Michelin Truck launches new website
Michelin North America has launched a new website for its Michelin Americas Truck Tires division. On this new site, Michelin customers can quickly use online tools that include fuel and mileage and weight savings calculators. “Our goal for the new site was to provide a robust user experience for our customers, with information and tools
Alcoa Ultra Wheels available for Peterbilt Class 8 trucks
Peterbilt Motors Co. recently announced that new Alcoa Ultra aluminum wheels manufactured from a MagnaForce alloy that provides additional strength and lower weight are available as a factory-installed option for all Peterbilt heavy-duty trucks. “This is a great new option for our customers in weight-conscious applications and other markets who want to run lighter and
Report Card: FMVSS 121 reduced stopping distance regulation
We are coming up on the third anniversary of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 121 reduced stopping distance regulation (RSD) start date. Fleet Equipment decided to ask brake friction manufacturers to report in on brake performance—and/or changes—since those regulations went into effect. “Actually, the friction materials were changing long before August 2011,” says
Hendrickson introduces progressive load spring
Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems introduced its new Progressive Load Spring (PLS) for the HAULMAAX vocational rear suspension system. The PLS is an elastomeric spring which works in concert with the bolster springs in Hendrickson’s Vari-Rate Spring system. According to Hendrickson, the PLS will improve the HAULMAAX rear suspension system by providing advancements in ride
Peterbilt introduces Model 579 configurator tool
With Peterbilt Motors Co.‘s recently introduced Model 579 configurator tool, fleet managers can customize colors, choose and preview different cab style configurations and fine tune the Model 579’s PACCAR MX-13 Engine ratings. “The new online configurator lets users build their own Model 579 in a fun, immersive way,” said Todd Acker, Peterbilt’s director of marketing.
Webb Wheel OEM redesigns TN Trailer Hub
Webb Wheel OEM has redesigned their 25,000 lb. axle-rated TN trailer hub to make it lighter and to simplify brake drum installation, said the manufacturer. According to Webb Wheel OEM, the patent pending design of Webb 2023 TN trailer hub includes a scalloped flange which reduces the overall weight. By incorporating 10 total drum pilots (five
Kenworth T680 and T880 available with Bendix SmarTire system
The Kenworth T680 and Kenworth T880 are available with the SmarTire tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) by Bendix CVS as an option when specifying these models. The factory-installed Bendix system uses wheel-mounted sensors in each tire to monitor the tire’s pressure and temperature. Sensors are located on the steer and drive axle wheels. If tire
Newest Marangoni Ringtread dealer hosts open house
Sumerel Tire Service expanded its operations in Tennessee with the opening of Wilson County Tire & Retreading in Lebanon, this summer. The Marangoni retread facility recently hosted an open house on July 23. The open house featured a plant tour, “Spot the Retread” contest and an “Out of Service” tire demonstration. Guests were also provided lunch and could
Kenworth Class 8 trucks available with Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem axle
Kenworth has added Dana’s Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem axle for new Class 8 pickup and delivery, regional haul and linehaul trucks equipped with the Kenworth AG380 or AG400L suspension. “The Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem axle is an excellent, fuel-efficient addition for new Kenworth Class 8 trucks,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “The AdvanTEK 40
Horton introduces WindShift WSE swept-blade design
Horton‘s WindShift WSE has been computer-optimized to provide a combination of increased airflow and reduced operating noise, according to the company. By utilizing a swept-blade design, WSE generates greater static pressure at slower speeds. Horton notes that the WindShift WSE blade is ideal for Tier 4 and Stage IV agricultural, construction, industrial and power generation
Freightliner Trucks adds to natural gas product options
Freightliner Trucks announced that the Cummins Westport ISX12 G heavy-duty natural gas engine will be available as a factory-installed option for the Freightliner 114SD severe-duty truck model in 2015. The 114SD-ISX12 G combination will be ideal for the demanding jobs that the 114SD is designed for, such as mixer, crane and sewer vac, said the
Trucking trends that drive innovation: ZF unveils the Innovation Truck, new truck equipment prototypes
With the rapid evolution of heavy-duty truck equipment, we here at Fleet Equipment often wish we had a crystal ball or the ability to generate the 1.21 gigawatts that makes time travel possible to foresee the trucking industry future. While we’re still working on that, we have the next best thing: The opportunity to take
