Toward a cleaner, greener fleet
The trucking fleet of the future — in all of its fuel efficient, low emissions, lead-free glory — isn’t as far away as you might think. It’s also not difficult to transform your own fleet into a cleaner one, according to IMI President, Bob Fogal, Jr., whose EQUAL Tire Performance ushered in a new era
Trico distributes new heavy-duty wiper guide
Trico Products, a manufacturer of wiper blades and systems, announced the distribution of the TRICO 2009 Heavy Duty Wiper Products Application Guide. The 72-page guide will be distributed to traditional warehouse distributors and installers throughout the U.S. who also specialize in heavy-duty parts for trucks and buses.
The heavy-duty wiper blades and refills are available in a variety of configurations from 10-in. to 32-in., with adapters to permit easy installation onto competitive wiper arms, Trico noted.
Haldex warns against imitation HCVs
Haldex, maker of height control valves (HCVs) for truck and trailer air suspension, warned that imitation height control valves have been designed to appear to be the same as genuine Haldex height control valves in order to lead you to believe that they’ll perform the same. However, they don’t match Haldex in the critical areas of function, durability and quality, the company said. Imitation valves typically exhibit large dead bands, inconsistent time delays, intermittent operation, excessive leakage and are highly susceptible to temperature variations, Haldex continued.
Kenworth T440 model introduced
Kenworth Truck Co. has introduced the Kenworth T440 model tractor and truck configurations for regional haul, city pickup and delivery, municipal and vocational applications. This truck is designed for vocational and municipal customers who need a heavy front axle for dumps, mixers and fire trucks, the maker added. The Kenworth T440 is now available for order with initial production scheduled to begin first quarter 2010.
Built on the same platform as the T470 introduced in June, the T440 has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) ranging from a heavy Class 7 vehicle at 33,000 lbs. up to a light Class 8 truck at 68,000 lbs.
Troubleshooting hydraulic hose
Hydraulic hose and fittings found on modern diesel trucks can have a limited service life that is directly dependent on the conditions to which they are applied. Continuous use of hydraulic components at maximum working pressure, maximum recommended operating temperature and minimum bend radius can lead directly to premature failure, which could result in damage
Servicing vehicles after floods
Due to the recent flooding in the Midwest, ArvinMeritor’s technical publications department is providing service bulletins to repair commercial vehicle components damaged by flood water. A special webpage, www.arvinmeritor.com/products/truckandtrailer/submerged_systems.asp, links visitors to two related bulletins, some key points of which are shown here (see website for details): Axles: Rear Drive/Front Drive Steer 1. Remove and
Less trailer weight, more profit
Trucking is a business with razor thin profit margins, where any gains in efficiency can mean the difference between profit and loss. In this type of environment, equipment manufacturers continually strive to develop products that offer both greater capacity and less weight. This is always a tricky balancing act – but especially so for companies
Hino previews MY 2011 prototypes
Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group company, recently previewed several of its 2011 prototype trucks that the company plans to use in numerous field tests. The 2011 model year will see the phasing out of Class 4 and 5 models 145, 165 and 185, while remaining models will be designed to meet the 2010 EPA emissions
Oil industry trends
For more than fifty years, crude oil refiners based long-range planning on the fact that gasoline demand and lube oil consumption would increase every year. Recently, the oil industry has undergone some significant changes. Traditionally, over half of the 42-gal. crude oil barrel (approximately 60%) was used for gasoline production. Increased air travel, dieselization of
Remedy for driveline issues
Spec’ and maintain a quality driveline and when servicing, stick to quality parts