Good “connections” and “safe” landings
Weight savings, less maintenance, more convenience
drive development of fifth wheels and landing gear
Buying for resale
Heavy-duty truck makers weigh-in
Avoiding wheel runoff with proper torquing
Darry Stuart gives good advice regarding today’s hot issues
Fontaine introduces lightweight fifth wheel
Fontaine Fifth Wheel introduced a new, lightweight fifth wheel slider system. The company said the compact Fontaine Ultra LT is as light as an aluminum fifth wheel, with the additional strength, durability and cost-effectiveness provided by its formed steel top plate construction.
The new fifth wheel offers weight savings of up to 100 lbs. or more over other fifth wheel systems, which can help offset heavy 2010 emission system components and improve fuel economy, the company added.
For use in on-highway applications only, including highway tanker operations, the Ultra LT is offered as a complete system that includes the top plate and one of a variety of mounting configurations, including compact inboard and outboard slide assemblies and a stationary mount, Fontaine noted.
Smart Choices – Braun’s Express
From tractors and trailers to onboard monitoring/evaluation systems,
Braun’s Express adopts technologies that enhance its operating efficiency
When tire stems that seem okay fail
Truck maintenance may often seem like a balancing act. This is especially true with new technology, components, environmental regulations and supplier consolidation.
Alcoa adds new 14-in. LvL ONE wheel to lineup
Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products has added another member to its LvL ONE line. The new, 14-in. LvL ONE wide base wheel weighs only 62 lbs. Long-haul operators still running on steel wheels can realize a 1,344-lb. reduction in rig weight by converting to these new aluminum wheels, Alcoa noted. According to independent fuel studies, the conversion can result in fuel savings as high as 7%.
Help prevent wheel-off accidents
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) reminds commercial vehicle operators that improper installation procedures can lead to tragic wheel-off accidents. Every commercial vehicle operator should keep in mind: • Proper torque is not a guarantee that the wheel is secure on the hub or drum––the key is clamping force. Even with the correct torque, foreign material
Look for these articles
Management TechniquesMaintenance softwareVehicle TechnologyFifth wheel and landing gear updatesSpec’ing for . . . Fuel efficiencyMapping and routingBi-monthly Departments . . .Aftermarket InsightsBest Practices: Tricks of the TradeTransport Refrigeration Topics
Look for these articles
Management TechniquesMaintenance softwareVehicle TechnologyFifth wheel and landing gear updatesSpec’ing for . . . Fuel efficiencyMapping and routingBi-monthly Departments . . .Aftermarket InsightsBest Practices: Tricks of the TradeTransport Refrigeration Topics