How GHG regulations will affect transmissions
GHG Phase 2 regulations are coming in 2020, and while engines are the most obviously affected truck part, other components from the transmission to the suspension will be affected too. Fleet Equipment reached out to ask transmission manufacturers how the upcoming standards will affect fleets’ transmission needs. One answer: powertrain integration will become more important
Application awareness is key when spec’ing axles
Application is key when spec’ing your truck’s components, and that goes for parts as big as the engine to those as small as wheel bearings. For now, let’s start at the beginning of the alphabet and talk about how application should affect your axle choice. First things first: The axle, of course, works very closely
New oils lead to longer life
While many fleets may be looking at potentially extending their drain intervals beyond the engine OEM recommendations, those recommendations themselves are much longer now than they have been in the past. This trend has been ongoing for years, but recently got a boost from the introduction of the new API CK-4 and FA-4 oil categories.
Safety system 101: The simple facts about today’s advanced safety systems
Let’s face it: while advanced safety systems offer numerous benefits, the fast-advancing nature of this technology has led to some confusion in the marketplace. While we all may understand what collision mitigation systems do in the big-picture sense, the details of each system are not always so easily understood: Does it have forward collision warning
Easing into efficiency: The importance of driver training with new powertrains
For seasoned drivers, the learning curve is less about the complexity of learning new tasks and more about learning to work with the truck and powertrain to achieve a smoother ride and to reduce fatigue. “In addition to spec’ing the right powertrain, driver training is critical to achieve optimal performance,” said Brian Daniels, manager for
Over-the-air engine reprogramming: How it works
The over-the-air updating process varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Here’s an at-a-glance look at how the process works for each of them.
Over-the-air engine reprogramming: What it is and why you should care
You’ve read the headline, so let’s get right down to business. The majority of heavy-duty engine manufacturers, namely Cummins, Detroit, International and Volvo Trucks, have rolled out over-the-air (OTA) engine reprogramming this year, giving you the power to update your 2017 model year and newer engines wherever your trucks are on the road (provided there
Daimler Trucks North America makes collision mitigation system and air disc brakes standard on the new Freightliner Cascadia
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced that the Detroit Assurance 4.0 collision mitigation system and Meritor EX+ L air disc brakes are standard on all new Freightliner Cascadia truck models. “The safety of all drivers on the road—whether behind the wheel of a truck or in a passenger vehicle—has always been one of our key
Update from the road: Hands on with the Detroit DD8 engine, Peterbilt Model 579 UltraLoft
After a slow January, travel picked up for the FE team in February with two major events: the first was a test drive of Detroit’s new DD8, 7.7-liter engine in sunny Palm Beach Florida. The DD8 offers the following power ratings: The DD8 single turbo offering boasts engine ratings of: • 260 HP, 660 ft./lb.
How the latest axle technology integrates into powertrains
If the engine is the heart of your powertrain and the transmission is the shifting brains behind the operation, then the axle is the muscle, propelling your truck down the highway. While the engine and transmission get much of the spotlight, the axle plays a key role in increasing efficiency—in both proprietary powertrains and those
Detroit Connect makes over-the-air Remote Updates available for the new Freightliner Cascadia
Detroit Connect Remote Updates are now available for the new Freightliner Cascadia spec’d with Detroit engines. With Remote Updates, fleets can now make over-the-air engine parameter changes on one or more trucks and download Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC) reports without having to physically touch the vehicle. “Our goal is to help trucks stay on
Detroit’s new DD8 engine aims to tackle a variety of applications
Kelly Gedert and her team of Detroit product specialists stand before an arsenal of Freightliner trucks outfitted for everything from dump and delivery to flatbed and refuse. Under the hood, they share one important similarity—they’re all powered by the new Detroit DD8 engine. The 7.7-liter engine rounds out Detroit’s medium-duty and vocational power plant offering
