Education, effort help you get the most from TPMS and ATIS
Understanding the difference between tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS), as well as proper maintenance for both systems, is an important part of supporting a well-run fleet. “The function of TPMS is to alert drivers when a tire is low, but the system does not add air to the low
Staying safer: The improving technology of safety systems
Technology is at its best when it’s moving industry forward. In the trucking industry, it can help make equipment more productive, more efficient and, perhaps most importantly, safer. Safety is a topic that’s always at the forefront of the trucking world—from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability to the National Transportation
The truck equipment trend of the year
It’s been the talk of the industry all year. Its importance goes beyond monetary savings by preserving equipment and mitigating collisions. This year, Fleet Equipment crowns advanced safety systems as its 2015 Truck Equipment Trend of the Year. “Fleets are asking about safety systems; the percentage of orders for a collision mitigation radar system for
The latest innovations in tractor tire inflation
All indicators lead in the same direction. A 2013 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cites defective tires as a leading factor in crashes involving commercial vehicles. A 2010 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) report
Bendix air disc brakes optional on SAF-Holland Neway LSZ suspension
SAF-Holland announced that Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes are now available as an option on the Neway LSZ Steerable Lift Axle Suspension System. The ADB22X disc brake was selected as an option on the Neway LSZ because its unique two-pin floating caliper design results in fewer components, requiring less maintenance, according to SAF-Holland. With an
Optimizing suspensions to lower total cost of ownership
As fleets continue to seek new technology that lowers their overall total cost of ownership (TCO) while improving safety and performance, notes Bill Hicks, director of product planning/market development for the Trailer Suspension Business Unit at SAF-Holland, suspension/axle suppliers are responding with a total system integration approach. “This presents opportunities for matching and optimizing the
Top brake questions, answered
The No. 1 job of truck brakes is safety; within that application, there’s more than one way to stop a truck. Drums have been the brake of choice for many trucks, but air disc brakes (ADBs) continue to gain popularity in nearly all heavy-duty on-road applications. “Current [ADB] market penetration is in the 12% to
Blue Bird recognizes Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems has been named the Blue Bird Corp. 2014 Supplier of the Year. Blue Bird presented the 2014 Supplier Awards during its annual Supplier Conference held in Macon, Ga. With more than 390 production suppliers, the company recognized 10 distinguished suppliers for their commitment to quality, innovation, service and timely delivery, said
Building a safer heavy-duty truck
In a national poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies in late September on attitudes about the trucking industry, 80% of survey recipients said they believe truck drivers are safer than passenger vehicle drivers. Additionally, 90% of respondents said passenger vehicle drivers are more likely to speed than truck drivers, and 74% think that when an
Bendix announces 2015 vehicle active safety systems
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC will launch the next generation of its active safety technologies in 2015, introducing stationary vehicle braking and other functions for the North American market. According to Bendix, the next generation technology significantly enhances the performance of its existing systems through stronger, deeper integration and upgraded components. It also delivers alert
The importance of tire pressure monitoring
Keeping a close eye on tire pressure can also impact your bottom line. Under-inflated tires flex excessively under load, producing heat and increasing rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. Tires inflated 10 PSI below recommended levels can reduce truck fuel economy up to 1%. In addition, stress from flexing causes fast and uneven wear, shortening the
