Author: Kate Wade

To help fleet managers balance equipment value with user requirements, Terex has developed a new process to assist customers with spec’ing utility trucks, including aerial devices and digger derricks, that complies with bid specs, costs less to purchase and takes less time to produce.

Here’s how this new approach works: Terex meets with a utility customer to better understand what equipment is needed and how it will be used, what parts and service would be needed to support that equipment, and the capital structure that best fits the organization as it considers filling its fleet needs. And it’s not a one-way street – Terex shares information on a full line of utility truck offerings, as well as the latest technology and innovations. Through this approach, Terex can realize all of the synergies in specifications to create efficiencies in bid specs, delivery times and overall work practices.

If a customer does require a customized configuration for their equipment fleet, Terex uses the truck’s standard options and accessories as building blocks. This allows Terex to engineer, produce and place the parts unique to the customer requirements during the installation process where the unit and body are mounted on the truck chassis. www.terex.com/utilities

Crane Institute of America has released a metric edition of its flagship handbook, “Mobile Cranes.” The book joins “Rigging,” another of the institute’s metric handbook options, and can now be used more efficiently around the world.

Over the past few years, Crane Institute has delivered an increasing number of training classes overseas. It has also seen growth in the number of students from other countries attending classes at the institute’s corporate training facility in central Florida. Many of these students have requested metric editions of CIA’s training materials. The first edition metric “Mobile Cranes” is in parity with the 10th edition of the imperial “Mobile Cranes,” updated with the latest standards and information. Crane Institute of America now has more than half a million books in print and handbooks are available in its online store. www.cranetrainingproducts.com

HUBB has introduced its new oil filter to the automotive aftermarket. According to the company, the filter’s patented design provides unprecedented engine protection, cost savings and environmental benefits. The HUBB filter is backed with an industry-first 100,000-mile performance guarantee.

Currently available for any light truck or passenger vehicle that uses a spin-on filter, HUBB’s patented filter-in-a-filter design is made with surgical stainless steel weave rather than paper that is used by conventional filters. HUBB’s unique design and functionality improves oil flow by five times, while capturing more contaminants from combustion so engine oil stays cleaner, longer. HUBB’s reusable and cleanable filter also helps the environment by eliminating the need to dispose of used filters in landfills.

To back its claims of superior filtration, engine health protection, extended oil change intervals and reduced carbon emissions, HUBB has undergone independent third-party testing by Automotive Testing and Development Services Inc. and Southwest Research Institute, as well as extensive field testing with customers. www.hubbfilters.com

Popular in Europe for many years because of the widespread use of propane autogas as a vehicle fuel there, toroidal fuel tanks were first introduced in the U.S. about a year ago by Worthington Industries. Toroidal fuel tanks utilize their unique doughnut shape for space efficiency for utility fleets. They are installed in the spare-tire area of a work truck, thus freeing up payload space. They also provide a flexible design option, along with reliable performance and value over thousands of miles of driving.

Toroidal fuel tanks are currently available from Worthington Industries in eight sizes, ranging from 23.6 inches in diameter and 9.8 inches in height to 28.4 inches in diameter and 13.8 inches in height. All sizes are compliant with American Society of Mechanical Engineers regulations. They are made of steel for durability, with a baked-on powder-coat application that maximizes corrosion resistance. They arrive ready for installation in a fleet vehicle by propane autogas system integrators, with all valves and fittings enclosed in a vapor box, along with multiple fitting adjustments so a tank can be easily configured for the vehicle in which it will be installed. www.worthingtonindustries.com

Lytx Inc. recently unveiled its ActiveVision service, a comprehensive safety solution that helps detect and address – both in real time and over time – distracted and drowsy driving and following too close.

The ActiveVision service uses advanced analytics to identify patterns of behavior that are indicative of distracted and/or drowsy driving, and then uses video to help pinpoint the possible root causes. When combined with the Lytx DriveCam safety program, the ActiveVision service can help drivers improve performance and help mitigate risk.

ActiveVision combines three technology advancements: seamless integration with in-vehicle technology and Lytx DriveCam sensors for an extensive level of data collection; advanced data analytics to form a holistic view of what’s happening on the road; and comprehensive coaching, including in-cab alerts and prompts, as well as post-drive coaching to help drivers continuously improve their skills. www.lytx.com

The Palm Light from Stertil-Koni, a leader in vehicle lifts, is a portable, magnetic, high-intensity LED light designed to affix easily to a broad range of metal surfaces commonly found in vehicle maintenance shops, including the company’s award-winning vehicle lifting systems.

This new piece of shop equipment will be available in the first quarter of 2016 and provides up to 800 lumens of directed light. It is contained in a robust, die-cast aluminum housing, making it capable of withstanding much more than the common knocks, bumps and drops that are part of the everyday shop environment.

The 10-watt Palm Light is powered with a lithium-ion 11.1-V, 2200-mAh battery. It is IP65 dust- and water-resistant and comes with a 12.6-V, 0.8-A charger with a magnetic charging base. www.stertil-koni.com

Ditch Witch has expanded its line of compact equipment with the new, construction-grade SK752 mini skid steer with improved features that enable added confidence, productivity and versatility on the job.

With its 24.8-horsepower Kubota diesel engine – known for efficiency and low maintenance – the machine wields impressive power for all machine functions. It also directs more power to the attachment than comparable models on the market, helping operators get the job done faster.

Operators will gain nearly 10 percent more operating capacity with the new skid steer over similar models. The machine has an 860-pound operating capacity and increased hinge-pin height to 83 inches for more efficient loading.

The Ditch Witch organization puts operator safety, visibility and comfort first with the SK752 mini skid steer. It features an ergonomic operator’s station with standard dual-lever ground drive controls and an optional joystick. The machine’s large platform measures 74 square inches, with superior ground clearance that lets drivers work comfortably while maintaining good work site visibility.

At the operator’s station, drivers stay in control with the two-way auxiliary control foot pedal. It lets operators maintain hydraulic flow to the attachment while keeping their hands free to control depth and ground speed. www.ditchwitch.com

Magellan has integrated its RoadMate RC9496T-LMB fleet navigation device with Position Logic’s advanced GPS tracking software solution. This partnership allows Position Logic service providers to leverage all Magellan RoadMate RC9496T-LMB devices. The RoadMate RC9496T-LMB, a 7-inch Android GPS fleet navigation device, is available now to current and prospective Magellan and Position Logic customers. Position Logic, a division of KORE, provides precision location-based services for business-to-business applications.

The Magellan and Position Logic integration delivers a powerful and seamless end-to-end communication and navigation solution for fleets. The solution includes the RC9496T-LMB, an active mobile terminal, allowing real-time two-way communication between driver and dispatch when paired with Position Logic’s GPS tracking software. Send and receive important information to immediately identify driver status including route-receipt, in-route or on-scene, and deliver real-time messages to improve driver productivity. The solution delivers critical information for field service fleets, emergency services, roadside assistance and many more applications.

The RC9496T-LMB is also connected to Magellan’s SmartGPS Eco cloud, providing drivers and fleet managers with customizable time- and money-saving content such as real-time fuel price information, weather and truck speed limit warnings. www.magellangps.com, www.koretelematics.com

Durashell 175 and 145 slip-on truck bodies are now available from Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies. These new models feature engineering refinements including a lightweight capsule for half-ton and larger pickup trucks; a patented low-profile ladder rack option for easy parking garage access; an industry-leading 320 degrees of access; keyless entry; LED side door lighting with pressure-activated switch; 60/40 rear-door split for safer and easier cargo access; automotive quality slam-lock door system; and ergonomic recessed paddle latch handles.

The Durashell 175 and 145’s heavy-duty composite construction is rugged and lightweight yet still able to be taken on and off a pickup truck fully loaded in minutes. These new models include lock-down clamps, which easily allow for one-person installation. They also maximize storage, without compromising economy, via an internal mounting system for custom shelving to fit your trade. www.fleetwest.net

The London, from Webasto Thermo & Comfort North America, is available as an aftermarket solution to owners of the Ram ProMaster for additional heating and cooling needs in their cargo space. The unit is compact and efficient, offering up to 32,500 Btu/h of cooling capacity and 44,500 Btu/h of heating capacity. An integrated HVAC system, the London can be installed in the driver’s compartment bulkhead area with conditioned air delivery rearward, which allows for ease of installation without compromising valuable cargo space. This standard tie-in HVAC system utilizes the vehicle’s existing in-line condenser and compressor for cooling. The London is equipped with high-efficiency blowers that deliver constant airflow and ensure a long service life.

For warmer environments in which higher cooling capacities are desired, Webasto has introduced the Extreme Climate HVAC aftermarket system. This system is an independent HVAC kit that shares the same components as the London tie-in configuration with the addition of an auxiliary engine-driven compressor, a compressor mount kit and a roof-mounted, low-profile condenser. www.webasto.com