Heavy Duty Trucks News
FTR: May Class 8 truck orders were strong

FTR has released preliminary data showing May 2014 North American Class 8 truck net orders at 25,605 units, a 14% year-over-year increase and the strongest May since 2006. The company also reported that Class 8 orders have now had 16 consecutive months with year-over-year increases. Class 8 orders for the latest six month period through

Kenworth announces details for T680 Advantage Road Tour

Truck operators will have an opportunity to explore the new Kenworth T680 Advantage during a three-month tour announced by Kenworth Truck Co. The Kenworth T680 Advantage Road Tour will visit 36 Kenworth dealer-hosted events in the U.S. and Canada. The two-country tour begins June 23 at Worldwide Equipment in Lexington, Ky. The double-expanding, 53-ft. tour

Fleet feedback: Keeping engines running

Fleet Equipment asked a couple of fleet managers to tell us what their biggest concerns are related to keeping engines running smoothly—specifically related to coolant and coolant filtration. Kirk Altrichter, vice president of maintenance for Crete Carrier Corp., told us, “Among the biggest factors are EGR engine cooler leaks and radiator leaks, which make it

Oakley Transport Garage Tech Shoot
Woody Bogler Trucking Co. takes a multi-faceted approach to improving fuel efficiency

Tracy Bogler describes his company’s philosophy: “The management of Woody Bogler Trucking Co. believes that we should maintain a continuous cycle of improvement,” says the carrier’s president. “Our longevity has given us the experience to understand that change is the only constant in trucking. We understand that we must embrace change in order to provide

Change is the only constant in trucking
Peterbilt expands natural gas options for Class 8, vocational vehicles

Peterbilt Motors Co., in its 75th year, announced new powertrain options for several of its natural gas vehicles that provides customers with an automated transmission and 100% natural gas engine that can be powered by either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid natural gas (LNG). The Eaton UltraShift PLUS and Cummins Westport ISX12 G are

Detroit unveils new integrated powertrain, 6×2 axle

The demand for improved fuel economy is driving the industry toward a systems-integrated future to achieve higher standards of efficiency. At an event in Detroit, Detroit Diesel Corp. unveiled its new integrated Detroit powertrain, featuring the Detroit DD15 engine, Detroit DT12 transmission and Detroit axles, a powertrain that boasts an 5 to 7% additional fuel economy improvement

Detroit integrated powertrain
Truck air suspension ride height measurement procedure tips

To check the current ride height of suspensions, SAF-Holland recommends the following steps.

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Meritor and Meritor WABCO showcase commercial vehicle drivetrain solutions

Meritor Inc. will showcase the latest in commercial vehicle drivetrain solutions at truck dealerships around the country during the Meritor DriveForce Tour. The Meritor DriveForce Tour will include an interactive walk-through product display trailer as well as product training, information and presentations for: Axles Brakes Drivelines Aftermarket solutions Meritor WABCO safety and efficiency solutions Ride-and-drive

The right parts keep trailers on the road

Providing OE-quality parts for trailers in a speedy fashion remains a high priority for Utility Trailer Manufacturing and the parts management team at its Parts Distribution Center in Batavia, Ohio, where they remain focused every day on meeting the parts-service needs of their customers who operate more than 350,000 Utility trailers through the 105 Utility

Utility
Proper wheel end inspection and maintenance tips

It is important to periodically inspect a vehicle’s wheel ends to ensure safety and maximize over-the-road performance. Inspection will help determine if a wheel end repair is necessary. SKF recommends performing a detailed inspection of all wheel ends every 100,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Before performing an inspection, always follow the

Tire expectations: Fuel economy, high milage, retradability and beyond

Talking with managers from many of the larger commercial fleets at a recent TMC meeting, it was clear what fleets are looking for when it comes to their tires: Fleets want tires that generate the best possible fuel economy; highest mileage to removal; excellent retreadability; and tires that are not prone to developing uneven and

Tires Wheels Column
Hendrickson launches Aero Guard fixed mount bumper for International ProStar

Hendrickson Bumper and Trim announces the release of the all makes Aero Guard resin bumper for International ProStar with a fixed mounting bracket that retrofits to all truck year models. Aero Guard bumpers are exclusive to Hendrickson and are engineered for increased impact durability and to weigh less. In addition, the Aero Guard bumper for ProStar offers nearly

Hendrickson launches Aero Guard fixed mount bumper