Heat-intensive “green” engines spur changes in vehicle lifts, Stertil-Koni reports
Stertil-Koni, a manufacturer of heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems, reported that the increased heat generated by the growing use of electric-hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) engines in commercial vehicles is leading to a transformational shift in heavy-duty lifting. According to Stertil-Koni, “greener” engines typically run up to 50% hotter than conventional engines; and, while that
Finding reason within alternative fuel
I’ve been trying to determine why we’ve taken so many wrong turns incorporating alternate fuels. I looked at Wikipedia the other day, and I think I found the answer. Only 1% of Wikipedia’s content is about logic and mathematics. Another 1% is about thought and philosophy. But fully 30% deals with art and culture, and
Carrier Transicold enhances Vector trailer refrigeration unit warranties
Carrier Transicold has enhanced the warranty coverage for its Vector trailer refrigeration units. “Vector systems deliver dual benefits of reduced maintenance and higher system reliability because they are less complex than conventional mechanical systems and comparative semi-electric systems,” said Patrick McDonald, product manager—trailer, Carrier Transicold. “Our latest-generation Vector units build on this legacy, employing a
Implementing idling-reduction solutions to save money, meet regulations
As truck equipment advances to meet high-efficiency expectations, increased regulations demand more attention from fleet managers who already have their hands full meeting schedules and keeping trucks running. Idle regulations, for example, can be one of the most challenging regulations to keep up with, as they vary from city to city and state to state.
Trucking trends that drive innovation: ZF unveils the Innovation Truck, new truck equipment prototypes
With the rapid evolution of heavy-duty truck equipment, we here at Fleet Equipment often wish we had a crystal ball or the ability to generate the 1.21 gigawatts that makes time travel possible to foresee the trucking industry future. While we’re still working on that, we have the next best thing: The opportunity to take
How an alternative fuel vehicle fits into your fleet
In just a few short years, trucks powered by alternative fuels have gone from a rare sight on the road to a growing trend that has seen serious investment by big fleets. Today’s biggest alternative fuel contender is natural gas. While many OEs offer liquid natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), CNG has
Fueling the future: Alternative fuels are becoming mainstream
If you’re a regular reader of this heavy-duty column, you’re likely starting to see an emerging theme: There is no one-size-fits-all, magic bullet solution to improving your fleet’s efficiency. It’s a collection of equipment integration, maintenance best practices and technology, working in concert to save money and boost the bottom line. Alternative fuels continue to
More than 300 CNG-capabile Ford F-150 pickups ordered by Oklahoma, Dallas
The state of Oklahoma, its agencies and the city of Dallas have ordered a total of 321 Ford F-150 pickups that can run on compressed natural gas. Since 2010, Ford CNG-prepped truck sales have increased more than 250%, said Jon Coleman, Ford fleet sales manager. Cumulative sales are expected to exceed 50,000 trucks by the
Carrier Transicold’s TRU emissions system earns CARB full verification
Carrier Transicold received full verification for its engine emissions system (EES) option from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a level 3+ verified diesel emission control (VDEC) device. Full verification validates the EES as an evergreen compliance solution for CARB’s particulate emissions standard for transport refrigeration units (TRUs) used in California. “This is yet
Choosing the best truck for the job: Hino talks trucks built for ‘day-in-day-out’ work that minimize operating costs
According to Glenn Ellis, vice president, marketing & dealer operations for Hino Trucks, “Today’s vocational fleet managers demand trucks that are reliable, fuel efficient and work as hard as they do day in and day out. They are always looking for ways to minimize their operational cost and are looking to tools such as telematics
