Ford unwraps new Super Duty models
Ford Motor Company has unveiled its 2004 model F-650 and F-750 Class 6 and 7 commercial trucks, offering a much larger range of options for wheelbase, engines, transmissions, axles, seating and other components than in the past.
The trucks, which will be available in January 2003, are the first from Ford under the company’s Blue Diamond joint venture with Navistar International Corp., parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation. The 50-50 joint venture, formed in 2001, is producing Class 6 and 7 medium commercial trucks for both companies at an assembly plant in Escobedo, Mexico.
Although exterior styling has changed from 2003, the three cab configurations remain: Regular Cab, four-door SuperCab and four-door Crew Cab. Wheelbase availability has grown from 11 options in current models to 38 for the 2004 model.
The standard engine is the new, International-built, 6-liter, direct-injection, Power Stroke diesel with ratings up to 230 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque.
Optional engines include: the Caterpillar 3126, 7.2-liter diesel, rated at up to 300 hp and 860 lb-ft of torque; and Cummins’ 5.9-liter ISB diesel (available late spring 2003), with up to 260 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque.
Other expanded options include: nine different frames; 11 rear axles, including single and dual speeds, and driver-controlled, locking differential options; five multi-leaf and five air suspensions (offered with or without air brakes); 10 fuel tank combinations; three exhaust configurations; four alternator choices; four battery packages; and seven seating configurations.
Ford also announced the establishment of its uptime-critical parts program, providing next-day delivery of 9,600 part numbers, with orders taken 365/24/7.
Low-voltage disconnect upgrade
Intra Technologies has upgraded its existing low-voltage disconnect systems to make it easier for drivers to manage battery power consumption while the truck is parked. The new LVD has a timing feature, which warns the driver with a series of audible alarms before electrical power is shut off.
Like the standard LVD, the new version is designed to preserve the battery power needed to start the engine. The LVD monitors battery levels during key-off periods and automatically disconnects non-critical power loads when battery voltage reaches critical levels.
Rust remover
Kano’s Exrust rust removing concentrate quickly dissolves rust without damaging metal surfaces. To prepare metal surfaces for painting or coating, Exrust can be applied directly or diluted for use as an immersion to neutralize ferrous oxides on contact and dissolve rust. Exrust is available in 1-, 5-, 15- and 55-gallon containers.
LED Beehive light
Peterson’s LED Beehive-style light functions as a clearance, side-marker or rear-tracking light. The 2-inch lamp houses five brilliant diodes, which, when illuminated, produce a “Star Wars” pattern. Ideal for air cleaner, cab or sleeper panels, they operate from 8-16 volts and are available in amber and red.
Expanded trailer axle offerings
Commercial Vehicle Service Parts of Dana Corp. has added eight new trailer axle assemblies to its Spicer Quick-Ship Trailer Axle Program. The Quick-Ship program now features 17 trailer axle assemblies, and each is guaranteed to be shipped within 48 hours after the order has been received.
The new lineup includes ABS-ready spiders that are made from forged steel for superior strength and lighter weight. Spiders also feature sintered, oil-impregnated bronze bushings for maximum durability. Spicer XtraLife II S-cam brakes, with more usable brake lining than standard S-cam brakes, are available on certain models. All trailer axles, including standard assemblies and drop-tube assemblies, are delivered with weld-on spiders, 28-spline S-camshafts, brake assemblies, air chamber brackets, ABS sensor brackets and spindle nuts and washers.
Electronic hubodometer Stemco’s DataTrac electronic hubodometer is powered by a lithium battery and provides both trip and life readings. It weighs 5.6 ounces, is compact in size and features an easy-to-read LCD display. The DataTrac offers a four-year/500,000-mile warranty.
ALK integrates mapping, routing software
ALK Technologies announced the upcoming release of CoPilot Truck 2003, which merges its PC Miler routing software with its CoPilot Truck mapping database to create a dock-to-dock, laptop-based GPS navigation system for truckers.
PC Miler 16, the latest upgrade, released in May, features 76,500 additional North American road miles for a total 734,000 miles, 4,000 truck stop updates, 630 CAT Scale locations, 53-foot trailer routing and updates of 13-foot-6-inch height restrictions.
CoPilot Truck delivers street-level directions in both voice and text. It also provides instant route recalculations and one-click detour routing to help drivers avoid traffic and construction areas.
CoPilot 2003 will also feature estimated arrival times based on a driver’s down time and average speed.
The product is scheduled to be available in December for $449, after a $50 rebate, according to Sean Brown, ALK marketing manager.
Exhaust clamp
Donaldson’s Stepped SealClamp exhaust clamp features a patent-pending stepped design with durable stainless steel construction. The clamp is a full 360-degree, preformed stainless steel clamp designed for overlapping tube connections including muffler inlets, outlets, slotted joints and flex tubing. The stepped reaction block conforms to tubes in overlapping connections to eliminate flex pinch and minimize leaks. The clamp’s shape features an inside sealing surface that matches the stepped shape of an overlapped joint, providing a critical seal for minimizing exhaust leaks.
Slack adjuster
Gunite Corporation’s Gunite 2000 is a slack adjuster specifically designed for the latest long stroke brake chamber applications, using a welded clevis or a clevis bore with a 1.3-inch pin center distance. It comes with a five-year warranty.
Covered flatbed
Transcraft and Aero Industries now offer a covered flatbed with the purchase of a new Transcraft trailer. The Conestoga rolling tarp system converts a flatbed trailer into a fully covered van, yet allows the trailer to be loaded or unloaded from the back, overhead or either side, making it ideal for hauling steel, aluminum, lumber, building products, machinery and other large and weather-sensitive cargo. The locking mechanisms are ground operated. A single turn of a handle locks and unlocks the system, and eliminates the need to climb on the trailer to secure the tarp.
The Conestoga features pressed-bearing steel wheels that ride on the aluminum track’s stainless steel insert. The aluminum track also contains a built-in bump rail to protect the Conestoga during loading and unloading, and a rubber gasket to provide a weather-tight seal.
Suction and return line hoses
Parker Hannifin’s 811 and 881 hoses are designed for a wide range of suction and return line applications. The 811 hose is lightweight and flexible, meeting or exceeding SAE 100R4 requirements with one-half the minimum bend radius. Its synthetic rubber inner tube provides exceptional fluid compatibility, and its helical mylar layline makes it highly visible. It is available in two working pressure ranges: 62 psi to 100 psi, and 62 psi to 300 psi.
The 881 hose is rated up to 257 degrees F, and its MSHA-accepted cover makes it an excellent MRO counter hose. It also has a synthetic rubber inner tube and mylar layline, and is available in pressure ranges of 62 psi to 100 psi and 62 psi to 300 psi.
Coupon book
Kenworth’s PremierCare Advantage Savings Book is now available at participating Kenworth dealerships. The book features 57 coupons offering discounts valid from June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003. The book is available in Spanish and English, and a French version is available in Quebec.
Lightweight ductile iron hubs
Gunite’s Ductilite ductile iron hubs weigh less than aluminum hubs designed for a comparable axle rating, the company says. They are available for all popular front axle applications up to 14,600 pounds GAWR.