
Adding a used vocational trailer such as a flatbed, drop deck or dump trailers to your fleet requires different considerations compared with dry vans. “The most important thing for fleet managers is that they take the time required to do the due diligence when purchasing any piece of used equipment,” stressed Mark Sabol, director of
‘From first mile to last mile’: is it time to expand into new applications?
The trucking industry is experiencing a boom with no end in short-term sight. The latest report from FTR’s Trucking Conditions Index—which tracks changes in U.S. truck market conditions, including freight volumes, freight rates, fleet capacity, fuel price and financing—is that the y/y Index remains more than triple the 2017 reading of 2.97. The current
Transitioning from IAT to OAT coolant
From wanting to upgrade to an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) ELC to acquiring a new equipment asset and not being sure what coolant it’s currently running, the reasons for switching from an Inorganic additive technology (IAT) to OAT can boil down to one point: “The primary benefit of an ELC is to simplify the life
3M introduces window bonding adhesive sealant
The 3M Polyurethane Window Bonder Adhesive Sealant 595 offers a new chemistry chemistry that is developed with high green strength, rapid curing and lower VOCs to help meet the changing environmental and operational needs of today’s manufacturers, the company stated. 3M noted that its Polyurethane Window Bonder Adhesive Sealant 595 is the first in its
Coolant system maintenance checklist
Of course, your OEM maintenance recommendations are your primary source for how to structure your coolant system PM program. But you can also refer to this handy guide provided by Stede Granger, OEM technical services manager for Shell Lubricants. ❶ Determine Coolant Type: The type of coolant in use in the vehicle may be determined
Do you know what coolant is required in your engines?
Cooling systems can be a major culprit in causing catastrophic engine failures. Ensuring that your engines are running at optimum temperature to be as efficient as possible starts with filling with the proper coolant. Today, most fleets are running some sort of extended life coolant (ELC), but the chemistry of ELCs can vary wildly. That
ZF demonstrates lane-keep assist technology, announces new automatic transmission
At a press event in Indianapolis, ZF demonstrated its OnTrax lane-keep assist technology. Employing its ReAX, hydraulic electric steering system, OnTrax combines information from the road, vehicle, camera and ReAX modules to provide lane keeping assistance by applying hand-wheel torque that urges vehicle away from lane boundary. ZF stressed that this is a driver-assistance technology—and the
Reducing downtime through location, logistics and data
There are two things any fleet can agree on when it comes to getting a downed truck back on the road—they want the service job done quickly, and they want it done correctly. Fairly or not, technology continues to raise our service expectations. In our personal lives, we push a button to instantly stream a
Avoiding coolant-related heavy-duty engine failures
Fifty-three percent—that’s the percentage of catastrophic, premature diesel engine failures directly related to improper cooling system maintenance techniques and habits, according to filter manufacturers. Filtration plays a key role in coolant maintenance. Using the proper coolant filter can prevent scale, leakage and erosion in the cooling system. The filter captures damaging contaminate that may contribute
Why heavy-duty gear oil quality matters
Gear oils provide multiple important functions when it comes to the operation of gears and axles. As gear oils flow around axles, they help to cool the critical hardware components by carrying heat away and dissipating it. They also help to keep hardware components and assemblies clean by suspending contaminants, which would otherwise lead to
Buying used trailers: Focus on trailer flooring
Taking a close look at the condition of the trailer floor should be one of your top must-do line items when buying a used trailer. “It will tell the potential owner about how the trailer was used and maintained,” said John Carr, vice president of sales and marketing for Havco Wood Products. “Important factors are
Detroit Connect expands truck data reporting capabilities
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced the introduction of two new connectivity services into its Detroit Connect portfolio – Detroit Connect Direct and a wireless in-cab device connection. Exclusive to the new Freightliner Cascadia spec’d with Detroit engines, these new services will expand communication and reporting capabilities and provide deeper insights for customers, the company
