Heavy Duty Trucks News
Goodyear adds Fuel Max retread

Regional fleets that require a balance of fuel efficiency, traction and long miles to removal have a new PreCure retread option from The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. “The G682 RSD Fuel Max, which is designed for drive applications, enables regional fleets to face challenging surfaces,” said Norberto Flores, marketing manager, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems.

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The value of takeoff tire inspection

All good tire management programs include close monitoring of scrap tires—those tires that are no longer serviceable either as partially worn new tires or retreads—or casings that are no longer acceptable for retreading. There are many specific reasons that can render a truck tire as “scrap.” Nearly all of these are detailed, along with descriptions,

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Volvo launches high gross weight application offering

Volvo Trucks’ newest model is designed for high gross weight applications and heavy-haul tasks like heavy equipment hauling, oil and gas delivery, and timber transport, according to the manufacturer. The Volvo VNX 630 model is now offered with a tridem rear axle group, offering maximum traction and an increased payload for customers, the company said.

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Giti unveils line haul trailer tire for North America

The GT Radial GTL922 FS premium line haul trailer tire, designed for the North American market, is joining the comprehensive lineup of GT Radial commercial tires. This next generation, SmartWay-verified line haul trailer tire features a four straight groove design for enhanced driving stability and effective water flow, the tire maker said. Aggressive sipes and

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Class 8 truck orders hit lowest level since September 2014

FTR has released preliminary data showing March 2015 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 24,780 units, the lowest level since September 2014, according to the company. March orders reflected the first negative year-over-year comparison since January 2013. Order levels were somewhat disappointing with FTR anticipating a continued fall in order activity following seasonal

Eaton expands Fuller Advantage Series transmissions lineup

Eaton has expanded its lineup of Fuller Advantage Series transmissions to deliver weight savings and fuel efficiency improvements available on nine new models in order to “better meet the specification preferences for trucking fleets throughout North America,” it said. The expanded lineup includes: Three manual transmissions with new direct drive gear ratios; Two automated models

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March truck orders fall below 50,000 unit mark

March was the first month in the past six months in which Class 5-8 medium- and heavy-duty orders fell below the 50,000 unit mark, according to ACT Research. For the month, 44,700 Class 5-8 preliminary vehicle orders were booked, down 2% compared to March 2014. “As expected, Class 8 order activity moderated into March as

The unsung heroes of wheel end maintenance

What is more important to proper maintenance of tire/wheel and wheel end assemblies? A calibrated torque wrench, or an oil can and a wire brush? Sure, lots of factors affect component performance at the wheel end. Is the mounting surface clean and free of rust? Is the wheel free of corrosion brought on by harsh

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Proper wheel maintenance contributes to efficiency, cost savings

Maintenance is a critical component of ensuring reliability and safety of fleets, their drivers and others on the road. Wheel maintenance is also a significant contributor to the overall efficiency, lifetime operating costs and appearance of commercial vehicle wheels. When wheels need continuous refurbishing, it can become maintenance and time intensive. Steel wheels require refurbishing,

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Tire, wheel programs can help fleets reduce downtime

“The more you see them, the fewer problems you’ll experience,” says Walt Weller, vice president of sales at Double Coin Tire, the exclusive distributor of Double Coin products in North America. “One of the most expensive issues for fleets is road service for tires, and much of the time those are preventable problems.” Double Coin,

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Eaton enhances automated transmissions, introduces Neutral Coast Mode

Power management company Eaton introduced new electronic capabilities to its Fuller Advantage Series and UltraShift Plus automated transmissions that allow for disengagement of a truck’s driveline while on slight downhill grades to drop engine speeds to idle. The new technology improves fuel consumption by up to 1% and ensures safe operation regardless of driving conditions,

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Mid-America Truck Show smashes show records

It was another record-setting year for the Mid-America Truck Show (MATS). The 2015 show set an all-time record for attendance with 81,768 attendees, surpassing the previous record set in 2012. In addition, MATS set a new record for average exhibit space per exhibitor and sold-out of exhibit space faster than the past 15 years. If you