Author: Erica Burke

Peterbilt Motors Co. has released of the next generation of PACCAR engines, developed to meet the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s 2013 emissions requirements. The PACCAR MX-13, PX-9 and PX-7 engines are designed to maximize fuel efficiency and reliability and provide a low total cost of ownership. The engine lineup will be available in Peterbilt’s complete range of medium- and heavy-duty products beginning this year. The 12.9-liter MX-13 engine is characterized by its combination of proven technologies and a large number of state-of-the-art innovations that improve fuel economy. The MX-13 also is designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty truck applications in both vocational trucks and on-highway tractors. It’s available in a wide range of horsepower ratings starting at 380 with torque offerings up to 1,450 pounds. Additional MX-13 engine enhancements include a common rail fuel system that maintains injection pressures of 2,500 bar, providing improved efficiency. The result is finer fuel atomization and more ways to optimize combustion, ensuring the lowest possible fuel consumption, emissions and noise levels. www.peterbilt.com

KH Industries has developed a versatile dash-mount controller for its NightRay H3 Spotlight. The new wireless controller is designed to be permanently mounted in the vehicle with industrial fasteners, which simplifies installation and eliminates the need for a hardwired controller. Models available include the Wireless NightRay with new dash-mount controller; Dual Controlled NightRay with new dash-mount controller and handheld key fob; and dash-mounted wireless controller, which can be programmed to any wireless NightRay spotlight. www.khindustries.com

Reading Truck Body LLC has engineered an SL Dump Body to add to the rugged Marauder Dump Body line. The SL Dump will have Reading’s exclusive features, such as an E-coat primer and powder coat finish. Built for Class 4 and 5 chassis, the Marauder SL Dump Body is engineered to be an industry leader. Utilizing Reading’s high-quality manufacturing methods and procedures found in other Reading products, the SL is built to get the job done. The SL model complements the already successful Marauder Dump line, carrying many of the same features that are important to Marauder users while eliminating some extra components. www.readingbody.com

The Firestone Industrial Products Co. LLC R4Tech air suspension system is available for 2011-2012 Ford F-450 4WD Long Bed trucks (part No. W287600147). The R4Tech kit is a hybrid air/leaf suspension system designed to replace the factory leaf spring suspension. It delivers an improved ride at all times by using the variable spring rate of the air spring to stiffen when the truck is loaded and soften when unloaded. Featuring Firestone Airide air springs, Ride-Rite air accessories and a SANLUIS Rassini leaf-spring suspension, the R4Tech kit creates a fully functional system that adjusts for varying load capacities. It also improves headlight aim and driveline angles independent of load conditions, and delivers improved towing effectiveness. The complete R4Tech system comes with the Rassini foundation suspension, Airide air springs and an air compressor control system that maintains proper air level in the spring for the exact load that’s being carried. www.ride-rite.com

A comprehensive guide to effective work truck upfitting is now available to fleet managers. The 10-page manual is the only known resource that details critical considerations for the increasingly complex process of specifying and building work trucks for all types of applications and requirements. The guide takes decision-makers through a detailed process of evaluating the most important considerations when selecting a work truck upfitter. Each of the evaluation criteria is described and a list of key questions is provided. Sponsored by Auto Truck Group, a leading work truck upfitter, the recently published “Work Truck Upfit Selection Guide” addresses the expanding role of the fleet buyer/manager and the knowledge gap caused by staff layoffs and job consolidation/reassignment resulting from the economic realities of the last several years. In addition, strict new government regulations and the introduction of sophisticated technologies now impact work truck owners and operators at even the most basic levels. The guide includes charts and illustrations and references pertinent study data; provides a list of industry resources and links for more information; and offers 10 quick tips for making the upfit process go smoothly. Download the PDF guide at www.modernmarketingpartners.com/guidedownload.cfm. http://store.autotruck.com

Reelcraft has introduced the Series SD10000 low-profile spring-retractable hose reels designed to facilitate larger diameter 3/4-inch and 1-inch hose up to 50 feet. They feature a high-quality external drive spring and a heavy gauge all-bolted frame. Each reel is built with high-quality, industrial-grade components for superior strength and design. The ultra low-profile design of the reel is the most compact in its class, making it ideal for mounting in truck cabinets or other areas where space is limited. Models are available for air, water, oil or vacuum recovery hose. www.reelcraft.com

As part of the growing Silver Series, VISTA Training recently launched an affordable new Web-based training course focused on the basic operation and safety of articulated dump trucks. This training program is designed to help trainees in the construction and mining industries use this kind of machine proficiently and safely on all types of terrain. www.vista-training.com

Altec Industries Inc., along with the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, recently announced the launch of a new digger derrick operator certification. Through Altec Sentry, the safety and training division of Altec, the new program will further train and educate customers with the most up-to-date safety practices. The certification marks the first program NCCCO has developed specifically for the utility industry and consists of both written and practical examinations. Altec served on the task force to develop the new program, ensuring the ultimate safety for users in the electric utility industry. The digger derrick operator certification will also help fulfill the crane requirement for the new standard (1926.1400). Digger derrick operators are required to be certified for jobs that include erecting signs, lights and telecommunication lines, as well as other construction work. www.altec.com/sentry

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. has announced its production schedule for three small diesel engines in response to approaching EPA Tier 4 regulations. The new D03CJ, D04CJ and D04EG models provide regulation-compliant solutions in the 19-kW (25-HP) to 74-kW (99-HP) output range. The Tier 4-compliant D03CJ and D04CJ will begin production in 2013, whereas the Tier 4 interim D04EG is currently available, and the Tier 4 final version will be available in 2015. Featuring a three-cylinder design, the D03CJ (1.655L) produces a maximum output of 41 kW (55 HP) and a maximum torque of 165 Nm at 1,800 rpm. The four-cylinder equivalent of this engine, the D04CJ (2.207L), produces a maximum output of 55 kW (74 HP) and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 1,800 rpm. The power densities of the D03CJ and D04CJ are 0.24 and 0.27 kW/L, respectively.

Both engines feature an optimized common rail system with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) for Tier 4 compliance. Common MHI goals when developing new engines are to achieve a more compact design without sacrificing power, while also lowering fuel consumption. Appropriately, compared to the previous Tier 3-compliant models being replaced, the D03CJ and D04CJ offer a smaller displacement, while output has been increased. Fuel efficiency is also 16 percent better than the previous engines.

The new Tier 4 interim, four-cylinder D04EG (3.331L) delivers a maximum output of 74 kW (99 HP) and a maximum torque of 375 Nm at 1,600 rpm, with a power density of 0.22 kW/L. The engine utilizes a common rail system including an exhaust gas recirculation system and a DPF and DOC for Tier 4 interim compliance. Compared with the Tier 3 engine it replaces, the D04EG offers 12 percent improved fuel economy.

All three new engine models are equipped with high-performance turbochargers. www.mitsubishi-engine.com

The Terex Tru-Level Tilting Pedestal System for Terex SC and HRM Series aerial devices allows for operation on slopes up to 20 degrees to accommodate the need for real-world truck positioning. This new Terex system decreases stress on the rotation gearbox when rotating “up the hill,” decreases setup time because it eliminates the need to “crib” outriggers, and does not limit boom operation or load charts. The system also keeps the work platform level longitudinally, creates overall safety and less operator fatigue, allows the aerial device to operate in its designed configuration and has cylinders that are rated to independently support the rated load. Another feature of the Terex Tru-Level Tilting Pedestal System is the anticipated increase in service life of the rotation system. www.terexutilities.com