Author: Erica Burke

The RAM X-Grip is a non-cookie-cutter compact mount for cell phones or tablets. The clean and clever four-leg design sports great holding power without hiding handheld devices behind foam pads and plastic. Simple to open and close, the spring-loaded X-Grip leaves the outside edge of devices almost completely free of bothersome obstructions. Soft rubber fingers apply just enough force to keep devices safe and secure. The perfect balance to the modern interior of today’s vehicles, the RAM X-Grip with suction-cup mount is the smartphone holder evolved. www.rammount.com

General Motors Fleet and Commercial Sales’ GM Business Choice program, designed specifically for business customers, now includes an industry-first, two-year, 30,000-mile business maintenance plan, in addition to a cash allowance for vehicle accessories or upfits. The GM Business Choice maintenance plan – which covers tire rotation, a 27-point inspection, and lube, oil and filter changes – is now available to Business Choice customers. Eligible vehicles include cargo, passenger and cutaway vans; chassis cabs; 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups; and the Chevrolet Avalanche. Customers will now receive a GM Accessory cash allowance or an upfit cash allowance, depending on the vehicle and the customer’s needs. www.gmfleet.com

GammaTech Computer Corp., a major international manufacturer and supplier of innovative notebook and tablet computers, has introduced its semi-rugged, ultramobile tablet PC, Durabook model CA10. The unit features a 10.1-inch TFT LCD display with resistive multitouch screen panel; meets military standard 810G and IP43 standard for drop, shock, dust and water resistance; has a hot, swappable dual-battery design that offers up to eight hours of power; and offers a quick menu support for easy operability. The Durabook CA10 provides utility workers, public safety employees, fleet managers and many others with the information they need no matter where they are. Its wireless connectivity increases their productivity and efficiency while keeping them in touch with company networks. Additionally, optional GPS technology enables them to get exactly where they need to be. www.gammatechusa.com

The most popular Hydratrek Inc. model among utility companies and commercial operations is the D2488B Planetary, which has recently undergone several upgrades and improvements: an 85-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, two-speed planetary drives, reinforced undercarriage and body, 27 inches of ground clearance, 3,000-pound payload capacity on land and optional 12,000-pound hydraulic winch. Other features include 14 mph ground speed, twin 11-inch bronze props for water propulsion, powder-coat painting process, standard electric winch, rear tow hitch, tie-down points for hauling, ROPS, optional cab system and seating capacity for nine people. www.hydratrek.com

Allison Transmission’s 5th Generation electronic controls – now available to all OEM customers – have been designed to match the new generation of global vehicle electrical-electronic architectures and for easy integration during the vehicle assembly process. These innovative electronic controls are flexible, providing optimal shift strategies for industry-leading productivity and efficiency, while still addressing varying OEM and operator requirements. The controls feature enhanced programming and a brand new bump lever selector design. Allison engineers also focused on upgrading TCM hardware and software for faster, more precise processing capabilities. Embedded in the 5th Generation control module is a new inclinometer, which enhances vehicle productivity and efficiency in stop-start operations. This new generation of electronic controls provides two additional acceleration levels, enhancing vehicle acceleration control to allow for an even greater ability to improve fuel economy by controlling engine fueling and moderating aggressive driving practices. www.allisontransmission.com

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickup is the most powerful, advanced and refined truck in the brand’s 110-year history. Sierra’s bold new exterior houses one of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin with available next-generation IntelliLink connectivity and other features designed for the most discerning truck owners. In addition to all-new design and technology, the 2014 Sierra boasts the longest list of standard features ever for a full-size GMC pickup. From connectivity solutions to a standard tie-down system in the rear to the segment’s only standard projector beam headlamps, many premium features are found on each and every all-new Sierra. www.gmc.com

Gamber-Johnson’s new work truck console can be used in most trucks with bucket seats. The console allows users easy access to radios and light controls by placing them in the front of the console. It mounts directly to a Gamber-Johnson top plate and utilizes vehicle leg kits for a no-drill installation. The work truck console offers a locking file box for hanging folders or to be used as storage. The console comes with a dual cup holder and armrest. A vertical surface mount can be ordered separately to mount a computer on the passenger side of the box without obstructing access to radios or the storage compartment. www.gamberjohnson.com

Coxreels, the leading U.S. manufacturer of industrial-grade hose, cord and cable reels, has added the commercial-duty V-117-850 to its vacuum reel selection. Designed to extract unwanted particles and by-products from the workplace, this direct hand-crank reel handles up to 50 feet of 1.5-inch standard vacuum hose with bullet cuffs, making it the ideal solution for any general maintenance and vacuum operation, including commercial vacuum systems, construction sites, plant floors, machine shops, wood shops and more. The V-117-850 features a solid one-piece steel U-shaped frame and open drum design and a direct connect port, no thread, for fast and convenient vacuum hose installation. This model is lightweight, compact, and has CNC robotically spun and ribbed discs with rolled edges for greater safety, strength and durability. This state-of-the-art, chip-resistant and rust-inhibiting CPC powder-coated reel mounts to any horizontal or vertical flat surface and maintains the durability and superiority found in every Coxreels product. www.coxreels.com

Eco-Star is an idle reduction system that automatically turns the engine off – and back on – when the vehicle is in park. While the engine is off, battery power is still available to keep the lights, radio and other auxiliary equipment available for use. Eco-Star is a passive system for the driver so they do not operate the vehicle any differently than they do now. Best of all, the fuel savings can pay for the system in just a few months. Eco-Star automatically restarts the engine based on several programmable conditions – low Vbat, service brake applied or interior temperature. Using the optional thermostat, Eco-Star can be programmed to restart the vehicle if the interior temperature becomes too hot or too cold. This option is perfect for operators who use the vehicle as a mobile office or to transport passengers. Current applications are available for Ford, GM and medium-duty (J1939) chassis. www.intermotive.net

The FX50, manufactured by The Charles Machine Works Inc., is Ditch Witch underground construction equipment’s latest 49-horsepower vacuum excavator. Designed for a wide range of cleanup and soft excavation tasks, it can be customized to a customer’s specifications. The FX50 is available with optional reverse flow, a feature that enables the operator to quickly and easily off-load fluid spoils from the vacuum tanks, and comes standard with a hydraulic tank door that opens fully to maximize the efficiency of spoils removal. www.ditchwitch.com