Two of the industry’s largest truck shows took place recently, the National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Show and the Mid-America Trucking Show. We take a look at all of the new equipment on display at each show.
It’s hard to capture the breadth and excitement generated by the packed exhibit halls for two of the industry’s major annual truck shows. This year’s new products, technology and trucks provided insights into the future. The product photos and descriptions on these pages are just an abbreviated look at all of the new equipment that was on display—more new products will be highlighted in the May issue of Fleet Equipment.
Freightliner CNG truck available
Showcased at NTEA’s Work Truck Show was the Freightliner NG truck, which the maker said can be ordered to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified natural gas (LNG). The ISL-G engine (8.9 liters, 260-320 HP/660-1,000 ft.-lb. torque) and fuel tanks are installed on the production line at the Freightliner Mt. Holly, N.C., plant. The truck maker noted that the aftertreatment system is maintenance-free, with a 3-way passive catalyst and no regeneration or ash cleaning.
www.daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com
RAM to build OEM CNG-powered pickup
Ram Truck announced it will offer a factory-built compressed natural gas-powered pickup, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty CNG pickup, which the maker said is designed for fleet and commercial customers. The Ram HD CNG is powered by the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and features both compressed gas storage tanks and an 8-gal. gasoline fuel tank. Canadian customers can opt for a 35-gal. gasoline tank.
The truck maker said Ram’s 5.7-liter Hemi bi-fuel engine has been modified to run on compressed natural gas, as well as gasoline. Redesigned cylinder heads with specifically designed CNG-compatible valves and valve-seat materials allow the engine to burn both fuels.
According to the truck maker, it also gets a second, CNG-specific fuel rail and set of injectors. New spark plugs improve combustion and durability, and a new powertrain control module allows the Hemi to seamlessly operate on either of the two fuel sources, Ram added.
www.ramtrucks.com
GMC, Chevrolet announce bi-fuel work trucks
Chevrolet and GMC announced details of General Motors’ bi-fuel 2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 HD extended cab pickup trucks. Fleet and retail consumers can place orders beginning this month.
According to the company, the vehicles include a compressed natural gas (CNG) capable Vortec 6.0L V8 engine that seamlessly transitions between CNG and gasoline fuel systems. Combined, the trucks offer a range of more than 650 miles. The Silverado and Sierra will be available in standard and long box, with either two- or four-wheel drive. GM said the bi-fuel trucks are built with a specially designed engine, the fuel system is installed by GM’s Tier One supplier and the completed vehicle is delivered directly to the customer. This process makes ordering the bi-fuel option seamless and efficient.
http://bit.ly/yJ4M67
Mitsubishi Fuso introduces new 2013 Fuso Canters
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. (MFTA) announced the availability of its 2013 model year medium-duty cabover trucks. The new trucks feature the same great lower-cost-of-ownership benefits as the 2012 models, with some additional refinements and options, the company said.
According to Todd Bloom, president and CEO of MFTA, “While the new trucks have no major changes, we have gone to dual batteries to meet the needs of fleets that run work trucks. All-new 2013 Canters will come standard with dual batteries, which addresses the concerns of cold temperature starts, and will also include a factory-installed PTO wiring harness designed to receive an optional, matched control switch and to make connection to optional PTOs easy. Also, because of the excellent fuel efficiency of these vehicles, as fuel prices go up, our trucks have more credibility in the market.”
Moreover, a 33-gal., side-mounted fuel tank will once again be available as a factory-installed option, and mirrors will have new, wider mounting arms that facilitate the installation of bodies with outside widths up to 102 in. on all Canter FE models, including the Canter FE160 Crew Cab.
www.mitfuso.com
Detroit Diesel adds Detroit axles & transmissions to integrated powertrain portfolio
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) has introduced Detroit axles, which the company said represents a complete line of axles covering every trucking segment. A key component of the Detroit family of powertrain-related components, the launch of Detroit axles marks the first time Detroit Diesel Corp. has offered axles.
The new Detroit brand of axles embraces DTNA’s strategy of uniform production standards and processes, as well as engineering and manufacturing processes that draw upon Daimler’s global resources, the company said. Detroit axles are now available to order for Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Thomas Built Bus and Freightliner Custom Chassis vehicles.
Detroit axles include a wide range of configuration options and compatibility with all braking systems offered by Daimler Trucks. Steer axles are available with ratings from 6,000 to 20,000 lbs.—including a unique 12,500-lb. rating—and feature a weight optimized I-beam. Detroit’s steer axles are up to 40 lbs. lighter than competitors, resulting in more payload capacity and greater productivity, according to the maker.
DTNA also introduced the Detroit Transmission, which the company said is the next component in the complete Detroit powertrain, making it the only OEM that can offer a complete powertrain package, including Detroit axles and heavy-duty engines, according to the company. Automated transmissions represent the next generation of technology that will increase efficiency and enhance performance, the company said, adding that when packaged with all of the Detroit powertrain products, customers have the best resources in the world to enhance their bottom lines.
The 12-speed, direct- or over-drive automated transmission combines a traditional clutch-actuated manual gearbox with high-speed, computer-controlled shift and clutch actuators, which automatically and seamlessly select the right shift pattern for fuel economy and engine power, according to the maker.
The direct drive transmission combines improved slow speed maneuvering capabilities with high road speed efficiency. Features such as active driveline protection, which anticipates torque windup and torque limiting, also enhance reliability and driver comfort. It employs advanced fuel efficiency technologies including skip shifting, enabling drivers to run through lower gears faster to achieve cruising speed sooner; and EcoRoll, which helps the vehicle coast more efficiently.
www.detroitdiesel.com
FCCC launches LPG-fueled chassis
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) has introduced its S2G chassis, which the company said provides the industry with a factory-installed liquid propane gas (LPG) engine available to the medium-duty truck market. Built on FCCC’s S2 chassis, the S2G’s 8-liter, 325 HP engine supplied by Powertrain Integration offers clean-burning LPG technology on a platform already known for its durability, reliability, maneuverability and design flexibility. The engine uses General Motors’ proven long block and other components as its core.
According to the company, the benefits of an LPG chassis include lower operational costs and reduced emissions, without sacrificing payload capability or performance. Designed for the medium-duty commercial market, the S2G chassis is suitable for pickup and delivery, student transportation and municipal applications.
www.freightlinerchassis.com
Freightliner celebrates 70 years at MATS
Since Freightliner is celebrating 70 years of truck manufacturing this year, the truck maker showcased its Revolution Concept truck in its booth at MATS.
The truck on display was a fully-running futuristic, aerodynamic “cross-over” daycab, which the company said demonstrates innovative designs like a split cooling system to lower the front end of the truck, and a rear-entry door in place of a passenger door that allows the driver easy back-of-cab access.
There also is a unique fold-down bunk and airplane-type pulldown storage, and an integrated, in-dash iPad to give the driver a “window” to features like fuel finder, CB chat, etc.
www.daimler-trucksnorthamerica.com
Peterbilt unveils all-new Model 579
Peterbilt Motors Co. has unveiled its Model 579, which the truck maker said features all-new innovations to maximize fuel efficiency and provide driver comfort. In support of the new truck, Peterbilt has launched a dedicated website, peterbiltlegend.com, and is kicking off its “Legend Continues Tour,” which will include stops at more than 100 Peterbilt dealer locations across the U.S. and Canada throughout the year.
According to the truck maker, aerodynamic performance is enhanced through modular aero packages that meet EPA’s SmartWay designation. The packages are designed to meet customer-optimized requirements, with variable length chassis fairings, sleeper extenders and rubber flares, under-cab close-outs and under-fairing skirts.
The aerodynamic bumper is a three-piece design so individual sections can be replaced if they are damaged, improving serviceability and reducing costs, the truck maker said. The aero hood also has a three-piece design that is lightweight, durable and easy to service. It features the company’s most efficient tilt assist system that reduces lift effort to 25 lbs.
www.peterbilt.com
Kenworth T680 adds performance, comfort, fuel efficiency
Kenworth Truck Co. announced an extension to its current product line with the unveiling of the new T680 conventional truck. Designed for linehaul, pickup and delivery, and regional hauling operations, the new truck—scheduled to come off the assembly line in May—will be available with a 76-in. sleeper or as a day cab. The vehicle is standard with the 12.9-liter PACCAR MX engine and optional with the Cummins ISX15 engine.
Other key features include: an 83-in. cab with 23 in. between the seats for excellent sleeper ingress and egress, stamped aluminum cab, new 76-in. sleeper integrated with the cab, 65% more storage capacity, a 30% larger door opening and robust-designed door, panoramic windshield, three-piece hood, improved lighting and a cockpit-like driver performance center including a new dash cluster.
www.kenworth.com
Mack takes integration to a new level
Mack Trucks Inc. has new offerings, which the company stated build on its longstanding leadership in integrated product. The new products are the Mack Super Econodyne powertrain and Mack Pedigree Uptime Protection service and support package. According to the truck maker, integrated powertrains have been at the heart of Mack since its inception in 1900. Today, every truck with a Mack Pedigree Powertrain—proprietary engine, transmission and axles—features a gold bulldog on the hood. The powertrain system is designed with all-Mack proprietary components for a complete Mack Pedigree Powertrain. The Mack MP8-445SE engine, Mack mDrive automated manual transmission, Mack C125 proprietary drive axles and Mack’s custom software all combine to offer a system designed for industry-leading fuel efficiency without compromising power or performance, the truck maker said.
www.macktrucks.com
Navistar introduces International LoadStar work truck
Navistar has unveiled the International LoadStar, which the company said is a lightweight, low cab-over engine (LCOE) work truck. Designed from the ground up with input from drivers and fleet managers, the LoadStar was built to serve customer needs in the waste, concrete pumping and airplane refueling markets.
LoadStar is equipped with numerous customer-friendly features: a stainless steel cab to minimize corrosion and increase durability; vocationally-designed variable depth frame rails for maximum durability; an ergonomically-designed cab interior, including excellent control placement; Navistar’s Diamond Logic multiplexed electrical system with capabilities that provide seamless body integration for increased safety and ease of operation; and integrated powertrain powered by MaxxForce, featuring CleanBurn Emissions Technology or optional natural gas version in early 2013, the maker said.
According to the company, LoadStar’s high performance and durable design features the industry’s first stainless steel cab-over design, creating a high-strength, long-lasting and corrosion-resistant cab.
www.navistar.com
Western Star model 4900SB FE improves fuel efficiency
Western Star Truck Sales Inc. said the new Western Star 4900 set-back (SB) with Fuel Efficiency (FE) package, combined with the fuel-efficient Detroit DD15 featuring BlueTec SCR technology, is showing the most improved fuel economy results of any Western Star truck model.
Featuring a 123-in. BBC, the 4900SB FE package includes an aerodynamic, high visibility hood; chrome wrap-around bumper; under hood air cleaner; and horizontal or back-of-sleeper exhaust.
In addition to the 4900SB FE package, liquid and dry bulk customers can also customize their Western Star without the sleeper cap and flared side extenders, further increasing aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The 4900SB FE package also is available with the Detroit DD13 engine and the Cummins ISX series of engines.
www.westernstar.com
Great Dane rolls out three new trailers
Great Dane debuted its newest generation of trailers, adding it has completely redesigned its entire product line to meet the evolving needs of its customers by incorporating state-of-the-art technology, materials and features into its base models.
According to the company, the Champion SE model offers quality design and heavy-duty productivity for fleets that mean business; the CL can be highly specified for a variety of hauling applications; and the CP boasts Great Dane’s proven composite panel technology. A noticeable improvement on all Champion models is Great Dane’s new standard dry van rear frame, EnduroGuard, which combines superior strength with corrosion resistance to withstand the elements and last a lifetime.
The second entrant into the market is Great Dane’s Freedom flatbed series, which the company said delivers strength and durability at a competitive weight and price. Offered in steel, combination steel and aluminum, and all-aluminum models, it is designed to meet the needs of all types of platform operations.The Freedom SE is a heavy-duty all-steel trailer with available straight, drop or extendable body styles, the maker said.
The third line of trailers is the Everest series of refrigerated trailers, which the company said are uniquely designed to meet the demands of a dynamic industry. The entire series of Everest reefers, including TL and SS models for long-haul truckload carriers and CL for specialized, food service and multi-temp applications, has been re-engineered with stringent standards to be tougher, last longer and operate more efficiently than its predecessors and competitors.
www.greatdanetrailers.com
Utility offers new double deck loading system
Utility Trailer Manufacturing introduced a new optional double deck loading system for its dry van trailers. Designed to maximize trailer cube space and increase freight capacity, the system can support up to 500 lbs. per square foot with a 26,000-lb. load rating using a system of tracks and beams.
The loading system employed is Kinedyne’s K2 Kaptive Beam System, which uses an aluminum material to add minimal weight without compromising strength of the deck. A spring-loaded mechanism automatically locks to the beam, securing to the track slots.
www.utilitytrailer.com
Yokohama shows off new drive tire
Yokohama Tire Corp. unveiled its 709ZL drive tire, available in sizes 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5, at MATS. The tire employs Yokohama’s Zenvironment technology, which combines the latest breakthroughs in casing design, rubber compounding and tread design, the tire maker said. It also features a unique tread design, solid shoulder rib and serpentine grooves for extra rigidity and stability, and a “Z Block” design to improve wet traction and lower rolling resistance.
www.yokohamatire.com
Alcoa introduces lightweight wide-base wheels
Alcoa launched a new series of wide-base aluminum wheels through its proprietary LvL One wheel manufacturing process of light weighting, the company said. At 58 lbs., Alcoa’s wide-base wheels are the lightest 14-in. aluminum wheels on the market, the company added. They replace dual wheels and reduce overall vehicle weight for improved productivity or increased fuel economy, and offer load ratings up to 12,800 lbs. Alcoa said switching from single steel 22.5-in. x 8.25-in. wheels to its 14-in. wide-base wheels can reduce the weight of an 18-wheeler by nearly 1,400 lbs., cutting annual fuel costs or increasing payload.
www.alcoawheels.com
Michelin introduces regional drive tire
Michelin Americas Truck Tires (MATT) debuted the Michelin X Multi Energy D drive tire for regional and emerging super regional applications. The SmartWay-verified tire delivers enhanced fuel efficiency, optimized traction and long tread life to provide significant value and performance, the tire maker said. The tire features a dual energy compound tread, in which the top layer of tread rubber is balanced to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency while exhibiting the needed wear properties to resist tread scrub. The bottom layer of tread rubber maintains cool casing temperatures for low rolling resistance and extended casing life, the maker said.
www.michelintruck.com
Continental offers new wide singles
Continental Tire the Americas’ Commercial Vehicle Tire business unit showcased its first wide single drive tire at MATS. Continental’s HDL2 Eco Plus (heavy drive long haul) in size 445/50R22.5 features 27/32nds of tread depth, a closed-shoulder design and three-dimensional siping in the center of each tread block, allowing flexibility while coupling the groove under compression for increased strength. The tire is the first of a series of drive tires from to feature evolving sipe technologies, where a void in the middle of the tread blocks creates a regenerating sipe as the tread wears, the tire maker said.
www.continental-truck.com
Giti adds to SmartWay portfolio
Giti Tire USA launched the SmartWay-verified GT Radial GT979 FS trailer tire, which joins the GSL213 FS steer tire and GT669+ FS drive tire, both of which received SmartWay verification in 2010. There is now a GT Radial tire for every position, allowing for more enhanced fuel economy gains, according to the tire maker.
www.gtradialtruck.com
Bridgestone Ecopia tires, Fueltech
retreads help reduce operating costs
Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (BCS) introduced its new Bridgestone Ecopia truck tire and Bandag FuelTech retread solution. These two product lines – five new tires and four retreads – are designed to work together. Specially engineered compounds paired with matching retread patterns promote an eco-friendly solution that continues optimal low rolling resistance from new Ecopia tire to FuelTech retread while extending casing life.
www.bandag.com
Truck-Lite has new LED products
Truck-Lite said it has developed a newly designed 7-in. round LED headlamp in support of growing market interest in the product. Truck-Lite added its 27270C LED Headlamp utilizes a completely new light delivery method, adopting parabolic reflector technology to create a smooth, even light output. The use of metalized reflector optics provides a clean and homogeneous spread of light, more uniform than other options, without any targeted or focused beams or projector-type color artifacts.
In addition, the company said it has developed an easy-to-install wiring adapter that makes use of the company’s existing LED marker lamps to provide advanced signal indication to following traffic. During normal driving, the pigtail operates the lamps at standard marker light output levels, until a brake function is made. Upon doing so, the pigtail increases the light output, providing an increased level identification to those tailing the vehicle, the maker added.
www.truck-lite.com
Meritor introduces FUELite tandem axle
At MATS, Meritor Inc. unveiled the new FUELite tandem axle, which the company said is the first member of its SoloDrive Series axles that features 6×2 tandem rear axles.
Based on the proven Meritor 160 series drive axle, the new tandem axle is designed for line-haul applications to maximize weight savings and increase fuel efficiency, the company added. It delivers nearly 400 lbs. in weight savings and an approximately 2% increase in fuel efficiency when compared to a traditional 6×4 configuration.
The Meritor axle warranty for linehaul applications is five years or 750,000 miles with parts and labor included, and every claim is fully supported by the company’s online warranty claim system. Plans offer extended coverage up to seven years in linehaul applications, the maker added.
www.meritor.com
Espar meets cab heating demands
Espar announced that maintenance technicians will value its new smart controllers, which meet customer demands for a wider variety of options in the controls of the popular range of Espar bunk heaters and engine pre-heaters. The controllers’ diagnostic indicator, a tri-colored LED light with a simple flash code, notifies drivers when the heater needs either routine or unscheduled attention. They’ll also value how, once in the shop, that same flashing code tells them the fault code causing the problem, allowing them to quickly and accurately diagnose the service issue and get the truck back into service faster, the company added.
In addition, drivers are sure to appreciate the controller’s one-button on/off control with a maximum runtime pre-set by operations, the company added. For a complete list of benefits, visit the company’s website.
www.espar.com
Cummins engines are EPA 2014-ready next year
Cummins Inc. announced at MATS its product solutions that will be available to North American trucking customers in 2013. Product improvements continue to offer customers better reliability and better fuel economy across a full lineup of diesel and natural gas commercial vehicle engines, according to the company.
Cummins said its engines will deliver up to 2% fuel economy improvement over today’s products and will use the same proven high-pressure common rail fuel systems, VGT Turbocharger and fully-integrated electronics for improved combustion efficiency, performance and reliability. Cummins engines will meet the 2014 fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards beginning in January 2013.
To meet demand for on-highway applications, Cummins noted it is developing a 15-liter heavy-duty, spark-ignited natural gas (NG) engine that is powered by the cheaper, cleaner and more plentiful fuel.
www.cummins.com
Chevron has lube for NG engines
Chevron Lubricants, maker of the Delo brand of engine oils, lubricants and coolants, introduced the latest member of its product family, Delo 400 NG SAE 15W-40. The new product, formulated with Chevron’s Isosyn Technology, is a premium oil for use in compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines. It meets the performance requirements of key OEM specifications, Cummins (CES 20074) and Detroit Diesel (93K216), and is suitable for service in Daimler MB226.9, Volvo CNG, Renault RGD, Mack CNG, Isuzu CNG, Hino CNG, and Hyundai CNG engines, the company said.
www.chevrondelo.com
Sherwin-Williams offers new single-stage finish
New Genesis HP premium single-stage topcoat from Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes is a two-component urethane topcoat, the company stated, adding that this new technology provides quicker process times with no baking required. This allows OEMs and fleet repair shops to turn down the heat to increase energy savings and improve production times, according to the maker. With Genesis HP, paint shops can go from prime to finished product up to 65% faster and save more than 75% on energy costs related to the paint process.
According to the company, when used with one of the Sherwin-Williams Genesis primers, the new Genesis HP Premium Single-Stage Topcoat delivers a premium finish that is out of dust in as little as eight minutes and tape-free within 30 to 40 minutes. Using Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes’ proprietary Air-Dry Technology, it cures in ambient temperatures, at about 70˚ to 75º.
www.sherwin-automotive.com
