Applying the brakes: Ensuring the future of truck safety
Advanced safety systems that employ radar- and camera-based technologies that enable adaptive cruise control and even autonomous truck operation rely heavily on one specific component—the brakes. The safety of these futuristic collision mitigation systems rests squarely on proper brake application, operation and maintenance. “It’s important to keep in mind that advances in collision mitigation technology
Saving fuel, improving efficiency with lift axles
Lift axles, so named for the attached air bags or springs that lift the axle off the road’s surface when it is not needed, are becoming an increasingly popular option for fleets. Lift axles can be mounted on either the truck or the trailer, and promise fuel and tire savings since the axle is only
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
How bridge formula laws impact lift axle design
One important aspect affecting the spec’ing of lift axles is the Bridge Formula, which was created by the federal government in order to keep bridges from becoming too overloaded. This federal law states that two or more consecutive axles may not exceed the weight computed by the Bridge Formula even though single axles, tandem axles
Mitsubishi Fuso is going electric
After a year of in-use testing demonstrated a 64% savings in operating costs compared to an equivalent diesel-powered vehicle in the same service, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. (MFTA) will debut two prototypes of its Fuso E-cell all-electric truck at The Work Truck Show 2016. One of the prototypes will be available for test drives
To protect and serve: The value of air ride suspensions
When it comes to specifying the right system, fleets need to rely on the expertise of suppliers. For example, Jim Rushe, program manager of on-highway trailer products at Hendrickson International, says that “Hendrickson has a sales and service network that works directly with the fleet to understand its anticipated cargo and the equipment operating conditions.
How to save fuel with improved truck and trailer aerodynamics
When running a heavy-duty fleet, there’s no such thing as small savings. Even a seemingly small percentage of fuel economy saved can add up to thousands of dollars and be the difference between a profitable fleet and one that lags behind the competition. That’s why a large variety of aerodynamic products are available to help
Keeping an eye on 2016’s next big thing
Telematics and data-driven truck analytics have come along way since their inception. No longer are they obtuse, mystical systems. Today’s data-powered solutions come with email updates, at-a-glance dashboard reports and more to help fleet managers make split second equipment decisions. But these systems still have some road to cover before it’s considered an equipment necessity.
Detroit to produce new medium-duty engines, DT12 AMT in Michigan production facility
Daimler Trucks announced a $375 million investment to enable production of the new DD5 and DD8 medium duty engines at Detroit brand headquarters and manufacturing facility in Redford, Mich. Additionally, Daimler Trucks’ powertrain celebrated the production commencement of its automated manual transmission (AMT), the DT12. With the launch , the company is delivering on the
Matchmaking and downspeeding
Choosing an engine, transmission and axles that are specifically matched to work together for optimum performance is a fast emerging trend. When I say “optimum performance,” I mean maximum fuel efficiency with the right horsepower engines, coupled with an automated manual transmission that shifts at exactly the right RPM, and an axle with the best
