Watch: Detailing heavy-duty truck bearing maintenance, fuel efficiency gains
To squeeze the most fuel savings out of your next truck spec, you might want to extend efficiency gains out to your wheel end through the spec’ing of high-efficiency bearings for that extra fraction of fuel efficiency gain. While a fraction of a percentage might not seem like a lot for one truck, spread it
Inside automated manual transmissions with predictive cruise control
Introduced to the market only a few years ago, automated transmissions equipped with advanced cruise control features are now a staple of OEM offerings. Predictive cruise control systems use GPS data, onboard maps and cruise control to optimize cruising speed based on the topography of a truck’s route. As the truck enters certain types of
Watch: The future of automated trucks, parts 3 and 4
These are the third and fourth of four parts looking at the future of automated trucks. We know they’re coming one day, but how soon will that be, what will they look like, and what needs to happen before they can get out on the road? Watch this series to find out. Missed parts one
Watch: Top truck tire inflation tips
Heavy-loads and high speeds, combined with underinflated tires can make for an on-road catastrophe. The excessive heat being generated by an underinflated tire due to the increased flexing of the tire sidewalls in combination with the longer footprint leads to rubber compounds failing. Air pressure is based on the worst-case load the tire will see
Achieving 10 MPG in the real world
Let’s talk achieving 10 MPG in the real world. The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) released an in-depth report on the Run on Less fuel efficiency roadshow, demonstrating high miles per gallon using currently available technology. The reports provides analysis of key data from the three-week event, from which four key conclusions were
Watch: The future of automated trucks, parts 1 and 2
We know automated trucks are coming one day, but how soon will that be, what will they look like, and what needs to happen before they can get out on the road? Watch this series of episodes from FE‘s Future Focus to find out. Parts one and two are below, and parts three and four
Let’s talk FA-4 engine oil benefits, management
With a year of the new American Petroleum Institute CK-4 and FA-4 oil categories under the industry’s belt, it’s a good time to take stock of the FA-4 oil benefits. To date, API has licensed approximately 83 FA-4 oils, which ensure that the newest categories of diesel oil for use in on- and off-highway vehicles
Let’s talk heavy-duty truck VMRS codes
The ATA Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC)’s Vehicle Maintenance Report Standards (VMRS) program was started in 1970 with the goal of developing a standard method of communication for everyone involved in the truck maintenance process, from fleets to repair shops to OEMs. Last year, VMRS Codes Committee determined that VMRS needed more flexibility to describe
Let’s talk spring suspension maintenance
Spring suspension manufacturer maintenance recommendations include periodic checks of fastener torque values and usually include an initial re-torque after break-in. While regular preventative maintenance will keep the majority of spring suspensions rolling productively, there may come a time when a spring needs to be replaced. Typically, a broken spring can be identified during a walk-around
Getting more from your ELD solution
With the ELD implementation date behind us and enforcement just around the corner, you’ve probably seen ELDs at work in your fleet over the past several months. Now that you’re comfortable with the logging capabilities, let’s look at some other advantages. The implementation process likely highlighted that there is a lot of information available. With
Watch: Hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks—an explainer
Hydrogen-electric trucks still have a fully electric powertrain—meaning there’s no diesel or gasoline engine. But rather than being powered solely by electric batteries, the electric motor is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which allows the truck to use a smaller, lighter battery. Naturally that invites another question: what is a hydrogen fuel cell, and
Watch FE’s test drives of the newly announced Volvo VNX
Volvo revealed the new VNX truck for heavy-haul applications. Available with up to 605 HP and 2,050 lb./ft. of torque, the truck comes with multiple configurations and a redesigned cab in the style of the Volvo VNL and VNR; you can read more details about the new trucks here. FE Editor Jason Morgan hopped in
