Kenworth’s local haul hybrid
Kenworth Truck Co. says it designed its new T370 Class 7 diesel-electric hybrid tractor to improve fuel economy by up to 25 percent in local haul applications, including beverage, general freight and grocery distribution. The tractor will be available in various wheelbases, starting as short as 153 inches.

The T370 tractor is powered by the Paccar PX-6 engine and features an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack and a dedicated power management system. Advanced powertrain controls monitor driving conditions and automatically select the ideal power mode, smoothly switching among electric-only, combined diesel and electric, and diesel-only power modes, according to the Kirkland, Wash.-based truck maker.

Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through a dash display, Kenworth says; as the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.
Kenworth Truck Co.
www.kenworth.com

Wireless scale for mechanical suspensions
TruckWeight says its Smart Scale wireless onboard scale now is available for trucks, tractors and trailers with mechanical spring suspensions, such as vehicles used in bulk distribution, agriculture, construction, forestry, containerized loads and heavy hauling. Smart Scale for mechanical suspensions includes three components: an axle-mounted load sensor, a low-powered radio transmitter and a small handheld wireless receiver. The load sensor measures subtle changes in the deflection of the axle; it feeds this data to the transmitter, which relays it to the handheld receiver up to 500 feet (155 meters) away. The result is a weight calculation that’s accurate to within 1 percent compared to a certified scale, according to the company, which touts several benefits of the unit:

• Smart Scale uses AA batteries for power and does not require electricity from a truck or tractor. Users can actively manage the weight of an untethered trailer as it is being loaded, while fleet managers can deploy their power units where they need them and eliminate the time and inconvenience of hooking up a tractor in order to use a scale;
  Advertisement
• One handheld receiver can monitor both mechanical spring and air-ride sensors on the same vehicle or combination; and
• The wireless feature is useful for drivers who load their own vehicle and want to verify and fine-tune distribution of the payload.

TruckWeight
www.truckweight.com