Grade your tire program
Not many years ago, the success of a fleet tire program was defined by the frequency and costs of crises or problems. These were culled out of periodic expense reports, or perhaps a tire-cost-per-mile figure. This type of management by exception simply won’t cut it in today’s cost competitive business environment. Several important points are
Truck fleet focuses on customer commitment
As Sheetz strives to exceed customer expectations for service and quality, it also relies on suppliers to help make the best purchasing and specification choices.
Wheels & wheel ends
Safe operation requires thorough examination of wheels and attaching hardware, at frequent intervals, both on and off the vehicle.
New Bandag brand trailer tread promotes long tread life
The new Bandag-brand B197 trailer tread design, patterned after the Bridgestone brand R197 trailer radial, is built for long life, combining innovative compounding and a classic straight-rib tread design. The tread is available in 210mm, 220mm and 230mm sizes.
Fontaine introduces new premium fifth wheel
The new Ultra NS from Fontaine Fifth Wheel offers infinite, automatic slack adjustment designed to provide a more comfortable ride and reduce component wear. The product comes standard with a low-lube lock and is available with optional air actuation and a lube-free top plate. It is rated for on-highway use in standard to severe service applications, with a 55,000-lb. vertical load and 150,000-lb. drawbar pull rating.
Continental regional steer tire line verified by SmartWay
Continental HSR2 (Heavy Steer Regional), HSR1 and HSR truck tires were recently verified by SmartWay as low rolling resistance truck tires. The HSR2 features an improved cut and chip resistant tread compound, a protective curb rib and VAI + system of visual alignment and tread depth indicators.
Yokohama launches online fuel savings calculator for fleets
The new Yokohama Fuel Savings Calculator, available on the tire maker’s website, performs a side-by-side comparison of Yokohama’s fuel-efficient tires against those of competitors. Savings are shown in three ways: Annual Fuel Savings per Truck, Annual Fuel Savings for Fleet and Annual Gallons of Fuel Saved, the company said.
Mohawk Tire Dolly provides easy handling
Mohawk Lifts’ Tire Dolly, with a full 46-in. lifting height and a 6-in. side shifting ability, is designed to provide faster, safer and easier handling of heavy-duty single and dual tires. The dolly also features a safety chain to secure locks, a hand crank with high gear ratio that allows for one-handed operation, and a foot pump that allows for hands-free operation.
New SmartWay options, policy
As a former radio news commentator used to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, there’s new tonight”—a new policy statement from Washington as well as new SmartWay-verified fuel saving options available to you. First, the good news. Silver Eagle (www.silvereaglemfg.com) has achieved SmartWay verification of the fuel-saving ability of its new Aero Saber trailer skirt. Matt Goldfain,
Tire wear troubleshooting tips
Tire wear issues, especially accelerated wear, can be frustrating and expensive. An expanding variety of vocation-specific trucks, engine and other drivetrain component trends, as well as unique service conditions, can result in a mismatch of tire performance and expectations. While the basic mechanisms of tire wear haven’t changed significantly since the introduction of tubeless radials,