Author: Kate Wade

Terex Utilities has expanded its TL Series of aerial devices with three new telescopic and material-handling models designed for transmission work.

The series includes the TL80, TL100 and TL80/112, which provide 80-foot, 100-foot and 112-foot working heights, respectively. The new TL transmission aerial devices were developed to have strong working ranges when compared to similar transmission aerials. For example, the TL100 has more than 61 feet of horizontal reach and a maximum material-handling capacity of 1,000 pounds.

All three models feature end-mounted, two-person platforms with capacities up to 700 pounds. Self-leveling platforms rotate 180 degrees. The TL80 and TL80/112 also are available with an option of a side-mounted platform having a jib capacity up to 2,000 pounds.

Designed to provide ground access, the platform on all TL units can be lowered to within inches of the ground. In addition, the boom design increases bed space and bed access to the bucket. Use of high-grade, high-yield-strength steel in the upper and lower boom sections provides rigid operation while reducing weight in the boom. The lower boom comes with a fiberglass lower boom insert and an upper boom that allows the TL80 and TL80/112 Category B Dielectric to be rated for 138-kV work. The TL100 can be rated up to 69 kV. www.terex.com/utilities

Bridgestone Americas Inc. has announced a new addition to its fuel-efficient Bridgestone Ecopia commercial truck tire portfolio. The Bridgestone R123 Ecopia tire is a SmartWay verified trailer tire engineered to deliver low rolling resistance and exceptional wear in long-haul and regional service applications.

The Bridgestone R123 Ecopia tire is engineered with features such as an IntelliShape sidewall designed to reduce the overall tire weight and minimize rolling resistance. The tire also uses patented NanoPro-Tech polymer technology to limit energy loss and help improve fuel economy. Additional innovations include a fuel-efficient tread design to lower rolling resistance and improve fuel economy; an innovative tread pattern to increase traction and grip on wet roads, as well as absorption of tread edge stress to promote long, even wear; an optimized tread volume that allows for long removal mileage; and a specialized defense groove structure that helps establish even pressure at the tire shoulder and minimize tread edge wear.

Designed to maximize the total tire life cycle, the Bridgestone R123 Ecopia tire provides excellent retreadability and works together with Bandag FuelTech retreads to capitalize on tire performance potential, drive down fuel costs and make mobility more efficient for fleets. https://commercial.bridgestone.com

LockNClimb, the world’s leading manufacturer of innovative ergonomic safety ladders for the trucking industry, has introduced the 42LNCTRKENG. This ladder rolls easily and sets up quickly around the tires, allowing unparalleled working access to all maintenance points on the engine via its stable, wide, slip-resistant platform. The ladder can be repositioned where needed to access running lights, windshields, mirrors and other components. The optional yellow safety handrails provide extra safety when ascending and descending.

LockNClimb ladders are made one at a time out of industrial-grade 6061 aluminum by skilled craftsmen in the USA and have been designed to exceed all applicable OSHA and ANSI standards. The patented LockNClimb base makes the 42-inch-high 42LNCTRKENG a freestanding ladder with no top rest support required. The ladder can easily be rolled on its commercial-quality hard rubber wheels and slides on replaceable brass feet to prevent sparks. www.locknclimb.com/trucking

TravelCenters of America LLC has answered the call to provide more comprehensive heavy truck maintenance and repair services for fleet equipment that is idle with TechOn-SITE.

Trucks today are more complex than ever, equipped with advanced electronic components, sensors and emission controls that require state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose an issue and a highly skilled technician to complete the repair. TechOn-SITE, previously TA Truck Service OnSITE, better identifies the importance of the technical expertise required to fill a growing need in the industry for expanded remote maintenance and repair services. 

The TechOn-SITE mobile maintenance vehicle is custom designed to provide the technician access to the tools, equipment and parts needed to complete routine maintenance or a more complex repair. Some of the most frequently requested mobile services include DOT inspections, computer diagnostics, tire service, brakes, lighting and trailer maintenance. www.ta-petro.com

Design Interactive Inc., providers of augmented- and virtual-reality training solutions for fleet maintenance personnel, vendors and OEMs, recently announced that the company’s AUGMENTOR transportation-focused, augmented-reality training solution is now available on Android and iOS mobile devices.

The new mobile applications for AUGMENTOR include an augmented-reality mode that lets technicians visualize procedure steps where they are conducted. For example, if a vehicle requires an inspection of its tires or brakes, the step is placed near or on that component or system. Users also can see 3D virtual representations of parts for reference during inspection or repairs. The mobile app includes videos, audio messages and text instruction. 

For fleets, AUGMENTOR helps lower training, labor and parts costs, and increases vehicle uptime and shop productivity. Especially as new technologies continue to increase the complexity of the repairs, tools and skills needed by technicians, this transportation-focused solution ensures training consistency by enabling access to updated content. http://designinteractive.net

Rock Mills Enterprises is pleased to introduce The Lifter PLUS, the next generation of vehicle-mounted, automated manhole cover removal tools.

The Lifter PLUS has been designed to address the need for a more powerful tool to remove very heavy, large-diameter manhole covers commonly found in electric utility and telecom networks. The Lifter PLUS delivers 3,500 pounds of magnetic gripping capacity to powerfully remove covers that are not only heavy but also may have raised lettering and designs on the cover.

The Lifter PLUS and the newly introduced Folding Swing Arm offer a unique, innovative, industry-leading solution to support worker safety and work performance for high-challenge removal tasks. www.rockmillsent.com

VMAC has released its newest Direct-Transmission Mounted PTO Driven Air Compressor, designed specifically for RAM trucks. The DTM70 is the world’s first direct-transmission-mounted PTO-driven air compressor, currently available for Ford F-250 to F-750 Power Stroke Diesel trucks, and now for RAM 3500 to 5500 chassis cab Cummins Diesel trucks.

The DTM70 Air Compressor produces up to 70 CFM at 100 psi (175 psi max). It is powerful enough to use for OTR tire inflation, 1-inch impact wrenches, 60-pound jackhammers and pavement breakers, vertical/horizontal grinders and sanders, and other small- to medium-sized air tools with high air demand.

The VMAC DTM70 is a popular choice for those looking to save space on their truck decks, as it is installed under the truck. The complete DTM70 system weighs just 150 pounds, making it a lightweight choice compared to traditional deck-mount air compressors or other underdeck systems. www.vmacair.com/dtm70

It’s easier than ever to make sure every technician in a shop receives training on the proper use of vehicle lifts. Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) is now offering an annual subscription option for its popular “Lifting It Right” online lift safety training course. An annual facility-wide subscription allows everyone in a single location to take the course as often as needed throughout the year.

This option makes it easier for facilities to train new employees, provides a significant cost savings for larger organizations and simplifies payment. Another new pricing option for the online course is a lower rate for vocational students and schools.

An annual subscription is $240 per facility location. The new student rate is $10 per person. Standard pricing is $16 per participant for the English version of the course and $24 per participant for Spanish.

“Lifting It Right” covers proper lifting practices for all types of vehicle lifts. The online course can be taken on a computer or mobile device. Most people finish it in an hour or less. At the end, a certificate of completion is stored online for easy access if a shop needs to produce training records. The course helps facilities comply with national and local safety training requirements. www.autolift.org/ali-store/

ASA Electronics has expanded its line of sensor systems with the CVPS18 four-channel system. The CVPS18 is an easy, economical way to outfit virtually any vehicle with the latest safety technology. The four ultrasonic, weatherproof sensors are easy to install and can be painted to match the color of the vehicle, making them a universal solution for aftermarket application.

The CVPS18 sensors are designed to detect objects within a 5-foot range of the rear bumper without requiring any calibration to aid in backing up or parking the vehicle. When the vehicle is in reverse, the sensors will trigger a speaker in the cab to emit an audible alert if an object should happen to get too close.

As the vehicle continues to back up, or as the object moves closer, the beeping will become more frequent. If the object comes within 16 inches of the bumper, a solid tone will sound. The audio speaker has three volume levels – low, high and off – to suit driver preferences. 

The CVPS18 sensor system can be used in conjunction with other Voyager observation products, like backup cameras and monitors, to create a comprehensive safety system. www.asaelectronics.com