Spec’ing to optimize resale value
There are many factors that impact resale value for trucks. Dale Tower, vice president of remarketing for AmeriQuest Used Truck Services Inc., suggests that OEM selection, engine choices, horsepower, automated transmissions, APUs, SCR non SCR, super singles, chassis side fairings, single or double bunks (in sleepers) and even the color of trucks are all items that will
Answering your electrical load questions
Q: What specific battery maintenance is necessary to stave off low voltage concerns? A: For battery maintenance, diligent and frequent monitoring of battery voltage when the engine is switched off for more than several hours is very important. Also, be sure to maintain clean battery terminals that are torqued solidly. These clean, tight connections are
You say you want a truck efficiency ‘evolution’?
When we talk about the latest truck technologies, we often throw around words such as “evolution” and “innovation,” and it is a natural analogy given how rapidly technology, and more specifically software, replicates, updates and furthers itself at an exponential pace. In terms of trucking, very rarely do we anticipate a “new truck,” but we
Low voltage lowdown: Dealing with growing electrical load demands
With the massive amount of electrical demand placed on today’s trucks, the dangers of low voltage demands are a real consequence faced by today’s fleets. The entire start and charge process of the truck’s electrical system is impacted by low voltage situations. You’ll see the effect in lift gates, electric APUs, hotel devices or any
Easing ELD concerns
While the implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s electronic logging device (ELD) rules will usher in significant changes for our industry, there are many potential benefits. Despite the startup costs and learning curves, fleets may be poised to see significant improvements. “As fleets adopt various solutions, one of the biggest areas of concern
International DuraStar, WorkStar now available with the Cummins ISL9 engine
International Truck has announced that the International DuraStar and WorkStar models are now available with the Cummins ISL9 engine. “Cummins and International have worked closely together to engineer the ISL9 in the DuraStar and WorkStar, offering a unique value package combination of performance and reliability,” said Bill Kozek, Navistar’s president of truck and parts. The International DuraStar is also
Mack adds two new mDrive HD models
Mack Trucks has announced two new versions of its Mack mDrive HD automated manual transmission (AMT). Available in direct or overdrive configurations, the new Mack mDrive HD 13- speed offers a low reduction gear ratio designed for easier starting on steep grades or when the truck is under heavy load, according to the company. The Mack
Spec’ing for medium-duty applications
“Operators of medium-duty trucks have heavy-duty expectations,” says Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing manager. “Truck manufacturers are working to make it simpler for customers who want heavy-duty characteristics in traditional medium-duty applications. The challenge in spec’ing a medium-duty truck is to find the right balance between over- and under-spec’ing in order to achieve the performance and
Fleet profile: Marten Transport meets challenges, changes the status quo
It’s one of the trucking industry’s best-known names, and for good reason. Since 1946, trucks sporting the Marten Transport logo have been traveling the highways hauling temperature-controlled goods. “Over the last several years, we’ve transformed our business from a primarily long-haul temperature control carrier to a multi-faceted temperature control carrier,” says David Meyer, the company’s
Eaton brings 430 mm clutches to North America
Power management company Eaton Corp. has added a newly available aftermarket clutch for Volvo I-Shift automated transmissions. The Eaton 430mm Push Wear-Thru clutch will be competitively priced and include the same quality engineering and manufacturing features of the company’s aftermarket line of EverTough clutches, according to Eaton. Eaton has been selling various versions of 430mm clutch
