Commercial Carrier Journal » Products

Snap-on touts air ratchets

CCJ Staff — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:01:50 +0000

Snap-on’s 3/8-inch drive air ratchets (FAR72C and FAR7200) deliver 65 ft.-lbs. at 225 rpm and have “stop lock” pins to help prevent ratchet pawl lockup, with dual pawls for smoother operation and performance. Steel wear bushings help prevent ratchet head wear, while a variable speed trigger provides added comfort and control. A zerk fitting in the selector knob allows ratchet head lubrication for longer tool life, while a tip valve-style trigger provides featherability and versatility.

The FAR7200 also features a muffler bypass that allows the tool to be used in quiet mode (50 ft.-lbs. at 200 rpm) or full power (70 ft.-lbs. at 260 rpm), as well as a cushion-grip handle for added comfort and control.

Brisk demand reported for Composilite SC lift axle

CCJ Staff — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:04:18 +0000

In March, Hendrickson launched the new Composilite Steerable Compliant SC series of lift axles in 10,000- and 13,000-pound capacities. The company says demand for the Composilite SC has been brisk, and the product now is available for installations at selected truck OEMs. Hendrickson says Composilite SC reduced system weight, minimized package space and offered the industry the first flexible tie-rod and dampened lift-axle design. The product offers owner-operators increased payload and reduced maintenance.

“The Composilite SC is the most successful lift-axle product changeover in Hendrickson’s history,” says Mike Gottschalk, general manager of Hendrickson Auxiliary Axle Systems. In September, Hendrickson will release the 20,000-pound capacity, which is the final addition and will round out the complete package of the Composilite SC Steerable family.

In addition, Hendrickson says the introduction of the Compliant Tie Rod with PerfecTrak Technology, a flexible tie-rod assembly and dampening system with “Passive Steer Ackerman” technology, has helped lower maintenance costs and increase uptime through its robust self-centering mechanism and improved driver feel. In conjunction with the Composilite SC launch for the Class 8 truck market, Hendrickson will offer a complete array of trailer-mount steerable products, also in multiple capacity configurations.

Hendrickson touts trailer tire maintenance system

CCJ Staff — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:04:53 +0000

Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems’ Tiremaax Pro provides automatic inflation and maintenance of trailer tires. Tiremaax Pro continuously monitors and adjusts tire pressure by inflating or deflating tires based on changing environmental conditions, as well as balancing tire pressures at every wheel position. The device features a straightforward mechanical design that continuously monitors tire pressure to respond to changes in outside temperature and draws from the trailer air supply to keep trailer tires properly inflated and rolling smoothly; if the ambient temperature increases, the system will relieve air when necessary to prevent overinflation.

Tiremaax Pro also uses a rotary air connection that is integrated into the hubcap and built with high-precision bearings and an engineered polymer seal. A signal light illuminates only when attention is required to alert the operator of tire or system leaks. With robust components and no electronics, transducers or pressure switches, Tiremaax Pro also is deigned to be easy to maintain; the versatile system requires no special tools and operates on either 12- or 24-volt electrical systems. Tiremaax Pro may be combined with an array of Hendrickson approved wheel-end configurations on any Hendrickson Intraax primary suspension system, Vantraax slider suspension system or trailer axle.

Integrated trailer suspension system now features larger-diameter axle

CCJ Staff — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:03:50 +0000

Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems’ lighter-weight Intraax AAT integrated trailer suspension system now features the company’s Large Diameter Axle (LDA). The switch to LDA increases the outer diameter from 5 inches to 5¾ inches while slightly reducing the axle wall thickness; this reduction, combined with the increased diameter, creates a more efficient use of material, increasing axle strength while reducing weight and increasing bending and torsional stiffness.

The integration of LDA on AAT 23K models also allows customers to continue using a wide bushing pivot connection while enjoying a 19-pound weight savings over current 5-inch AAT 23K axle models. To accommodate more robust applications, AAT 25K and 30K models will combine the LDA technology with a thicker axle wall for applications that require the higher 25,000-pound axle rating; this thicker axle wall combined with the company’s axle-beam connection boasts a weight advantage of 30 pounds over current Intraax AAT 25K/30K models.

Aero Guard bumper available for International ProStar

CCJ Staff — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:02:29 +0000

Hendrickson Bumper and Trim’s Aero Guard bumper technology combines resin technology, injection molding processes and a proprietary design to create a heavy-duty aerodynamic, lightweight nonmetal bumper. Introduced initially for the International ProStar tractor, the bumper employs heavy-duty structural ribbing and an extra-thick fascia in a unified structure designed to provide cold-impact durability down to minus 40 degrees while improving strength, engine cooling and ground clearance. Made from fully recyclable materials, the bumper is designed to be aerodynamic and lightweight to enhance fuel economy. Designed as a molded-in-color two-piece middle-split bumper, Aero Guard is engineered to work with the factory tilt mechanism and can be installed and replaced with no downtime or paint costs.

Wildeck makes safety sensor standard on vertical material lifts

CCJ Staff — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:01:41 +0000

Wildeck has made its proprietary AutoSenz technology standard on its mechanical and hydraulic Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor material lifts. The modular safety sensor, the AutoSenz M-Series, provides standard auto-ranging overload/VRC jam protection to minimize damage to material and equipment should items become jammed during the lifting operation. Existing mechanical and hydraulic VRCs also can be upgraded with an AutoSenz M-Series Retrofit Module.

AutoSenz also features a VRC service and maintenance reminder that can be programmed to appear on the display at specific service time intervals by the factory, the end-user or VRC service technician. Wildeck’s optional full-featured AutoSenz package – which provides a PLC with digital user interface, pushbutton controls, system diagnostics capabilities and the new VRC service/maintenance reminder – has been renamed the AutoSenz D-Series.

Hendrickson Steertek, Airtek both available in 12,500-pound rating

CCJ Staff — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:05:11 +0000

Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems says its Steertek front steer axle now is available at a 12,500-pound capacity rating on select Freightliner and Western Star truck models. According to the company, Steertek’s fabricated design saves up to 30 pounds compared to traditional I-beam axles.

“The Hendrickson Steertek axle has sold well in Freightliner models due to its light weight and strong performance,” says Ben Smith, manager of product strategy for Daimler Trucks North America. “With the new 12,500-pound rating, Steertek is well positioned for our customers’ needs.”

In addition, the company says its Airtek integrated front air suspension and steer axle system has been enhanced and now is available at a 12,500-pound capacity rating on Freightliner Cascadia and Coronado models as well as the Western Star 4900 truck model. Enhancements include new lightweight air springs and leaf springs, as well as optimized design of the front and rear frame brackets. According to the company, Airtek saves up to 40 pounds compared to traditional steel springs with I-beam axles.

“We are delighted to have worked with Daimler Trucks North America to create a unique front air suspension to complement their 2010 engine packages,” says Sean Coleman, director of sales and marketing for Hendrickson Truck Systems Group. “The new enhancements made to Airtek show our continued commitment to product development and satisfying the needs of the Freightliner and Western Star brands as well as fleet owners.”

Line up wheel studs, rim holes with Gaither’s O-Line-Er

CCJ Staff — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:01:41 +0000

Gaither Tool Co.’s O-Line-Er helps make it easier to line up wheel studs with rim holes, therefore minimizing installation time. When combined with Gaither’s Wheel Dolly, the O-Line-Er simplifies repositioning of a wheel while making the procedure safer by reducing injury risk when dealing with heavy tires and rims.

Gamber-Johnson adds docking station for Panasonic Toughbook 31

CCJ Staff — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:04:43 +0000

Gamber-Johnson, a manufacturer of rugged docking stations and vehicle mounting, now has a Mag docking station for the Panasonic Toughbook 31 computer. The new Mag 31 Dock, constructed out of a magnesium shell to enhance its overall look and performance, includes a front-facing docking mechanism designed for easy one-handed docking and undocking of the computer. The station, which has a key lock for added security, has passed vibration testing standard MIL-STD-810G and has undergone cycle testing on the latch and docking mechanisms.

The dock, which has a molded design that reduces the number of parts, is USB 2.0 compliant, offers a variety of antenna pass-through options and contains two Ethernet and five USB forward-facing ports for low mounting capability, minimal cable strain and minimal swivel resistance. The Mag 31 Dock is backward-compatible with the Panasonic Toughbook 30 computer.

Store, charge power tools in Snap-on’s Masters Series PowerCab

CCJ Staff — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:03:48 +0000

Snap-on’s Masters Series PowerCab fits on the side of any double bank or larger 1000 Series Snap-on Roll Cab to give technicians a place to securely store and charge their power tools and batteries. PowerCab is a lockable, vertical drawer bank with built-in power access that offers additional space to hold the most commonly used cordless and air-powered tools.

Among the PowerCab’s features are a Slots and Dots side panel designed to give technicians the flexibility to store power tools in multiple locations, and a 45-degree shelf and flat shelf for additional storage space. PowerCab is available in a wide variety of colors.