The following products and services were announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., in March.
The International Truck and Engine Corp. says it will now offer the ZF Meritor FreedomLine transmission. The automatic, clutchless transmission will be featured on International models 9200i, 9400i and 9900i.
The FreedomLine is easier for drivers to learn and to use than competing three-pedal automated systems, said ArvinMeritor, the company that markets the transmission. Drivers can choose from fully automatic or driver-control modes without clutching and shifting.
ArvinMeritor
(248) 435-1000
www.ArvinMeritor.com
Komfort Latch
IMMI, a manufacturer of occupant restraints for commercial vehicles, says its new Sliding Komfort Latch is designed to provide a driver with superior comfort and in-cab movement while it’s being worn.
The latch provides a pre-set amount of motion, which decreases shoulder pressure and allows a driver to comfortably make movements such as adjusting an air conditioning switch. The latch attaches to seat belt webbing and stops unintentional lock-ups than can result from the constant up-and-down movement of a commercial driver’s suspension seat.
IMMI
(317) 867-8149
www.imminet.com
Wheel Treatment
Alcoa’s new Dura-Bright wheel surface treatment allows wheels to stay shiny with simple, everyday washing, the company says.
Because the treatment is an integral part of the wheel itself, wheels need no polishing, painting or special chemicals. Wheels can be treated on both sides or on just the inside or outside. The shine, says Alcoa, will last for years.
Alcoa Wheel Products
(800) 242-9898
www.alcoawheels.com
LED Lights
Truck-Lite Co. has introduced a new LED side turn signal and marker lamp that the company says is the first of its kind to exceed all standards for both types of lights.
The Super 60 STS exceeds both DOT and SAE standards, the company says. Truck operators will no longer have to mount side turn signals at a rearward facing angle, says the company, and the lamp can also be used on tractors because of its superior lighting power.
The lamp uses 11 diodes and mounts at the mid-point of trailers or at any point on the tractor. It features an instantaneous glow time, 0.2 seconds faster than incandescent lamps, and the lamp life is rated at 100,000 hours.
Truck-Lite Co.
(800) 562-5012
www.truck-lite.com
Century Class Daycab
Freightliner says it is now reconfiguring Century Class sleeper cabs into Century Class daycabs. The daycab’s roof is almost 9 inches higher and the cab is about 10 inches longer than typical models.
The daycabs are reconfigured at Freightliner’s Tooele, Utah, used truck refurbishing factory. Every reconfigured cab undergoes a 150-point inspection process, including a road test. All power train fluids and filters are changed, the chassis is lubricated and the truck is DOT-certified.
Freightliner LLC
(503)-745-8000
www.freightliner.com
Dephi Battery
Delphi Automotive Systemshas introduced its Heavy-Duty Freedom Extra absorbent glass mat battery. The company said it lasts twice as long as a conventional lead-acid battery.
The battery costs about 50 percent more than typical batteries, but features a new compressed design that adds life and makes the battery more durable. The battery is designed so that it contains no free liquid; the electrolyte is absorbed by the glass mat like a sponge. The battery is also lighter than conventional designs and features deep cycle capabilities.
Delphi Automotive Systems
www.delphi.com
Bendix Brakes
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems will begin production of its new air disc brake, the ADB 225, in the fourth quarter of 2002.
The company says the brake will be 30 pounds lighter per wheel end versus comparable models in the European market. Bendix was able to squeeze the weight out of ADB by developing a system with an anti-compounding air system, atypical of European disc brakes. The ADB 225 features a streamlined design and a more efficient force multiplier. It works in combination with drum brakes and ABS. The ADB 225 is designed for 22.5-inch wheels.
Bendix
(440) 329-9000
www.bendix.com
Turbocharger
BorgWarner Turbo Systems Aftermarket now offers the K31 replacement turbocharger for 1998 to current models for the 12.7 Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines. Marketed under the brand name 3K Turbolader-Schwitzer, the K31 turbocharger incorporates new Forged Milled Compressor Wheel technology to help resist compressor wheel failure.
BorgWarner
www.bwauto.com
Genesis Trailer
East Manufacturing’s new Genesis trailer is stronger, featuring 2-inch thick extruded aluminum double-wall panels supported by internal ribs every 3 inches, the company says. The interior rib pattern provides eight times more wall support than external posts every 25 inches. The panels are continuously welded together vertically to form a strong, stable wall.
This construction is lighter but stronger and more resistant to bowing than traditional sheet and post sides, the company says. The new design also means that dings and dents on the inside of the trailer side will not show through to the outside.
East Manufacturing Corp.
(330)-325-9921
www.eastmfg.com
Trailer Stairs
A set of aluminum stairs to help drivers climb on and off their trailers can now be fitted to any trailer, even those made of steel, says stair maker Ten-Four Stairs Inc. The company has developed stairs that can help eliminate injuries and reduce insurance and worker compensation premiums, the company says.
The stairs, made from aluminum or steel, come with skid-resistant steps and are permanently mounted to the rear of the trailer. The hinged door that holds the stairs doesn’t take up cargo space or interfere with normal rear loading and forklift unloading, says Ten-Four. The Ten-Four system is available as an option on most new trailers, flatbed, vans, or reefers, and can be fitted to existing trailers.
Ten-Four Stairs Inc.
(888) 437-1710
www.tenfourstairs.com
Tundra Refrigerators
Taylor Made Environmental’s Tundra refrigerators will now be available as original equipment on new Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. Tundra refrigerators will also be sold in the aftermarket through the Paccar Parts program.
The Tundra brand includes a wide selection of portable, top-loading and built-in, front-loading refrigerators, freezers and combination units in capacities ranging from 0.8 to 8.5 cubic feet. The steel exterior has a durable, protective coating and the interior is high-impact polystyrene, providing low maintenance and easy cleaning, the company says. Built-in protections include a high-temperature cutout at 125
