Big Blue test rig helps instill confidence in durability of Ridewell's suspensions
Ridewell Corp, a Springfield MO-based suspension manufacturer, has installed Big Blue, a four-axis test rig that was two years in the making.
Big Blue doesn't eliminate field testing, but lets Ridewell put a suspension on the road with confidence that the product will meet durability and performance requirements. The computer-controlled system consists of four servo-hydraulic actuators that can measure and control force and displacement. This new equipment compresses test time by accelerating fatigue loading, increases accuracy of measured and controlled variables, and provides continuous or intermittent data acquisition of desired test measurements.
The brains of the system are a Windows-based PC, a dedicated controller, and software that can acquire data and program both block cycle and road load tests. Braking force, lateral loads, curb loads, and vibration are applied by overloading the suspension, thus accelerating the test. In this manner, most suspensions are tested to failure.
For more information, contact Jason Dillard, Ridewell, PO Box 4586, Springfield MO 65808.
Dana expands heavy-vehicle tech center
Dana Corp has announced plans for a $6 million expansion of its heavy-vehicle research and development center in Kalamazoo MI.The expansion, which began in September, is scheduled for completion in early 2004.
Dana's Heavy Vehicle Technology Center houses the headquarters and research-and-development center for Dana's Commercial Vehicle Systems Group — North America.
The expansion will add 15,000 square feet to the current 155,000-square-foot facility and includes a significant investment in technologically advanced test equipment.
Dana to move assembly to South Carolina
Dana Corp's Commercial Vehicle Systems Group plans to move the assembly of trailer axles, brakes, suspension systems, and ride and control systems from its Montgomery AL facility to its Lugoff SC facility.
The Lugoff site has more than 16 years of experience in assembling advanced chassis modules and systems. This facility has an infrastructure tailored to the manufacture of complete assemblies, supporting the division's growth plans in the further development of integrated ride and control systems. In addition, the facility provides ample capacity for growth.
Program lets participating trucks tap into idle-reduction technology
After several months of testing two “no-idle” trucks with Ozark Trucking Inc, The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is ready to roll out equipment that will allow trucks to be self-contained, no-idle trucks.
EPRI received a $200,000 grant under the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Transport program. Fleets interested in the program can install a subsidized Dometic or Taylor Made air-conditioner/heater unit, Xantrex inverter/charger, Phillips & Temro basic cab wiring kit, and from one to three Lifeline VRLA batteries.
Bill Warf, project manager with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, says the system lets a driver plug into “shore power” to run in-cab heat and air-conditioning and auxiliary devices, or use battery power if plug-ins aren't available.
Under the grant, fleets purchase a tailored, onboard idle-reduction technology package, and EPRI reimburses 50% of the cost. EPRI's project team will assist the fleet with installing the first few systems. Warf said participants must track the reduced idle time and maintenance costs for 12 months, and the fleet is then obligated to reinvest those savings in additional idle-reduction technologies.
According to Warf, the test period with Sacramento-based Ozark went well and idling was reduced by nearly 75%. “We documented the average idle time for seven of Ozark's long-haul trucks, and they were averaging 1,788 hours of idling per truck, per year,” he said. “With our idle-reduction technology, we should see a reduction of 1,344 hours — that's based on extrapolating the data to 12 months. That's a direct savings of more than $2,000 a year in fuel, per truck (based on $1.49 per gallon). What's more, it's a reduction of 425 pounds of nitrogen oxides and 11 tons of carbon dioxide per year, per truck.”
For more information about the SmartWay program, visit www.epa.gov/smartway/transport or phone Warf at 916-732-6976.
Concept vehicle includes Night Scan system
Will-Burt Co has announced that General Motors Corp (GMC) has included its Night Scan Featherlite lighting system on GMC's list of features on its Savana Installer Pro concept vehicle.
The Savana Installer Pro is a concept version of the newly introduced Savana Pro Van. The Night Scan Featherlite installed on the van is a 12-volt DC/24-volt DC lightweight remote-controlled, roof-mounted lighting system that features one-button auto stow and full rotation and tilt capabilities.
“The 51-lb Night Scan is ideal for smaller vehicle use,” said Marlin Nicol, Will-Burt lighting sales manager. “Roof-mounted, the 30"-high light fixture automatically folds down when not in use. Benefits include providing a safer working environment, more visibility, better lighting, and hands-free portability.” For more details, contact Will-Burt, 169 S Main St, PO Box 900, Orrville OH 44667.
Parts issue counter simplifies item retrieval
Lista International Corp presents its modular automotive parts issue counter, configured with high-density drawer storage cabinets and shelf cabinets. The issue counter maximizes usable storage and workspace, while improving item retrieval and inventory control. Modularity of the cabinets allows items of various sizes and shapes to be stored. When paired with Lista's butcher block or steel countertops, the cabinets can provide parts departments with an organized counter and an aesthetically pleasing, professional image.
Modular drawer and shelf cabinets provide clean, safe storage for an array of fast-moving parts while simpliyfing retrieval of these items. The countertop provides ample space for computer workstations, reference materials, and parts awaiting pick-up.
Cabinet drawers each have a 440-lb load capacity, and come in seven sidewall heights. Drawer dividers have angled tops that can accommodate most bar codes. Each drawer can be subdividedto create organized, customized compartments.
To find out more, contact Lista, 106 Lowland St, Holliston MA 01746-2094.
Fourth Cat ACERT engine gains approval
Caterpillar Inc has received 2004 certification by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the company's fourth on-highway truck and bus engine equipped with the company's breakthrough Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology (ACERT) technology.
The fourth EPA-certified Caterpillar engine with ACERT technology is the C13 engine, designed for general freight or line-haul truck fleets that carry goods such as home appliances, building materials, and refrigerated foods. Offered in the 335- to 430-horsepower range, the C13 is also heavily used in tanker trucks that serve the oil, petroleum and agricultural industries. The C13 is also used in vocational-class trucks including dump trucks, refuse haulers, and cement mixers.
Eaton, Matco team to boost tool availability
Eaton Corp has partnered with Matco Tools of Stow OH to expand availability of its new line of Eaton MD Mobile Diagnostic service tools. Matco and its more than 1,500 distributors will provide its customer base of truck technicians with convenient means to purchase the Eaton MD tool.
In addition, Eaton provides Matco hand tools and tool kits through its web site, www.roadrangerstore.com. Matco markets and delivers products and services to the Class 6-8 trucking industry, including hand tools, air tools, tool storage, shop equipment, engine service, chassis service, as well as diagnostic service and tool kits.
Matco tool catalogs are available by phoning 866-BUY-TOOL. More details are available at www.matcotools.com or e-mail Julianne Burgess at [email protected] for more information.
A complete list of training session sites for the Eaton MD Tool is available at www.eatonmdtools.com.
Bulitex passes tear test with flying colors
US Liner Co has announced the results of tear tests conducted on its re-engineered Bulitex translucent roofs. A major trailer OEM recently tested these roofs against competitive brands, including those promoted as enhanced tear-resistant. Test results indicated that Bulitex was more tear-resistant; in fact, it was 41% more impervious to tears than enhanced tear-resistant roofs.
The tests were conducted in May 2003 with results measured in pounds of pressure required to tear the roof samples. While it required just 69 pounds of pressure to tear an extra-tear-resistant roof, it took 117 pounds of pressure to initiate a tear in Bulitex.
During the re-engineering of Bulitex translucent roofs, improved vapor barriers were also incorporated, rendering the roofs moisture-resistant. These improvements earned the product a five-year leakproof guarantee.
To receive a copy of the test results or for more information, contact US Liner, 2301-10 Duss Ave, Ambridge PA 15003.
RPH 25,000 winch adds two-speed option
Ramsey's RPH Series planetary hydraulic winch series has added a new 25,000 two-speed winch option. The two-speed winch has the same features and benefits of the RPH 25,000:
- Rated line pull of 25 pounds
- Gear reduction ratio of 25.53:1
- Efficient two-stage hydraulic planetary design
- Line speed of 27 feet per minute at 15 gpm
- Spring-applied hydraulic released disc brake
- Advanced modular motor and brake design
- Air shift clutch
- Convenient foot mount
- Ramsey cable tensioners available
For more information, contact Ramsey, PO Box 581510, Tulsa OK 74158-1510.
For soft ride, Roadranger has AdVANtage
The Roadranger AdVANtage trailer air-ride suspension system meets the special needs of the van and refrigerated trailer markets with air-ride modules for cargo protection and a soft ride.
AdVANtage's design minimizes weight while maintaining strength. Highlights include the Stay-Align mechanism that reduces tire wear, EZ-Pull technology to improve performance and reduce maintenance, and single- or double-anchor pin brakes for parts commonality between tractor and trailer.
The Roadranger system is a joint initiative between Eaton Corp and Dana Corp. For more information, phone 800-826-4357 or visit www.roadranger.com.
Hay bale mover installs in pickup bed
Ed Altheide, owner of Snowman Snowplow Inc, has announced a new hay bale mover design by his company. The Snowman hay bale mover installs easily using the pickup's fifthwheel hookup. The design permits installation and removal without welding or modification to the pickup bed.
This system includes an electric-over-hydraulic power unit for fast bale pick-up. The hay bale mover operates from the cab with a toggle control switch. A heavy-duty wire-meshed harness system has molded quick-disconnect ends to allow the operator to unplug at the bumper and remove the bale mover from the back of the bed in minutes.
For more information, contact Snowman, PO Box 78, Bloomfield IA 52537.
Labelmaster lock secures trailers, containers
Labelmaster offers the King Pin Lock to secure truck transportation trailers and ocean containers and the cargo they contain. Made of solid-cast, ductile, cast-iron steel alloy, this single-component design is user-friendly, right down to the convenient carrying handle. It locks without a key, and the all-purpose carrying handle prevents accidental locking when stored in the ready-to-use position.
For more information, contact Labelmaster, 5724 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago IL 60646-6797.
Thermal Regenerator receives VERT approval
ArvinMeritor's Commercial Vehicle Systems' active diesel particulate filter regeneration system, the Thermal Regenerator, in combination with a Corning DuraTrap RC wall flow particulate filter, has received approval for use with European commercial vehicle applications.
Approval came from VERT (Verminderung der Emissionen von Real-Dieselmotoren im Tunnelbau), which consists of Swiss, German, and Austrian occupational health authorities that developed methods to evaluate and verify exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
The Thermal Regenerator, which may be used with original equipment and retrofit commercial vehicle and mining applications, senses when the diesel particulate filter is full and regenerates by automatically initiating combustion of the accumulated particulate matter. This system was developed to support worldwide initiatives to improve emissions standards for particulate matter and nitrogen oxide levels, including the upcoming Environmental Protection Agency 2007 regulations.
VERT testing concluded that the Thermal Regenerator with the Corning filter ensured effective regeneration and controlled the particulate matter emissions efficiently by removing up to 99.8% of nanoparticles. As part of the verification process, the Thermal Regenerator was fitted to a vehicle and operated for 2,000 hours over 56,000 miles. After the road test, there was no deterioration in filtration and regeneration.
ConocoPhillips brands offer MiraClean line
ConocoPhillips Co has announced that the MiraClean line of safe biodegradable cleaning products, manufactured by Mirachem Corp, will be offered by marketers of all four brands, including Conoco, Phillips 66, 76 Lubricants, and Kendall Motor Oil.
MiraClean's technology provides environmentally safe cleaning products to service industrial cleaning requirements. Products are formulated to replace flammable/combustible, high-VOC, smog-producing solvents by the nation's most stringent air quality authority, the Southern California South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Through its industry partners, Miraclean also offers equipment and fluid management service to complement its cleaning technology. Products include MiraClean 500 cleaner/degreaser, MiraClean 750 low-foam cleaner/degreaser, MiraClean pressroom cleaner, MiraClean 250 rust and scale remover, and various facility maintenance and cleaning products.
Tuthill suspension gains a little jounce
The AR Series air-ride suspension from Tuthill Transport Technologies now offers 6¼" of upward axle travel (jounce). This improves performance in both self-steer axle applications and when straight liftable axles are required.
Other advantages of these suspensions include:
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6" pivot bushing engineered to provide better geometry and performance
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Rey-Align — a one person alignment system lateral stress-reducing axle clamp group connection and specially designed gussets for strength
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Wider/supportive axle connection
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2" longer weld/axle connection
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More supportive and forgiving axle connection
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23,000- to -30,000-lb capacities
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Compatible with self-steer axle
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Full warranty available
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Four lift mechanisms and sliders optional
For more information, contact Tuthill, 2715 N Airport Commerce, Springfield MO 65803.
Fuel-saving system definitely holds water
A Canadian company said it has found a way to make older trucks burn less fuel and cut emission levels: a two-liter bottle of water.
“Our system makes hydrogen on demand from specially distilled water, then adds it to the intake air of a truck's diesel engine to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions,” said Glenn Davis, vice-president of Pickering, Ontario-based Dynamic Fuel Systems.
Davis said the company's special “reactor,” which fits neatly behind the cab of the truck, breaks the water up into a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, then injects that gas into the intake air stream after the turbocharger — but before it enters the combustion chamber.
He said the hydrogen/oxygen gas then mixes with diesel so it burns completely at the top of the engine's piston stroke, providing more horsepower and torque, improving fuel economy, and reducing emissions generated by incomplete combustion.
“This process also cools the engine down, since the fuel is burned all at once and not all the way down the engine cylinder,” Davis said. “With cooler operating temperatures, you can then extend engine oil life.”
He said Dynamic's hydrogen fuel system — marketed under the name JetStar — can increase fuel economy anywhere between 10% to 30% on a Class 8 truck and reduce emissions of particulates and nitrogen oxides to state and federally mandated levels.
The JetStar system takes two hours to retrofit onto a Class 8 truck and can be leased by a truck owner for $350 a month. Davis also said that just one two liter bottle of water provides enough hydrogen to power the system for 5,000 miles.
Securetight exceeds NACSS requirement
When the new Federal North American Cargo Securement System (NACSS) regulation takes effect Jan 1, 2004, East Manufacturing's Securetight cargo control system will exceed its requirement for protection against shifting and falling cargo. The patented system from East also exceeds the Canadian Test Method 905.
Provided on all East flatbed trailers, Securetight starts with side rail extrusions designed for adjustable chain tiedowns and a winch strap capture system (that use winch clips designed by East). Tiedowns and winch clips are interchangeable on either side of the trailer. Torque can then be applied on both sides to help stabilize uneven loads. The movable tiedowns across the top of the side rail provide positive locking every 3". A second track on the inside edge, adjacent to the main rails, is also available.
The Securetight system allows the strap to go inside, not over top of the rub rail. This protects the strap from chafing against the rub rail (which also doubles its potential service life), and from shearing or cutting should the trailer be accidentally involved in a mishap.
With an optional benefit called Securelight, the hollow core side rail design allows wiring to be fully enclosed. This solves the problem of moisture causing shorts in the lighting system. East trailers with Securelight have recessed versus surface-mounted lights. This provides additional area around pocket spools and rub rails to secure chains or straps.
For complete details, contact East, 1871 State Route 44, PO Box 277, Randolph OH 44265.
Workhorse offers Vortec gasoline engines
Workhorse Custom Chassis is offering the next generation of Vortec gasoline engines for its 2004 model year chassis and walk-in trucks. General Motors' new Vortec V-8 4.8-liter (LR4) and 6.0 liter (LQ4) gasoline engines bring power and torque to walk-in truck users while improving fuel economy, maintenance, and overall performance.
The LR4 has 270 horsepower at 5,200 rpm with 285 ft-lb of torque at 4,000 rpm. The LQ4 has 300 hp at 4,400 rpm with 355 ft-lb of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both have sequential fuel injection and two overhead valves per cylinder.
These engines provide 7% to 10% better fuel economy than Workhorse's previous standard gas engine. Oil change intervals of 7,500 miles, coolant life of 150,000 miles, and platinum-tipped spark plugs good for 100,000 miles are also benefits.
Also improving fuel economy and reducing emissions is an electronic throttle control (ETC) that replaces the mechanical throttle link. ETC provides greater responsiveness and reliability than a mechanical connection.
The pistons on the engines have been reshaped and profiled differently to allow tighter tolerances between piston and cylinder without additional wear. Pistons are also coated with a polymer material to further reduce wear and dampen noise. Cast-aluminum cylinder heads and composite intake manifold also reduce weight while contributing to cooler operation.
A new Power Control Module (PCM) optimizes performance and virtually eliminates unintended variation in different functions, from ignition timing to fuel delivery to transmission shift points.
Power boom extensions an HT crane option
Venturo Truck Cranes has developed fully hydraulic power boom extensions on its HT40 and HT50 series of 6,000- and 8,000-lb hydraulic service cranes.
Offered as an option to the standard 16' power boom extension, the new boom will eliminate the operator hassles of pulling pins manually pulling the 4' boom extension to 20'. The new boom uses a 10' piggyback dual extension cylinder, so the user merely activates the extension function on the corded or radio remote control to automatically extend the boom from its fully retracted 10' position to its fully extended 20' position. The boom extension can be operated under full load of either 40,000 ft-lb for the HT40KX crane or 50,000 ft-lb for the HT50KX crane.
The HT40KX and HT50KX fully hydraulic service cranes are available with a line of electric and electric/hydraulic cranes manufactured by Venturo and sold through a nationwide network of authorized truck equipment and body distributors providing installation and service throughout the United States and Canada. Cranes also are provided with an equipment-matched heavy-duty crane service body or as a turnkey package unit.
For more information, contact Venturo, 12110 Best Place, Cincinnati OH 45241.
Kenworth to provide Cummins ISL engines
Kenworth Truck Co will offer Cummins ISL engines as original equipment for its trucks. The Kenworth 8.9-liter engine will be provided in ratings of 310 to 350 horsepower and 1,050 to 1,250 ft-lb of torque.
According to Tom Kieffer, Cummins executive director for marketing, the Cummins ISL is up to 37% quieter than the previous ISL engine. The quieter operation is due to pilot fuel injection and a revised gear cover, he said.
Cummins said performance and reliability have been enhanced through the use of a new High Pressure Common Rail fuel system with electronically controlled injectors. High injection fuel pressures are maintained regardless of engine speed for optimum performance across the entire rpm range, the engine maker said.
Designed with 24-valve centered fuel injection, Cummins said the ISL offers optimum combustion. The result is improved performance, increased efficiency, less noise, and reduced emissions.
Crane can lift six tons, reach up to 24 feet
Maintainer Corporation of Iowa Inc has filled a market need for a 12,000-lb-capacity service body crane that provides extra reach. The new Model 6220/24 crane comes with a full hydraulic extension to either 20 or 24 feet. Some of the crane's other features include:
- Proportional crane control
- Worm gear winch with high-torque winch motor
- 615 degrees of rotation
- Live swivel hook
- Short or tall tower configurations
For more information, contact Maintainer, PO Box 349, 1701 S 2nd Ave, Sheldon IA 51201.
Thermo King's SB-400 units help keep Honey Transport out of sticky situations
Honey Transport recently placed an order for 12 SB-400 units from Thermo King and took delivery of the first ones in the United States. The SB-400 unit was designed with deep frozen cargo in mind. It features high cooling capacity at low temperatures and super-fast temperature pull-down while providing superior fuel efficiency.
Based in Florida, Honey has been in business since 1968 and specializes in frozen seafood and LTL. It has expanded the business into cold storage and currently employs 150 people.
“We started our business with one truck. Actually we started with two trucks, but the second truck broke down right away. Now we have more than 100,” said Dan Campbell, chief executive officer of Honey.
Thermo King and Honey have had a longstanding relationship. “When they were just starting out and only had one truck, their reefer unit broke down with a load on it. We gave them credit and got their truck back on the road. Since then, Honey Transport knows it can count on us for service and product performance,” said David Harrelson, general manager of Orlando FL-based Carter Thermo King Inc.
What appealed most to Campbell when placing the order for the SB-400 was the extra capacity it provided. After the initial order, Honey ordered five more. “We always try to buy the latest and greatest,” said Campbell.
“The SB-400 refrigeration unit is a true fusion of power and precision,” said Doug Lenz, Thermo King product manager-trailer and rail products. “By utilizing the best available technology for cooling performance and temperature, the SB-400 unit provides maximum capacity at all box conditions and the control required to maintain fresh or frozen products in optimum condition.”
Standard SB features include the MP-VI Smart Reefer controller with OptiSet temperature management system, maintenance-reducing EMI-3000 system, electronic throttling valve, onboard data acquistition system with WINTRAC software, Whisper quiet package, S-391 screw compressor, and a 12,000-hour coolant.
Critical Spot Sprayer applies liquids of different types
Force America's Critical Spot Sprayer assembly is designed for light- to medium-duty truck applications.
Featuring stainless steel spray bars and high-strength UV-stabilized tanks, the Critical Spot Sprayer can accurately apply liquids of all specific gravities. The Critical Spot Sprayer is suitable for parking lot, sidewalk, bridge, and intersection de-icing and anti-icing applications, and is adaptable for herbicide spraying applications.
For more details, contact Force America, 1601 Airport Rd, Waukesha WI 53188.
Kenworth designates Dana Spicer axles as standard
Kenworth Truck Co will offer the newly improved Dana Spicer E-1202I steer axle series as standard equipment for its North American Class 8 commercial vehicles. Dana Spicer E-1200I series steer axles were previously standard on Kenworth trucks.
Available models include the Dana Spicer E-1002I, E-1202I, E-1322I, and E-1462I steer axles for use on Kenworth Class 8 vehicles. E-1202I series steer axles are assembled in Dana's Humboldt TN and Toluca, Mexico, facilities for Kenworth facilities in Renton WA; Chillicothe OH; Ste Therese, Quebec, Canada; and Mexicali, Mexico.
Dana chosen to supply Volvo
Dana Corp has been selected by Volvo Powertrain to supply Spicer driveshaft assemblies for Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, Volvo Bus Corp, and Volvo Construction Equipment products in the European market.
The five-year supply agreement, which runs through 2007, provides that Dana will supply Spicer Compact 2000, PEP, SPL, and Italcardano wing-style driveshafts.
WeatherTite overhead door supported with warranty
TODCO is backing its newest product, the WeatherTite polycomposite overhead door, with a limited warranty on WeatherTite door panels for 10 years against defects in material or workmanship. This warranty should boost confidence that these door panels will stand up to salt spray corrosion, moisture absorption, UV rays, and surface abrasion.
For more information on the WeatherTite 10-year limited warranty, visit TODCO at www.todco.com.
TSE phases out program
After more than 40 years and more than three million disassembled cores, TSE Brakes Inc has phased out the New Performance Brand remanufactured spring brake program.
TSE is increasing production of standard Omnibrake, Omni-A (Aluminum), HOT, XL Extended Life, and air disc brake actuators, ranging in size from Types 10 through 40. Closure of the remanufacturing program will allow TSE to shift additional resources to focus on OEM customers.
Gooseneck facilitates low-angle loading
Witzco Challenger Trailers has a new removable gooseneck (RG) trailer accessory for easy, low-angle front loading/unloading. This non-ground bearing gooseneck features four-position adjustment of the trailer's run height for field pickups and off-road operations. Witzco's RG-Series is designed with a wider center frame for improved stability. The single-pivot articulator is powered by twin 6" hydraulic cylinders as a standard feature.
A multiple-cylinder RG design enhances operational efficiency.
For more details, contact Witzco, 6101 S McIntosh Rd, Sarasota FL 34238.
Mounts, towing balls sport rugged good looks
Buyers Products Co has added stainless steel ball mounts and towing balls to its line of towing products.
The stainless steel ball mounts combine ruggedness with an attractive appearance. Available with a 2" or 3" drop, these ball mounts are designed for use with a standard 2" receiver and bear a 6,000-lb capacity.
Stainless steel towing balls complete the towing package. Towing balls come with 1⅞"- or 2"-diameter balls, with capacities of 5,000 and 7,000 pounds, respectively. The 2" ball is also available in a “golf ball” style. For more information, contact Buyers Products Co, 9049 Tyler Blvd, Mentor OH 44060.
Primaax can minimize driveline vibration
Hendrickson's new Primaax air suspension is designed for the demands of vocational and heavy-haul truck and tractor applications. It features a suspension geometry that reduces suspension-induced driveline vibration.
Primaax has been field-tested in applications with peak engine torques as high as 2,200 ft-lb, resulting in elimination or reduction of frame rise during peak driveline torque often found in trailing arm air suspensions. This reduction of frame rise and suspension geometry combine to maintain pinion angles throughout axle travel.
The suspension geometry in Primaax also boosts stability. Forged support beams, outboard-mounted torque rods, and a highly engineered crossbeam combine to deliver up to twice the amount of roll stiffness of other air-ride suspensions.
Primaax has large-volume air springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers. The improved ride quality also reduces noise, vibration, and harshness for longer life of truck components and body equipment. Air springs and shock absorbers are packaged within the envelope of the tire.
With a 46,000-lb tandem rating, Primaax is available for use with multiple lift axles and GCWR of 180,000 pounds. It also offers up to 8" of axle travel for improved suspension articulation.
Primaax comes in single-, tandem-, and tridem-axle ratings of 23,000, 46,000, and 69,000 pounds. It should be available in April 2003. For more details, contact Hendrickson, 800 S Frontage Rd, Woodridge IL 60517-4904.
Magnum keeps its cool in high ambient temps
Thermo King Corp's new Magnum container reefer unit saves power, protects the environment, reaches setpoint faster, and maintains -35° C box temperature in a 50° C ambient.
Magnum demonstrates superior temperature control, faster pulldown, and reduced power consumption, according to independent tests conducted by Cambridge Research Technology (CRT) and by Forschungszentrum für Kaletechnik und Wärmepumpen GmbH Weidendamm (FKW), an independent consulting company based in Hanover, Germany.
With most cargo boxes, heat leakage increases at a rate of 3% to 5% per year. But even when factoring in heat leakage of a 15-year container, the Magnum unit can maintain the deep-frozen cargo in a 50° C ambient, which extends usable box life. The thermal aluminum coating of the digital scroll compressor also helps it withstand tough environmental conditions.
The FKW report also gives Thermo King high marks for Magnum's simple design that operates with fewer controlling devices. Magnum maintains any box temperatures while reducing overall energy consumption an average of 30%. CRT and FKW testing revealed that the Magnum could cut power costs compared with R-134a reciprocating equipment.
Magnum also has a lower Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) than other containers, according to Thermo King.
For more information, contact Thermo King, 314 W 90th St, Minneapolis MN 55420-3693.