Author: Kate Wade

The Voyager Replacement Rearview Mirror Monitor from ASA Electronics displays real-time images of a vehicle’s blind spots on the operator’s rearview mirror, making it more manageable for vehicle operators to change lanes, merge into traffic and perform backing maneuvers. Light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle applications that previously had no use for a traditional rearview mirror can now utilize the new Voyager VOM73MM in place of the OEM-supplied option.

The monitor includes a 7-inch TFT LCD screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It supports three camera inputs for rear and side camera applications. The monitor can be powered manually or automatically triggered by 12VDC power. Front side button control allows for manual camera source selection and picture adjustment. The Voyager mirror monitor works with all Voyager cameras and is a replacement option for rearview mirrors on Ford, GM, Dodge and Sprinter chassis. www.asaelectronics.com

The new and improved RT80 ride-on trencher from Ditch Witch is a powerful and versatile midrange machine equipped for heavy-duty trenching in small places.

Powered by a 74.5-horsepower turbocharged Deutz Tier 4 diesel engine, the RT80 enables long-term productivity to meet the demands of most heavy-duty trenching jobs. The compact design and extensive axle capacity give the machine a best-in-class static load rating of 39,000 pounds.

For improved versatility, the RT80 has a tight turn radius and is equipped with a three-speed, shift-on-the-fly ground drive control, providing contractors more options as job site conditions and requirements change. The machine also features a standard cruise control system that senses changing load conditions and automatically adjusts for uninterrupted performance.

Contractors looking for cost-efficient, multipurpose machines will benefit from the RT80’s versatile attachment selections, including a centerline trencher, sliding trencher, vibratory plow, earth saw, combination trencher/plow, microtrencher, backhoe and reel carrier. In addition, removable side panels provide easy access to all engine compartments and maintenance points.

The RT80 ride-on trencher keeps operators in command at all times with precise dial control of ground drive speed and attachments, as well as an LCD color display that shows all engine information and diagnostics. www.ditchwitch.com

Golight Inc. recently introduced its GXL 4211 Off-Road Lamp. The lamp’s rugged form was inspired by and emulates the look of today’s off-road tires. The bezel of the GXL 4211 Off-Road Lamp features six air induction ports that enhance its thermal management capabilities and promote product longevity.

The lamp’s optics have been specially engineered for the environment unique to off-road driving. The sophisticated plano-convex lens optimally controls the substantial light generated by the lamp’s seven high-output LEDs, creating an intense 130,000-candela beam with a 12-degree angle that provides ample peripheral illumination, while preserving center beam intensity. The tough polycarbonate lens is protected by an integrated brush guard grill with four cross-members.

The GXL 4211’s unique air induction ports surround the periphery of its 3.5-inch-diameter lens, and are part of an ingenious active thermal management system that employs both aerodynamics and solid-state electronics to protect and maximize the lifespan of its LEDs. When moving, the lamp is designed to channel six separate air currents over the lamp’s internal heat sink array.

Designed with multivolt flexibility and convenience in mind, the lamp accommodates virtually any vehicle electrical system operating between 9 and 36 volts. Installation is easy for professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike, and as added protection the lamp features over-voltage and reverse polarity protection. www.golight.com

RAM Mounting Systems’ IntelliSkin is a protective device case that simplifies the frequent docking and undocking of smartphones and tablets common in utility, construction and government infrastructure applications. IntelliSkin provides standard charging contacts to prevent damage to Samsung phones and tablets in rugged transportation and work use environments.

IntelliSkin features an integrated power connector compatible with any Global Docking System (GDS) charging dock. This prevents damage to the device charging port and creates a universal docking system compatible with any device wrapped with an IntelliSkin case.

GDS sets a new standard by creating a uniform platform for connecting a variety of portable devices with power and data communication. RAM Mounts’ GDS platform provides compatibility with many different devices. Plus, it offers docking stations with scalability as smartphone and tablet manufacturers introduce new generations of devices. Vocational use applications of IntelliSkin with GDS include fleet hours of service, trip inspections, two-way communication, navigation, equipment inspections, project management and more.

IntelliSkin cases are currently available for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6, Tab S 8.4 and 10.5, Galaxy Tab 4 7.0 and 10.1, Galaxy Tab A 8.0 and 9.7, and Galaxy Tab Active 8.0. www.rammount.com

Global satellite communications are now available for DPL Telematics’ Titan Equipment Monitoring System. The Titan is an advanced telematics solution for wireless monitoring and remote tracking of off-road equipment, as well as over-the-road trucks, to increase productivity while reducing fleet costs. Leveraging Iridium’s low-latency satellite network, Titan users can now communicate with their assets anywhere on the globe, regardless of cellular availability.

The Titan Equipment Monitoring System allows managers to wirelessly monitor all their assets continually and accurately from a robust, Internet-based software package and mobile app. Satellite-communicated reporting ranges from basic runtime and location tracking to enhanced J1939 CANBus monitoring. CANBus data typically includes diagnostic fault codes, fuel consumption, idle vs. work time analysis, engine direct hour meter/odometer readings as well as temperatures and pressures.

Threatening machine health conditions such as critical lamp statuses, temperatures and pressures are transmitted within seconds via satellite by the Titan so corrective action may be taken. Five different satellite communication reporting packages are available for the Titan, as low as $23 per month. www.dpltel.com

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. has introduced its newest model – the 2016 NPR Diesel. The truck features a 13,000-pound GVWR and a 33.5-inch frame to offer more capability than previously available in an entry-level Isuzu diesel truck, while still providing legendary Isuzu durability and fuel economy.

Among the notable features of the 2016 NPR Diesel are a standard 30-gallon rear-mounted in-rail fuel tank; a frame width of 33.5 inches that will accept bodies up to 102 inches wide and 91 inches high; and four wheelbases – 109, 132.5, 150 and 176 inches – that will accept body lengths up to 20 feet.

The new NPR Diesel is powered by the newest and most modern power plant in the Isuzu family, the 3.0-liter 4JJ1-TC turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine. The power plant produces 150 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 to 2,800 rpm.

Production of the 2016 NPR Diesel will begin in Japan in November 2015, and the truck will be available at Isuzu’s network of nearly 300 dealers in North America shortly thereafter. www.isuzucv.com

General Motors Co. and Navistar have reached a long-term agreement to develop and assemble future medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicles, allowing Navistar to strengthen its product lineup and GM to expand its Chevrolet commercial truck portfolio.

The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar’s expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM’s commercial components and engines. The vehicles are slated for production in 2018 and will be manufactured at Navistar’s facility in Springfield, Ohio. Navistar plans to add 300 jobs and invest more than $12 million in facility upgrades and state-of-the-art equipment to produce the new vehicles. www.gm.com and www.navistar.com

Ranger Design Inc. has launched the all-new Max View Clear Top Polycarbonate safety partition. These composite bulkhead partitions have been designed to provide a solid, secure barrier between the occupants of the van and the cargo, while increasing visibility and reducing blind spots.

Available November 1 for most popular cargo vans, the composite safety partitions are built of thermoformed ABS and polycarbonate and are engineered to resist maximum impact. Designed to be tighter fitting and rattle free, the new partition can increase cabin comfort by improving climate control and reducing noise. The safety partitions also feature a clear top that makes the cab of a small van feel more spacious, plus contouring to allow full seat travel and maximum cargo floor space. www.rangerdesign.com

Mach Series mobile column lifts from Rotary Lift minimize downtime with fast setup features and versatility. According to Doug Spiller, the company’s heavy-duty product manager, the lifts feature fast rise and descent times, so technicians spend less time waiting for the lift before they can start working. The lifts also come with intuitive controls that make it easy to synchronize each column during the setup process. Automatic steering systems further save time by eliminating the need to manually pump each column before transport, and brakes engage automatically when the handle is released.

To provide utility fleet service facilities with maximum versatility, Rotary Lift Mach Series lifts can be removed from under a raised truck once the vehicle is lowered onto jack stands. The lift can then be used to raise other trucks for service, preventing bottlenecks of vehicles.

Each Mach Series lift column is powered by batteries and comes with an onboard charger. Since there is no need to plug the columns into power outlets, there are fewer cords cluttering the service bay. The Mach Series lift can also be equipped with a wireless communications option that eliminates all communications cables. www.rotarylift.com

With a free-air delivery of 185 cfm and rated operating pressure of 100 psi, Doosan Portable Power’s utility-mount P185 offers the power to meet a variety of applications, including powering hand-held air tools, sandblasting, cable laying and pipeline testing. The above-deck portability provides towing capacity for larger machinery.

The utility-mount P185 compressor has been designed with the operator in mind by offering easy access to all major service points, leaving more time for the job at hand and less time spent on maintenance. The model is equipped with full-sized, locking end doors that make for faster inspections of fluid levels and filters, plus quick access to the battery and the spin-on oil separator for the easiest maintenance in the industry, according to Doosan.

A lower-positioned service air port and eye-level access to all controls and monitoring gauges ensure operator safety and convenience. The backlit LED Quick View Screens make for easy viewing of up to 13 commonly used parameters, and fault codes in text, with the option to translate into English, French and Spanish.

The new utility-mount P185 is powered by a Tier 4 Final-compliant, 49-horsepower Doosan D24 engine with a diesel oxidation catalyst after-treatment system, which is virtually maintenance-free. The high-performance engine delivers greater fuel efficiency and improved cold-starting capability. www.doosanportablepower.com