Maintenance in the trucking industry used to be a relatively simple discipline, one based on mechanical know-how married to manual dexterity for turning wrenches and replacing components. But with the continuing integration of electronics to control and optimize everything from fuel economy to driver comforts, computer-based diagnostics have become de rigueur within the industry to the point where the job title “mechanic” is rapidly being replaced by “technician” in the maintenance lexicon.
A federal appeals court has agreed with some of Navistar’s major competitors that the Environmental Protection Agency should not have allowed Navistar to continue selling its MaxxForce advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) diesel engines subject to non-conformance penalties (NCPs) even though they did not meet the agency’s standards for oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The U.S....More
A special eight-month initiative focusing on the safety of motorcoach operations resulted in placing 52 bus companies and 340 vehicles out of service, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said. Called Operation Quick Strike, the program involved more than 50 specially trained investigators conducting in-depth reviews into the safety practices of the 250 most at-risk motorcoach companies as reflected in roadside inspection and safety data....More
A new portable hand-held meter from Parker Hannifin Corp. provides portable maintenance and diagnostic data for hydraulics and pneumatics. The SensoControl Diagnostic Serviceman Plus features Parker’s “plug and play” automatic sensor recognition that immediately scales the measurement range, eliminating confusing and time-consuming setup routines. ...More
Durham Manufacturing has released five new storage units for maintenance shops. The company is offering two new bearing racks as well as three wall-mounted cabinet options.
The bearing racks are made using prime cold-rolled steel. Each unit has six full panel cradles holding up to 75 lbs. each. Cradles, when fully extended, allow the compartment box to be opened beyond a 90 deg. angle to prevent accidental closure.
The racks have a positive closure feature that keep trays from sliding out unintentionally. ...More
Mobile Awareness has added a digital wireless backup camera and monitor systems to its product lineup.
The company’s built-in digital wireless “pairs” up to four cameras to a monitor providing interference-free video at extreme distances, it said....More
Wabash National Corp. has produced its 500,000th DuraPlate van trailer. The milestone trailer was built for Crete Carrier Corp., one of the largest privately owned trucking companies in the U.S....More
Toyo Tires announced that its M137 premium steer radial tire is now available in a 16-ply version for increased load carrying capacity. The tire is designed for long haul, over-the-road commercial applications....More
The 1 millionth EverSure spring brake with the No Touch power spring has been produced by Bendix. First introduced in 2011, the EverSure offers a robust design, as well as lighter weight, extended service intervals, and best-in-class force output, Bendix said....More
Carrier Transicold announced that its optional engine emissions system (EES) has received conditional verification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The EES reduces diesel particulates from trailer refrigeration units by more than 98%, Carrier Transicold said....More
