Peterbilt launches Model 587
Truck maker targets short-haul with Model 382
Available with two sleepers or in a daycab configuration, Peterbilt’s Model 587 is suited for long-haul fleets, driving teams and owner-operators.Peterbilt launched its new on-highway Model 587, which the company describes as an evolution of its Model 387 that provides premium on-highway fuel efficiency, technology and serviceability. Available with two sleepers or in a daycab configuration, the Model 587 is suited for long-haul fleets, driving teams and owner-operators; the daycab version is suited for tanker and regional haul applications. The cab interior has swivel seats, dual arm rests and a 30-inch walk-through space.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay-certified Model 587 features:
• A 2.5 percent decrease in drag that results in a 1.25 percent fuel efficiency gain;
• A more than 2-foot improvement in the driver’s forward line of sight;
• Steering geometry that improves curb-to-curb maneuverability by 12 percent;
• 35 percent increase in forward lighting brightness achieved with the combination of standard halogen lights, a projector module design for low beam lighting and complex reflector technology for high beam lighting to extend the light pattern for down-the-road visibility. Optional High Intensity Discharge lights provide a 200 percent increase in brightness;
• Standard front Bendix air disc brakes;
• A gas spring design that facilitates opening and closing of the battery/toolbox and includes a T-handle lock; and
• A safer hood that features tilt-assist to facilitate hood opening and closing, as well as an advanced anti-blowdown protection device to help protect technicians.
Peterbilt’s Model 382 daycab, suited for regional and shorter-haul applications, is powered by the 2010 Cummins ISL9.The Model 587 features the 2010 Paccar MX engine rated at 380 to 485 hp, or the 2010 Cummins ISX15 available with a range of 400 to 600 hp. Fuller manual and automatic transmissions are available with axle ratings up to 46,000 pounds.
Peterbilt also introduced its new Model 382 daycab, which is suited for regional and shorter-haul applications and is powered by the 2010 Cummins ISL9 with ratings ranging from 345 to 380 hp with a maximum 1,300 lb.-ft. of torque. The Model 382 is available with the Peterbilt Aerodynamic Package, which includes the company’s proprietary roof fairing that was designed and tested to reduce vehicle drag by up to 30 percent. Benefits were validated with computational fluid dynamics studies, wind tunnel testing and on-track drag metering. – Randy Grider
In brief
* FedEx Corp. announced the first all-electric FedEx parcel delivery trucks in the United States, with four electric trucks slated for the Los Angeles area starting in June. The trucks can make a full eight-hour shift of deliveries before recharging.
* UPS expanded its fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles by deploying 200 hybrid-electric delivery trucks in eight U.S. cities.
* Wabash National Corp. announced a three-year purchase agreement with Prime Inc. for 4,000 ArcticLite refrigerated van trailers over the next 34 months.
* Mack Trucks introduced its new Mack mDrive automated manual transmission, which the company says gives customers up to 1.5 percent improved fuel efficiency, better driveability and enhanced driver satisfaction by automating gear shifting, while improving safety.
* Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems announced that its SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System now is offered as an option on International’s ProStar, TranStar and LoneStar models. The company also announced its BA-921 air compressor now is available on International’s MaxxForce 11- and 13-liter engines.
* Dana launched the Spicer S140 series, a family of single-drive medium-duty axles available on International’s 4300, 4400, 7300 and 7400 vehicle platforms; and two Spicer tag axles.
* Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems subsidiary rebranded its on-highway commercial truck servicing locations adjacent to Pilot Travel Centers. Formerly known as Pilot Truck Care Centers, the locations now are known as Wingfoot Truck Care Centers.
* Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems announced that Wabash National selected Haldex Gold Seal Long Stroke Spring Brakes as a standard product offering on its trailers.
* Mitchell 1 is offering a 14-day trial of Repair-Connect, a Web-based diagnostic and service program, to qualified companies.
* Hy-Drive signed an agreement for delivery of 18 of its Hydrogen Generating System units to Ontario Waste Management, a division of Courtice Auto Wreckers Ltd. of Oshawa, Ontario.
* SAF-Holland says it saw significantly higher demand at the beginning of the new fiscal year 2010 than was the case in the previous fiscal year, and that it believes the low point following the market collapse in 2008 and 2009 has passed.
Daimler’s production schedule filling up
With the trucking industry showing some early signs of recovery, Daimler Trucks North America says its customers are rewarding the company’s investment in fuel economy, higher payload and other improvements with enough new orders to fill its production schedule through the first half of 2010. “We are also seeing customers expand their focus from the cost of the new 2010 emissions technology to the long-term value and payback of selective catalytic reduction,” says Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for DTNA. “And with fuel prices edging up, the return on SCR improves.”
DTNA and its Daimler Trucks parent cut back on capital expenses in 2009 to respond to a similarly dramatic collapse in revenues for the year, but it did so without cutting back on its investments in the future, says Andreas Renschler, head of the worldwide Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses organization. “We did not cut back on our product plan. In fact, we actually increased our investment in R&D.”
With the worst economic crisis in the post-war era coming to an end, “we’re launching the biggest product offensive in our history,” Renschler says. “Over the next four years, we will practically renew our entire product portfolio. In the next 24 months alone, we have 140 market rollouts of new vehicles and major components.”
Daimler’s adoption of SCR technology in North America is proving to be the right course, says Martin Daum, DTNA president and chief executive officer. “The 2010 Cascadia, in combination with the DD15 or DD13 engine and our BlueTec SCR system, is consistently delivering up to 5 percent gains in fuel efficiency over our 2007 vehicle, and in some cases more.”
DTNA’s announcements on March 25 also included development and availability of Virtual Technician, a new program of real-time system insights that will diagnose problems with specific trucks, schedule the truck for repair and promptly notify the driver of a convenient dealer or service repair facility. – Avery Vise
Navistar touts more efficient ProStar
Navistar’s lighter-weight International ProStar+ features several driver-friendly interior improvements and improved aerodynamics.Navistar’s lighter-weight International ProStar+ features several driver-friendly interior improvements and improved aerodynamics. A re-engineered overhead console allows for easier reach and includes an in-cab paper towel dispenser. Storage has been improved, with the Hi-Rise model providing a 150 percent increase in captured storage and a 50 percent improvement in total storage. In-cab noise levels have been reduced 9 percent. Other improvements include a 20-pound force reduction in clutch feel, providing easier shifting and less fatigue.
Aerodynamic enhancements include optional full-length chassis skirts for sleepers as well as a cab roof air fairing for daycab models. Other powertrain additions are designed to improve fuel economy, including a clutched air compressor, variable-speed fan, low-viscosity engine oil and fuel-efficient rear axle lubricant. The ProStar+ is powered by the Advanced EGR MaxxForce 11 and MaxxForce 13, which uses exhaust gas recirculation technology. Navistar recently received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification for its 2010 MaxxForce, which also powers the International TranStar regional-haul tractor and the International PayStar severe-service truck.
In other news, Navistar introduced the ReStar reconditioning program for late-model Class 5-8 commercial trucks that analyzes, recommends and replaces key mechanical and aesthetic components based on the application, age and history of each truck. With a unique work order in hand, mechanics experienced in modifications and repair perform the customized overhaul at International Truck Specialty Center locations throughout North America. The ReStar program is available for most makes and models of commercial trucks, including International brand trucks or those built by other OEMs.
Navistar also presented OnCommand by Navistar, a bundled approach to service and after-sales support offerings. OnCommand helps customers achieve more efficient repairs and maintenance, better lifecycle value and an overall lower total cost of ownership. The service includes online service manuals, preventive maintenance technologies, supply chain tools and technician training.
– Max Kvidera
Kenworth debuts aerodynamic T700
The Kenworth T700 is powered by the 2010 Paccar MX engine, available with a range of 380 to 485 hp and torque outputs up to 1,750 lb.-ft.Kenworth introduced the over-the-road aerodynamic Class 8 T700 along with Kenworth NavPlus, a navigational and entertainment system for Class 5-8 trucks. The T700 is SmartWay-certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is powered by the 2010 Paccar MX engine.
Exterior features include a corrosion-resistant aluminum wire mesh grille that provides protection for cooling system components. The aerodynamic hood consists of three pieces to enhance repair, while its ball-and-socket closing system facilitates proper hood placement. To help maximize airflow, the aerodynamic high roof has flush-mounted LED marker lights and no exterior sunvisor. Standard Halogen projector headlamps and optional Xenon headlamps offer a threefold and 11-fold increase, respectively, in bulb life compared to conventional sealed beams. LED turn signals are used.
The PC-based in-dash Kenworth NavPlus system is an 8-gigabyte memory system that includes truck-specific navigation, vehicle data, hands-free phoning, audio controls, camera inputs, roadside assistance and optional Internet access. Developed on the Windows Embedded Automotive software platform, Kenworth NavPlus can be updated and its features and functionality set expanded over time. Six virtual gauges provide current information on truck operation. NavPlus is fully compatible with the Kenworth Electronic Service Analyst, a computer-based diagnostics tool that simplifies troubleshooting.
The company also announced a natural gas-powered version of its T440 model, suited for local and regional haul and vocational applications. The T440’s ISL G engine, which operates on either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is rated at 320 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque, is 2010-compliant without the use of selective catalytic reduction or a diesel particulate filter. CNG and LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit customer applications and range requirements.
– Max Kvidera
ArvinMeritor debuts next-generation drive axle
The Meritor 14X tandem drive axle is the signature component member of ArvinMeritor’s MPG Series, which is optimized for improved total lifecycle costs, including higher productivity and increased miles-per-gallon performance.ArvinMeritor says its next-generation Meritor 14X tandem drive axle is built on the legacy of the company’s previous RT145 axle and is the signature component member of its MPG Series, which is optimized for improved total lifecycle costs, including higher productivity and increased miles-per-gallon performance. The axle – which can be outfitted with Meritor foundation drum brakes or Meritor air discs – features three primary benefits:
· A more robust inter-axle differential, which is now 20 percent larger than on the RT145 axle and can accommodate increased nominal torque generated by today’s high-torque diesel engines, up to 2,050 lb.-ft. in certain applications. The unit includes helical gear needle bearings for reduced heat and wear, upsized main differential side bearings for more capacity, and a larger input shaft and rear side bearing for strength;
· A premium Amboid above-centerline design that provides reduced operating pressures for increased driveline life, improved ride quality, overall longer component life and less driveline angularity, vibration and energy loss; and
· An extensive range of ratios – including the fastest ratio in the industry, 2.47:1, and all the way up to 7.17:1 – to cover nearly every application and specific engine manufacturers’ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2010 recommendations.
Other key features include:
· An optional DualTrac intermediate track housing that allows the use of wide-base super-single tires with the equivalent bearing life of axles equipped with dual tire configurations, while still offering convertibility back to dual tires; and
· An axle breather feature that helps prevent water and other contaminants from entering the carrier while keeping the lube in place. n
– Jack Roberts
