Author: Kate Wade

The mixed-fleet telematics standard from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) has received approval from ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, to be accepted as a global standard.

The new ISO mixed-fleet telematics standard enables equipment users to gather more OEM equipment data into their preferred business or fleet management software, providing easier access, improved ability to manage and analyze information across their fleets, and help saving time and money on the job site or within their operations.

While ISO is preparing the standard for final posting to its website, AEM and AEMP suggest three steps equipment users can take now to prepare for final publication of the ISO mixed-fleets standard.

First, equipment users are advised to check with their manufacturers to determine if and when they plan to comply with the standard and offer data through the standard’s application programming interface (API) format.

Second, equipment users are advised to check with the supplier of their preferred business or fleet management software for its plan to support integration of the new API to enable retrieval of their machine data. A helpful reference source is the “AEMP Telematics for Fleet Managers” primer.

Third, equipment users can bookmark the expected landing page for the standard and check back periodically to see when it is posted.

The ISO mixed-fleet telematics standard will be part of IS0 15143 (“Earth-moving machinery and mobile road construction machinery – Worksite data exchange”) as a new section – “Part 3: Machine data.” www.aem.org

Mattracks, the innovator in rubber track conversion systems, has produced a commercial-grade rubber track conversion system for utility work machines, which you can use to convert your tires to tracks in less than an hour.

Features include an exclusive offset rocker suspension, two-piece HD steel sprocket, rubber-coated UHMW wheels and a 15-inch-wide all-terrain track with an easy-steer option. The easy-steer option provides effortless two- and four-wheel steering while minimally increasing the turning radius. There are 16 LiteFoot models to fit Bobcats 3400, 3400XL, 3450, 3600 and 3650. www.mattracks.com

Nite Beams Class 3 high-visibility LED safety vests emit beams into darkness that are visible up to a quarter-mile away and can be seen in any weather condition. Wear a vest during the day, and then in low-light conditions simply push a button to activate LEDs for extra visibility.

Nite Beam’s safety vests were recently awarded second place for best safety innovation at the ATSSA Traffic Expo in New Orleans. Each vest is powered by a USB rechargeable pack, weighing less than an ounce for comfort. A full recharge takes one hour.

When the vest is worn with the constant mode on, the LEDs will last for 18 hours. While in flashing mode, the LEDs will last 40 hours before having to be recharged.

LEDs are available in red, green, blue, pink, orange or white. Sizes include M, L, XL, 2X, 3X and 4X. The vest is ANSI/ISEA compliant and washable. www.nitebeams.com

Solar Technology, manufacturer of solar-powered traffic safety equipment, recently announced that their flashing Arrow Boards will now include a built-in modem, GPS and free cellular service for the life of the board.

The cellular connection will enable customers to locate their boards via GPS, check battery voltage from their desks and change arrow patterns remotely. Customers will also receive data that includes a recorded history of what was displayed and when. The free cellular connection offers enormous savings over the lifetime of the board. www.solartechnology.com

ARGO, a world-leading extreme vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled its new Lineman model geared specifically toward utility workers.

The ultimate all-terrain machine for those who require a durable, dependable job site transporter, the new ARGO Lineman provides customers in the utility industry with extra power, capacity, versatility and safety. Based off of the company’s heavy-duty XTI platform, the ARGO Lineman includes a number of custom improvements to get the job done.

A robust machine that has the load-carrying capacity and power to transport transformers, pull cables or bore footings on the most remote work sites, the heavy-duty Lineman can handle rocks, hills and sand dunes while carrying up to 1,340 pounds of payload.

And with add-on attachments ranging from cranes to augers to welding kits and hydraulic power supplies, crews can now bring their tool shop with them anywhere they go, turning their ARGO Lineman vehicle into an extreme terrain workshop. www.argoxtv.com

The LIFTPLAQ tool allows manhole covers and road stoppers to be removed in a safe manner. The mechanical assembly is fitted with a powerful magnet, connecting firmly to covers and road plates. It is ideal for personnel working on dry and wet networks and can be fitted with extensions to suit large manhole covers. The ergonomic design allows workers to lift covers with their backs straight and knees bent. There is no contact between the operator’s hands and the cover. The unit is easy to move and requires minimal storage space. www.liftplaq.us

With ASA Electronics’ new Voyager CVRPS14 Rear Sensor System, drivers of medium and large vehicles have the comfort of knowing what is behind them at all times. Newly released to the market, this system comprises four independent rear sensors spaced evenly along the back of a vehicle, giving drivers an accurate reading of the surrounding areas along with excellent range of vision.

When attached to a compatible display, the sensors will provide an audible and visual notification when an object is detected. The audible warning progressively beeps as objects approach the vehicle. The visual warning and real-time video can be displayed on any attached Voyager monitor or any JENSEN touch-screen stereo with a camera input.

Each sensor operates independently from the others, giving off four distinct, constant signals to alert the driver of objects currently behind the vehicle as well as objects moving toward or across the rear of the vehicle. www.asaelectronics.com

The Geo-Boy Brush Cutter Tractor from Jarraff Industries continues to expand its usage into diverse industries and applications. The Geo-Boy has been a mainstay for maintaining a wide range of transportation and utility rights-of-way, but the unit’s inherent capabilities have helped it become effective in such areas as land clearing and site prep, invasive vegetation species management, storm damage removal and cleanup, wildfire management and seismic mapping operations.

The Geo-Boy is available in wheeled and track configurations. Both models are ROPS and FOPS certified. With two Tier III engine options – 220 horsepower and 260 horsepower – the Geo-Boy is powerful, maneuverable and fuel-efficient. www.geo-boy.com

For quick cooling, Maradyne High Performance Fans offers the Fast & Cool Air Blower, designed with durability and high performance in mind. Able to be positioned at three convenient angles – 0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees – the Fast & Cool Air Blower is ideal for the shop, where rapidly cooling engines, brakes and clutches is essential. The air blower is also useful in drying the shop floor or in dyno settings.

Made of tough, roto-molded housing, the 3,000-feet-per-minute Fast & Cool Air Blower delivers two to three times the airflow power of other small fans on the market. Priced under $200, it comes with a one-year warranty for both parts and labor. www.maradynehp.com

QuickCable Corp. – a leading manufacturer of connectors, cable/cable assemblies, tools and accessories for the energy storage industry – has introduced its new Group 31 multi-battery wire harness designed to link together two or more batteries. The multi-battery harnesses are a cost-effective solution for OEM replacement assemblies in heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.

The Group 31 harnesses protect cable and connectors from corrosion due to the extreme/harsh environments they exist in. These wire harnesses are ideal for applications that use multiple Group 31 batteries in heavy-duty transportation, fleet service and tractor/trailer supply. The addition of this line will enhance the existing offering to QuickCable’s heavy-duty and fleet support markets. www.quickcable.com