Setting the pace: Volvo Trucks drives equipment advancements forward
Volvo Trucks is setting a blistering pace as the OEM continues to unveil equipment advancements, updated integrated technology and business partnerships that aim to grow its offerings. Last fall, Volvo pulled the sheet off its futuristic SuperTruck, which boosted fuel efficiency by 70%—exceeding 12 MPG, with some test runs showing more than 13 MPG—in road
Great Dane improves its rear impact guard
To make its trailers safer for truck-trailer drivers and those on the road with them, Great Dane has enhanced its rear impact guard to help make it safer during collisions. It was recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and passed the organization’s rigorous 30% offset test, Great Dane said. “This new
Increasing axle efficiencies
When Fleet Equipment caught wind that Meritor is using a unique lube management systems on its new 14X HE tandem axle, we wanted to know more. So we caught up with Ken Hogan, Meritor’s vice president for rear drivetrain, to find out how it works, what the benefits are for the axle and what other
What protects the driveline from the demands of today’s downsped engines?
The continued integration of powertrain components propels advancements in downspeeding as ratio speeds increase. In fact, Dana recently announced a new 2.47:1 axle ratio for the Spicer AdvanTek 40 tandem axle. Meritor’s new 14X HE tandem axle has ratios down to 2.15. According to Ken Hogan, Meritor’s vice president of rear drivetrain, approximately 25% of today’s
Great Dane debuts smart trailer concept
Great Dane has introduced a new smart trailer concept that the company says will keep drivers and fleet managers informed about basic pre-trip inspection checks and alert notifications while on the road. The data monitored includes tire inflation, weight distribution, door sensors, lights, GPS location and more. Data from this system can be received through
Truck sales strong in February, preliminary data says
February 2017 was yet another strong month for truck sales, according to preliminary numbers from both FTR and ACT Research. ACT’s preliminary numbers had February Class 8 orders hitting a 14-month high at 23,200 units, a second consecutive month of orders rising above both trend and ACT’s expectations. “Orders rose 28% versus year-ago February. That
Meritor introduces 14X HE line-haul tandem axle
Meritor has introduced its new 14X HE high-efficiency line-haul tandem drive axle. Meritor said its engineering teams used the latest technologies to improve axle efficiency up to 1.5% while also reducing weight by 30 lbs. over its 14X design. The 14X HE comes standard with high-efficiency bearings, the Meritor Lube Management system and precision-finished gearing. Meritor uses
Used heavy-duty truck orders start 2017 on a high note
Used Class 8 truck same dealer sales volumes started 2017 on a positive note, up markedly compared to a relatively weak January 2016, according to ACT Research Co. Somewhat uncharacteristically, sales also rose from December, marking a second consecutive month-over-month increase. “The retail and wholesale markets both posted gains, improving 9% and 11% month-over-month, respectively,”
Michelin introduces RFID technology, service upgrades
Michelin Americas Truck Tires has announced that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is being added to Michelin commercial truck tires and retreads, enabling fleets to better manage their tire assets throughout the full life cycle. In addition, the Michelin Tire Care tire maintenance program is being upgraded to include new features providing fleets greater visibility, assurance and
Kenworth T680, T880 now available with Dana steer axles
Kenworth’s T680 and T880 models are now available with Dana Spicer D-Series lightweight steer axles for use with air disc brakes. The Spicer D-Series steer axles features an integrated air disc brake knuckle that allows fleets to specify air disc brakes without a net increase in weight over most S-cam drum brake axle systems, according
Mack introduces Over the Air software updates
Mack Trucks has launched Mack Over The Air (OTA), enabling customers to update software remotely without disrupting their schedules. “Mack Over The Air represents the next step in Mack’s industry-leading approach to uptime,” said David Pardue, vice president of connected vehicles and uptime services for Mack Trucks. “Our customers can now make these updates whenever and
International launches new 12.4-liter heavy-duty engine
International Truck has launched the International A26 engine, a 12.4-liter engine for heavy-duty vehicles. Built from the MAN D26 engine crankcase, the A26 produces up to 475 HP and 1,750 lb./ft. of torque. “The A26 was designed from the ground up to deliver uptime, durability and reliability,” said Darren Gosbee, International’s vice president of advanced engineering. “The A26
