Author: Kate Wade

Confronted with growing requirements for added safety and performance in heavy-duty vehicle maintenance facilities, one relatively low-tech solution is emerging as a key player.

Meet the high-lift wheel dolly that, according to a recent review of best practices across North America conducted by heavy-duty vehicle lift leader Stertil-Koni, is enhancing ergonomics and versatility on the shop floor. 

Here’s how: The crane arm offers efficiency and stable ergonomics when lifting disc brakes, brake drums, fuel tanks, toolboxes, calipers and many other heavy parts.

Moreover, when it comes to lifting big wheels, the WDA-500 model is more than up to the challenge, with a capacity of 1,100 pounds. That comes in handy when a technician is removing large wheels that often can weigh up to 500 pounds each. The crane arm on the WDA-500, which is fitted with a 360-degree pivoting hook for greater range and flexibility, easily swivels aside to allow wheel removal operations to be completed without straining the technician.

The WDA-500 can accommodate wheel sizes from 10.63 to 51.18 inches. The dolly stands 47.17 inches high with a width of 45.28 inches and a length of 33.30 inches. Lifting height is 28.23 inches. It weighs 220 pounds. The high-lift wheel dolly also can be used with mobile column, platform and inground lifts. https://stertil-koni.com/vehicle-lifts/accessories-and-shop-equipment/shop-equipment/wheel-dollies

Emerson has announced the launch of the Sherman + Reilly i-press battery tool monitoring smartphone app.

The new i-press app allows crews to track their Next Generation Sherman + Reilly Battery Tools. Using the simple navigation display, workers can view the battery charge, last service date, last five pressure measurements, tool temperature and number of cycles completed with a connected tool. Users can create a project within the i-press app to save and combine crimping operation data and track tool performance. When the project is complete, an overview report is generated and sent as a PDF.

In addition to the new i-press app, Sherman + Reilly will continue to provide factory service solutions for battery-powered tools from their locations in Rockford, Illinois, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Professional service experts provide preventive maintenance, comprehensive assessments and certified tool testing to quickly get tools back in safe working order.

The new i-press app can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. www.emerson.com

Cooper Tire has expanded its Cooper SEVERE Series truck and bus radial (TBR) tire line with the introduction of the new Cooper SEVERE Series Mixed Service Drive or MSD, a premium drive tire for demanding mixed service applications. A deep 32/32nds tire, the Cooper SEVERE Series MSD is designed to handle the toughest off-road conditions, while delivering long, even wear that fleets require on the road.

Triangular tie-bars in the outside shoulder help to promote traction throughout the life of the Cooper SEVERE Series MSD, while also mitigating heel-toe wear. Designed to reduce total cost of ownership, the highly engineered, durable casing includes stone ejectors to ensure multiple retreads beyond the original tread life.

The Cooper SEVERE Series MSD is offered in two sizes – 11R22.5 (LRH) and 11R24.5 (LRH) – which are now available for shipment. www.coopertrucktires.com

Ranger Design has launched its newest product: the Max Step. This is a van step that is attached to the frame of the vehicle in the back, in order to give trade workers easy access to cargo space or the roof rack. The Max Step is beneficial for workers who spend most of their day climbing in and out of their vans, as it means less wear and tear on their bodies.

Made with anti-slip tread plates, the Max Step is built to provide a rugged grip in any type of climate. A sleek line of reflective tape across each step also ensures maximum visibility, day and night. To ensure a long-lasting lifetime, the Max Step is manufactured to TUV standards and protected by an anti-corrosive finish to guard against weathering and early deterioration. With a 300-pound weight capacity, the Max Step is as sturdy as they come.

Currently the Max Step is available for the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster. Easy to install, it can be quickly fastened to any of these vans built without factory steps. https://rangerdesign.com

Crossroads Mobile Maintenance (CRMM) has been servicing utility fleets for over 50 years. The company employs close to 50 technicians, staffing two service shops located in Michigan and Iowa, as well as 20-plus mobile service trucks dispersed throughout the Midwest.

CRMM recently invested in new mobile service trucks. The company selected the Dodge Ram 5500 crew cab chassis with Eagle Pro I 2250 line body equipped with 3126E cranes. This decision was based on the scope and location of the work being done. CRMM wanted a truck that is four-wheel-drive and has the capability to get where the piece of equipment is, which is in the field the majority of the time. Durability was another important factor in the decision. CRMM chose the STI body because the company believes it is built to withstand the conditions and environments its technicians operate in. In addition, each new line body comes with an air pump that pressurizes the entire body to reduce moisture and prevent water from entering the body. www.cr-mm.com

Designed for ergonomic, safe MRO service on utility truck engines, this ladder also works on all Class 8 diesel trucks and service trucks used for concrete, waste management and similar activities. 

Benefits include the following: a stable platform for engine maintenance and overhauls; base fits around tires to allow close proximity; provides easy reach to windshield and running lights; can support two people working side by side; OSHA 375-pound rated; patented 6061-grade industrial aluminum base; field tested and designed by mechanics; and made one at a time by craftsmen in the USA. www.locknclimb.com

Gasboy, the industry leader in commercial and industrial fuel and fleet technologies, has launched Islander PRIME, the next-generation fuel management system for commercial fueling. 

The Islander PRIME is the best-in-class home base fuel management controller, an all-in-one standalone pedestal enabling forecourt automation with flexible fueling authorization capabilities. It features a modern design and an advanced user interface with a high-brightness color LCD payment terminal and a full alphanumeric keypad.

The Islander PRIME is highly modular, with various factory-installed and field-upgradeable options, including card reader, printer, HID reader and support for Gasboy’s Fuel Point PLUS vehicle identification system. It supports up to eight mechanical hoses and 64 electronic hoses, as well as all common communication protocols. 

Designed for quality, the Islander PRIME is capable of withstanding the harsh environments and extreme temperatures found on many commercial and industrial fuel sites. It is also available in stainless steel and ADA-approved versions. www.gasboy.com

Ditch Witch, a Charles Machine Works Company, has introduced its largest trencher to date, the HT275, to boost productivity and versatility on a broad range of trenching jobs. The unit was designed to increase year-over-year return on investment on water, sewer, gas, power and underdrain installations, pipeline distribution and other heavy-duty trenching tasks.

The HT275 provides operators exceptional efficiency on installations up to 10 feet deep and 26 inches wide. A fully utilized Cummins 275-horsepower T4 engine provides the power to tackle a variety of job site environments and digging conditions. And a hydrostatic trencher-chain drive with an infinitely variable displacement motor allows operators to easily match chain speeds to soil conditions.

The HT275 boosts job site performance with four hydraulic quick-disconnect blocks that reduce the time it takes to change attachments from days to hours. The design allows operators to change rear attachments in the field without the use of heavy lifting equipment. And, for better performance on uneven terrains, the machine has a patent-pending suspension that mounts to the center of each track frame. This innovative design feature provides the unique ability to float each track independently, which takes stress off the main frame.

Equipped with a power sliding cab and featuring external cameras, the HT275 offers industry-leading visibility of the job site. Operators also benefit from unparalleled comfort and control due to an air-ride suspension seat with 270-degree rotation, ergonomic joystick controls and dual 7-inch displays. www.ditchwitch.com/trenchers/track/ht275

Prestolite Electric is delivering industry-leading starting performance to the medium-duty market with the PowerPro Extreme 5, an all-new 12-volt, 4.5-kilowatt premium replacement starter from Leece-Neville Heavy Duty Systems. The latest addition to the PowerPro Extreme range offers high-torque, high-efficiency starting power for 6- to 10-liter engines used in construction, fire and rescue, pickup and delivery, refuse and school bus applications.

All PowerPro Extreme starter motors are engineered to provide consistent, reliable starting performance under the most demanding conditions. Featuring a planetary gear reduction design, the PowerPro Extreme 5 is available in both 10- and 12-tooth versions and provides a premium replacement alternative for a variety of popular engines, including Cummins ISB, ISC and ISL; International DT466E and DT570E; and MaxxForce DT, 9 and 10 models.

The PowerPro Extreme 5 is engineered to meet major OE specifications. It delivers exceptional performance and durability and features a variety of built-in technologies that improve service life, reduce maintenance costs and increase vehicle uptime. www.prestolite.com

No matter the industry, operator safety and ease of use and maintenance are key when a company is looking to acquire new equipment. Felling’s newly designed utility pole trailers are fully engineered and documented products that offer operators many years of trouble-free service.

The trailers are available in three lengths: 20 feet retracted to 30 feet extended; 24 feet retracted to 40 feet extended; and 29 feet retracted to 46 feet extended. Payload capacities from 7,980 pounds up to 36,600 pounds are available, and electric brakes are standard. Trailers can be equipped with air brakes if needed.

Equipped with a 2-inch cold-rolled steel, positive locking adjustment pin and designed with a notched flange welded on the pin, the flange notches must pass through two tabs welded 90 degrees from each other, assuring a positive locked position. The 2-inch positive locking adjustment pin is attached to the trailer with a chain to prevent loss. www.felling.com