Author: Kate Wade

New load support solutions from Air Lift Co. are available for the suspension system on 2009-2015 RAM 1500 half-ton pickup trucks. The LoadLifter 5000 and LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE are industry-leading air spring kits designed to improve ride quality, handling and safety when towing and hauling heavy loads.

To provide additional support for the new five-link-coil rear-suspension system of the two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive RAM 1500 models, Air Lift engineered two heavy-duty towing options featuring application-specific brackets and air springs. Air Lift adjustable air spring kits ensure that weight is properly distributed to all four tires to maximize vehicle stability, safety and comfort. Working with the existing suspension, air springs improve braking and steering, eliminate squat and sway, and maintain ideal ride height.

For heavy-duty or frequent use, Air Lift’s LoadLifter 5000 kit (#57365) features durable, fully adjustable air springs, which work with the existing suspension to provide up to 5,000 pounds of leveling capacity. For even more ride support, and to withstand the rigors of commercial-duty use, the LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE kit (#88365) provides all the benefits of the LoadLifter 5000 with the addition of an exclusive shock-absorbing internal jounce bumper to protect vehicles with heavy loads and eliminate jarring on rough roads. Virtually maintenance-free, LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE is adjustable for a safe, comfortable ride, loaded or unloaded. Both kits, which are currently available for pre-order, are easy to install and are backed by Air Lift’s exclusive lifetime warranty. www.airliftcompany.com

Terex now offers an insulated, retractable 4th section on its General 80 digger derricks. The first of its kind in the industry, the new 4th section is made from fiberglass, replacing a non-insulated, steel 4th section on previous models, and is designed to meet the industry’s demand for increased insulated digger derrick reach heights. With the insulated 4th section, crews are able to set poles and perform line work with an 80-foot digger derrick.

The 4th section is designed to enable operators to extend and retract in minutes using the winch line. Terex engineered it to balance on a series of boom extension rollers. This design allows it to easily be rolled in and out. The ability to retract the 4th section fully into the other boom protects the new 4th section from potential damage when it is not in use.

A video walk-through of the new 4th section can be viewed at http://youtu.be/qczzAfh-JoE. www.terex.com/utilities

Hiniker Co. offers a complete line of snowplows and material spreaders designed for the professional snow removal market. Innovative products such as the Hiniker Scoop plow and the Hiniker C-Plow enable professional contractors to move snow more efficiently, resulting in faster job completion and greater profitability.

The Hiniker line of high-performance trip-edge plows includes C-Plows, Scoop plows, VF series flare-wing trip-edge V-plows and straight blade plows. These plows feature a unique two- or three-section trip-edge with a 9-inch-high, no-pinch pivot point, allowing the plow to clear obstacles such as curbs and parking barriers. Each section trips independently, reducing stress and twisting forces over the length of the plow. The no-pinch hinge keeps stones and ice from jamming the trip-edge. All Hiniker plows feature the time-saving, convenient Hiniker Quick-Hitch or Quick-Hitch2 system.

Hiniker’s dual-motor electric salt and sand spreaders allow users to tailor material application rates accurately and conveniently. Powered by the truck’s 12-volt electrical system, the exclusive Hiniker control console provides individual variable speed control for both the conveyor and the spinner. The two electric motors offer quiet operation for residential and office applications. Two stainless steel electric spreader models with conveyor delivery are available: the 6.5-foot model 635 and the 8-foot model 835. The model 775 electric auger spreader is optimally sized for use in either a 6.5-foot or 8-foot pickup bed. Standard hopper capacities are 1.50 cu. yd. for model 635, 1.80 cu. yd. for model 835 and 2.00 cu. yd. for model 775. www.hiniker.com

Crysteel’s Aluminum E-Tipper dump body offers contractors durability and lightweight efficiency. Aluminum construction weighs up to 50 percent less than traditional carbon steel dump bodies. This results in fuel cost savings, as well as less wear on tires and brakes. Lightweight aluminum also offers increased payload capacity, corrosion resistance and lower maintenance costs.

The Aluminum E-Tipper from Crysteel is designed to help contractors improve productivity with features that include lightweight fold-down sides for easy access and a wide range of performance- and appearance-enhancing accessories such as tarps, toolboxes, poly fenders and more. Crysteel offers a comprehensive five-year warranty on all dump bodies and hoists. www.crysteel.com

Clean Car Expo, to be held February 16-18 at the San Diego Convention Center, will bring together the world’s leading alternative fuel vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure developers, fuel providers, suppliers, consultants, and fleet managers to discuss and display the latest technologies in electric vehicles, compressed natural gas, hydrogen vehicles, natural gas vehicles, biofuel, ethanol, propane, hybrid and fleet vehicles. Clean Car Expo will showcase all types of alternative fuel and fleet vehicles on display from BMW, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Tesla, Toyota and other new manufacturers.

Clean Car Expo is being held in conjunction with EUEC2015, the 18th annual energy, utility and environment conference, the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the United States. More than 3,000 delegates are expected at the joint events.

Mark Smith, vehicle technologies deployment manager for Clean Cities, will be one of the plenary keynote speakers at the joint conference. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program advances economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local agencies and stakeholders through Clean Cities coalitions in San Diego and California to reduce petroleum use in transportation.

The $300 registration fee will be waived for employees, managers, and operators of commercial or government vehicle fleets and Clean City coalition members who register online before January 15. The Clean Car Expo will offer free registration to the public from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, February 16 and 17. www.cleancarexpo.com

Altec has launched the new AN67-E100 and AN67E-E100 aerial devices to offer customers increased safety and job site efficiency. The AN67-E100 and AN67E-E100 incorporate the field-proven design and reliability of Altec’s AA/AN Series Aerial Devices into a 100-foot total platform height elevator for transmission applications.

The machine is designed for productive operation with a high-flow hydraulic system and independent elevator controller for speed and multifunction capability. Standard platform rotator, available extended side reach, and material-handling jib offer more options to position the platform and get tools and materials to height. The new elevator design features an improved strength-to-weight ratio, allowing up to 3,900 pounds of total payload on a 58,000-pound GVWR all-wheel-drive chassis. www.altec.com

The D2488B Hydratrek is a multipurpose amphibious vehicle with a 24-inch rubber track system that enables it to maintain a light footprint and “float” in fresh snow conditions. Utility and other industries use the Hydratrek year-round to survey, transport, recover, and rescue on rights-of-way, wetlands, lakes, flooded areas, gumbo mud, timber, muskeg, vegetation, debris and beaches. It is capable of safely operating in temperatures of -40 F.

The D2488B has a ground payload of 3,000 pounds. It can float 1,400 pounds and maneuver in deep water with the integrated water propulsion system and two 11-inch bronze propellers. The standard 85-horsepower Kubota diesel engine and planetary drive system can tow up to 8,000 pounds in rough country. The marine-grade aluminum body and undercarriage are thick, durable and reinforced throughout to provide years of service. An optional hydraulic winch, hydraulic tool circuit, capstan, LED lighting and electric crane hoist can make the D2488B a workhorse in the field. View a demo of the D2488B at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4zhLFHM0M. www.hydratrek.com

Mattracks has released the TA9000, its new series of tracks. The series expands Mattracks’ current Track-tor-Assist lineup of conversion systems for the ag and commercial markets and is used for extremely large machinery and equipment with axle loads from 10 to 20 tons. The TA9000 series offers 15-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch and 30-inch track widths.

The YS3 track has been designed to expel snow and ice with minimal buildup of ice. The heavier framework has been designed for increased load-carrying capacity. The offset road wheels reduce vibration and noise, and increase efficiency, fuel economy and track tread life. www.mattracks.com

The QAS 25 generator can be used for prime or standby power and is equipped with a Leroy Somer AREP alternator for optimal motor-starting capability. DeepSea 4510 controls are comfortable, reliable and easy to use. The unit comes standard with two-wire remote start capability and features a 72-gallon fuel tank for a 45-hour run time.

The QAS 25 enclosure is sound attenuated and has a vertical radiator and exhaust discharge to ensure low dBA levels. Its voltage selector switch allows operators to adjust the machine’s output to 480- and 208-/240-volt three-phase settings as well as 120-/240-volt single phase for varying applications and equipment.

Atlas Copco designed the QAS 25 for fast and easy maintenance with large doors and all maintenance points on one side of the machine. The DOC after-treatment device requires no regeneration or maintenance. The engine meets Tier 4 Final emissions without the need for diesel exhaust fluid or a diesel particulate filter system. www.atlascopco.com

Endure the harsh winter months and keep your utility fleet in operation with a set of steel cleats built to enhance your crawler carrier. These cleats are made from 100 percent steel and have an advanced bolt-on and bolt-off attachment design for simple and quick installation. Steel cleats are intended for use on rubber-tracked carriers and will not harm the tracks during use. Attaching the cleats provides extra grip in slippery conditions so your crawler carrier can continue to function optimally in adverse terrain while eliminating costly downtime from weather-related hindrances. Crawler carrier cleats are interchangeable for all brand name carriers, including Terramac, Morooka and IHI.

Steel cleats sold by Rig Source are available in sets of eight, which is the recommended number of cleats per track for the most favorable traction, and are shipped from North America to reduce delivery time and cost. www.rigsourceinc.com