9/30/11

Ford F-250 Land Speed Record


Ford Motor Company and Hajek Motorsports Set Two World Records:
Brent Hajek and his nearly-stock F-250 Super Duty set the new B Production Diesel Truck land speed record with a speed of 167.300 mph. (08/19/2011)

9/28/11

Chrysler Group LLC Providing Duke Energy in Charlotte With Test Fleet of PHEV Ram 1500 Pickup Trucks

  • Ten plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) will be supplied to Duke Energy in Charlotte, N.C., as part of a demonstration project by Chrysler Group LLC
  • Real world city miles to be accumulated on demonstration vehicles over the next three years
  • Fleet of vehicles developed in partnership with U.S. Department of Energy
  • Ram 1500 plug-in electric hybrid test trucks will be used to evaluate city drive cycles, charging performance, fuel economy and real-world performance
September 22, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC, working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will deliver 10 demonstration fleet Ram 1500 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) pickup trucks to Duke Energy of Charlotte, N.C., this week.

The PHEV Ram 1500 pickups, delivered by Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of the Chrysler Group’s advanced hybrid vehicle project, are part of a national demonstration fleet of 140 vehicles that will be used during the next three years to evaluate customer usage, drive cycles, charging, thermal management, fuel economy, emissions and impact on the region’s electric grid. In addition to Duke Energy, nine other partners across the United States are slated to receive vehicles for demonstration and testing purposes.

“Cities have been carefully selected to help the Chrysler Group LLC collect a wide range of data,” explained Abdullah Bazzi, senior manager of Chrysler’s advanced hybrid vehicle project. “Charlotte offers heavy traffic and urban driving that are ideal city test cycles along and rural areas that include inclines on mountain grades. The constant charging will allow us to measure the impact on battery life and charging efficiency.”

Earlier this year, Chrysler Group LLC delivered 10 Ram 1500 PHEV trucks to the city of Yuma, Ariz., to take full advantage of hot weather and conduct thermal testing in the desert southwest. Other cities that have received the demonstration Ram 1500 pickups include San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif.

“Duke Energy is pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this demonstration program with Chrysler LLC and the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Jim Stanley, Duke Energy’s senior vice president of power delivery. “The information from Duke Energy provided to both Chrysler and the Department of Energy will help shape product development within the automotive industry and electric utility programs and infrastructure that could lead to more of these vehicles in the future.”

Strictly a demonstration program, there are no plans for a production version of the PHEV Ram 1500 truck at this time.

Cities and states were selected to evaluate temperature extremes, urban traffic cycles and diverse climates and geographies.

The Ram 1500 PHEV includes a liquid-cooled 12.9kWhr lithium ion battery pack and a 6.6 kilowatt (kW) on-board charger. Additional features include AC power generation of up to 6.6kW; directional charging; reverse power flow and full regenerative braking used to capture more energy. For fuel economy improvements, the front axle of the four-wheel-drive automatic transmission can be disconnected when not needed. The powertrain also includes a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine and a two-mode hybrid transmission. The 5.7-liter Hemi is equipped with a Fuel Saver technology that improves fuel efficiency at highway speeds by shutting down fuel delivery to up to four cylinders.

The battery pack is located under the second-row seat of the pickup and is liquid cooled to help maintain a consistent battery temperature. For on-the-job electrical power tools, a 240 volt/30 amp four-prong outlet and 120volt/20amp duplex outlet power strip is located in the rear box.

Urban use will be tracked to measure battery performance and overall hybrid efficiency with the demonstration fleet of pickups. Other uses include military bases where vehicles will be able to provide power back to the electric grid in what is termed “reverse power flow” of up to 6.6kW.

Funding for the program in part is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 through the Transportation Electrification Initiative sponsored by the DOE. The grant, totaling $48 million from DOE and $49.4 million from Chrysler Group LLC, was designed to develop vehicles that will be cost efficient for consumers, satisfy safety concerns of daily travel without recharging and help reduce dependence on foreign oil.

The Chrysler Group LLC is also developing a similar fleet of 25 Chrysler Town & Country minivans with plug-in hybrid technology for demonstration and evaluation that will be allocated to select cities later this year.

9/27/11

Stellar Introduces New Flip Sheave with Bar Style Activation



The new Flip Sheave will be on display at the ICUEE
Demo Expo in Louisville, October 4-6, booth N1012.

Garner, Iowa -- Stellar Industries is introducing a newly designed flip sheave for its heavy-duty mechanics crane line. It features a bar style anti two-block activation system, which maintains its load block activation orientation whether in standard or tight confine mode of operation.

By pulling the flip sheave pin, operators can easily go from the standard load control horse head design that facilitates a higher loading angle, to a horse head configuration that can easily maneuver within tight or limited spaces. The new design also maintains a quick and easy transformation from a two-part line to a single-part line.

The standard two-part line position allows for better cable location when making lifts at a high boom angle, such as loading into the truck bed. It keeps the wire rope further from the boom and prevents rubbing. The new Flip Sheave low profile position, designed for the single-part line configuration, is beneficial when lifting something in a tight location, such as inside a cab or under a hood. The low profile configuration creates more room to lift the load and position loads in limited height areas.

“When customers need to reach inside the cab of a piece of equipment or other restricted areas, they need a low profile horse head for maximum lifting height,” says Tim Davison, Product Manager for Bodies and Cranes at Stellar Industries, “and the new Stellar® Flip Sheave will provide such access in a quick and efficient manner.”

Davison continues, “We’re known as a company who not only listens to its customer’s requests but successfully and creatively meets their needs while leading the industry in innovative and useful features.” He concludes, “That is what has driven this new flip sheave design and what will continue to propel Stellar into the future.”

The new Stellar flip sheave design will roll out as a standard feature on all models of cranes from the model 7621 cranes up through the model 14528 cranes.

Stellar Industries, Inc. was founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa. It is an employee owned and operated manufacturer of hydraulic truck mounted equipment. Products include hooklift hoists, cable hoists, container carriers, telescopic cranes, articulating cranes, work truck accessories and the X-Tra-Lift pick-up loading device. Stellar also offers complete mechanic service truck and tire service truck packages. Stellar is a progressive company that focuses on its people, as they are the key to making the products and the company successful.

For more information regarding Stellar Industries, Inc., visit www.stellarindustries.com

9/26/11

New England Cab Company Improves Global Footprint by Adding 35 CNG-Powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis


Ford Transit Connect Taxi
  • Metro Taxi of West Haven, Conn. adds 35 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis to its cab fleet
  • West Haven joins growing list of cities to offer CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis that also includes Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and Las Vegas
  • CNG burns cleaner than gasoline and can result in 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 26, 2011 – The global footprint of a New England cab company is a few sizes smaller after it put 35 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis into service.
Metro Taxi of West Haven, Conn. added 35 Ford Transit Connect Taxis to its fleet as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on gasoline and greenhouse gas emissions. The cabs are the first CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis in New England.

The addition of the Transit Connect Taxis to the Metro Taxi fleet is being celebrated as part of an event in West Haven today coinciding with the opening of a Clean Energy-owned CNG fueling station in the city.
A few weeks ago the first CNG Transit Connect Taxis began servicing West Haven, which is near Hartford and about 80 miles northeast of New York City. Bill Scalzi, president of Metro Taxi, said there is already a waiting list of drivers who want Transit Connect Taxis.

“The CNG Transit Connect Taxis  have been a tremendous hit all around,” said Scalzi, who was named 2010 Taxicab Operator of the Year by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association.

“The drivers love the fuel savings that come with CNG along with the overall roominess and the reliability of the Transit Connect taxis,” said Scalzi. “Passengers also love the fact that the new taxis are much easier to get in and out of than traditional car-styled taxis. We are really, really pleased with this new venture of ours.”
Gerry Koss, marketing manager, Ford Fleet, said Scalzi’s comments are echoed around the country. CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis are already servicing places such as Chicago, Las Vegas, St. Louis and California’s Orange County.

The addition of CNG Transit Connect Taxis to Metro Taxi’s fleet comes less than a month after California Yellow Cab put California’s first CNG Transit Connect Taxis into service.

“I’ve talked to Transit Connect Taxi drivers in places like Orange County and the response to these greener, cleaner vehicles has been phenomenal,” said Koss. “From a driving standpoint, taxi drivers tell me they love the maneuverability and comfort. Passengers are saying they can’t believe how much room and cargo space there is.”

The standard Ford Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – features a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with traditional taxis. Transit Connect Taxi is available with engine preparation packages for conversion to liquefied propane gas (LPG) or CNG.

CNG is used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engines that have been modified to operate on CNG. Dallas-based BAF Technologies, a Clean Energy-owned company, has been certified by Ford as a Quality Vehicle Modifier to convert standard Transit Connect Taxis into CNG-powered cabs.

The fuel cost savings and environmental impact of CNG-powered cars and trucks are two benefits of alternative fuel-powered taxis like the Transit Connect Taxi.

The estimated fuel economy of a CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxi is the same as the standard gasoline version. However, operating costs are lower because the cost of a gasoline gallon equivalent of CNG is much less than a gallon of gasoline. The current national average cost per gasoline gallon equivalent is about $2. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the price per gallon of gasoline has ranged from just over $1 a gallon in early 2002 to nearly $4 a gallon this year. During the same period, however, CNG generally has stayed between $1 and $2 per gasoline gallon equivalent, peaking at a high of $2.34 in July 2008.
Clean Energy, which owns and operates more than 250 CNG stations, said the Ford Transit Connect Taxi fits in with its own mission.

“We are bringing the many benefits of natural gas fuel for transportation to West Haven and the state of Connecticut,” said Andrew J. Littlefair, president and CEO, Clean Energy. “Ford’s CNG Transit Connect Taxis will help measurably in this goal by lowering petroleum use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions up to 30 percent compared to traditional gas vehicles.”

CNG is a nontoxic, extremely clean-burning fuel and significantly reduces CO, CO2 and NOx compared with gasoline. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, use of CNG can result in 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Use is increasing, too. Clean Energy alone, for example, has plans for another 100 stations.

Ford has invested billions in researching and developing new fuel-efficient engines, transmissions and electrified vehicles, even during the depths of the economic downturn when competitors dialed back product spending. Today Ford has 12 vehicles with best-in-class fuel economy and four models with at least 40 mpg – claims no other full-line automaker can match

9/24/11

Single Rear Wheel Super Cab with Service Body, Liftgate and Crane


This is a single rear wheel super cab Ford with a Knapheide Service Body, a Tommy Gate liftgate, a Stellar Industries EC2000 pedestal crane with 2,000 lb capacity with manual outrigger, LED lighting. It also sports a ladder rack on the streetside. This unit was built by California Work Trucks in Union City, CA. http://www.calworktrucks.com/.

9/23/11

Sometimes Sideways Is Better


This isn't something we see very often, but sometimes having a liftgate on the side is better, more useful and more effective depending on what the loads are and where they are being loaded and unloaded. This truck can deliver curbside nicely.

9/22/11

First CNG-Powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis Begin Servicing Greater Los Angeles Area



  • California Yellow Cab of Orange County becomes first business in California to offer Ford Transit Connect Taxis powered by compressed natural gas (CNG)
  • First 10 taxis are to be joined soon by more than 100 more CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis servicing the area
  • Interest in California being driven by lower CNG costs and approvals of CNG-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis by governing agencies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 8, 2011 – California’s first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis hit the greater Los Angeles area today, giving taxi owners, drivers and passengers a chance to help the environment one small trip at a time.
California Yellow Cab of Orange County put its first 10 Transit Connect Taxis into service – marked by an event celebrating the increased presence of CNG use in California. Clean Energy, which owns and operates CNG filling stations, also participated in the event.
The first 10 Transit Connect Taxis are part of an order for 50 units that California Yellow Cab plans to put into service by 2012. In addition, Yellow Cab of Anaheim also ordered 69 units, bringing the total number of CNG Transit Connect Taxis that will soon be servicing Southern California to more than 100.
Tim Conlon, president and general manager of California Yellow Cab, said there is a lot of excitement over the new taxis.
“Our goal is to convert our entire fleet to alternative fuels, so bringing the CNG Transit Connect Taxis into service is an exciting step in that direction,” said Conlon. “The drivers are excited too. They have been lining up to be among the first to get behind the wheel of a CNG-powered taxi.”
Conlon isn’t alone in being excited about the taxi option as many others in California are considering adding the versatile vehicle to their fleets, said Gerry Koss, marketing manager, Ford Fleet.  
“The Transit Connect Taxi is well-suited for California taxi service for many reasons including its exceptional maneuverability and improved fuel economy,” said Koss. “As more and more taxi industry representatives see how well the Transit Connect Taxi performs, we expect the level of interest in the vehicle to increase accordingly.”
CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis are becoming more popular in other parts of the country as well, servicing places such as Las Vegas and St. Louis. Chicago is another city where CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis are in service already. Taxi Medallion Management put 12 of the vehicles into service in June.
Taxi conversion
Dallas-based BAF Technologies has been certified by Ford as a Quality Vehicle Modifier to convert standard Transit Connect Taxis into CNG-powered cabs.
The standard Ford Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – features a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with traditional taxis.
The estimated fuel economy of a CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxi is the same as the standard gasoline version. However, operating costs are lower because the cost of a gasoline gallon equivalent of CNG is roughly half the cost of a gallon of regular gasoline. In addition to CNG, Transit Connect Taxi is available with an engine preparation package for conversion to liquefied propane gas (LPG).
“Taxicab operators will save up to $2 per gallon over gasoline at the pump,” said Mitchell Pratt, chief operating officer, Clean Energy.  “Because the vehicles’ tailpipe emissions are near zero, Ford’s CNG Transit Connects qualify to drive in California’s carpool lanes and, compared to petroleum versions, will reduce greenhouse gases by almost 30 percent.”
Earlier this year in the Golden State, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the use of CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis modified by BAF Technologies, which is owned by Clean Energy.
CARB is a government agency designed to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through reduction of air pollutants.
In addition to the CARB approval, Conlon said another factor that is pro-CNG is the increase in infrastructure supporting CNG-fueled vehicles. He said that since 2001 the number of CNG filling stations in Orange County has tripled to about 30.
“We have a situation here in Orange County where the per gallon equivalent of CNG is almost $2 less than the price of a gallon of traditional fuel. Given that, along with the increased infrastructure support, it’s not hard to see why it makes sense for us to go with the [CNG-powered] Transit Connect Taxi,” said Conlon.
The powertrain isn’t the only reason orders are expected to continue coming in for the Transit Connect Taxi. Roominess, for example, is a big factor for many, said Craig Cannons, commercial business manager, Ford Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing.
“Passengers can get in and out of the vehicle so much easier than they can with other taxi vehicles out there,” said Cannons. “In fact, the spaciousness of the Transit Connect Taxi is a huge factor – if not the deciding factor – for many considering adding it to their fleet.”
The open architecture of the Transit Connect Taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility, and – with 6.5 inches of ground clearance – passengers step easily through the sliding doors. The rear door opening is 50.2 inches wide at the floor and has a height of 52.1 inches.
The Transit Connect Taxi is certified to Ford Light Commercial Vehicle Durability Standards while suspension components and the underbody structure have passed requirements for potholes and curbs. The 39-foot turning diameter makes it easier to handle tight spots.
The Ford dealership, South Bay Ford in Los Angeles, is delivering the first Transit Connect Taxis in California to California Yellow Cab.

9/21/11

Rack-it Truck Racks and Knapheide Create A Sea of Blue





Yes, it's a sea of blue forklift loadable Rack-it truck racks. This was a large project of trucks built for P.G.&E. (Pacific Gas & Electric) on Knapheide Service Bodies. Some of these racks are different because the bodies have different features, such as, in the last two photos, this unit has what Knapheide calls the TSR, or Telescopic Sliding Roof. Many call that a cargo bed enclosure since in closes off and secures the cargo bed area. The bottom two are also dual rear wheel units, but most of the job was single rear wheel trucks.

This was quite a job and we were very pleased to work directly with Knapheide Manufacturing to get it accomplished. We are also grateful to P.G.&E. for the business opportunity. We love blue!

9/20/11

Ford Transit Connect Brings a New Shape to New York City Taxis



  • Ford Transit Connect Taxis are making their debut on the streets of New York
  • 400 Transit Connect Taxis are destined for New York City as orders for the vehicle continue to increase
  • Transit Connect Taxi orders are increasing in other areas of the country as well, such as Chicago, Tampa, Fla. and California
NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2011 – The first Ford Transit Connect Taxis in New York City are now in service and soon will be joined by hundreds more as orders and interest soar for the versatile vehicle.
The initial Transit Connect Taxis are part of the first order for the vehicle in New York City following the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission’s approval of it for use in the Big Apple. The new units feature the iconic “NYC Taxi” painted in black on the two front doors.
More than 400 Transit Connect Taxis are destined for New York City. Total orders for Transit Connect Taxis across the United States are fast approaching 1,000 in its first year on the market. The new taxi market in the U.S. averages about 6,000 units.  
“Taxi operators are realizing the Transit Connect Taxi is a great vehicle and there’s a good reason – they helped us develop it,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Trucks. “During product development, we visited cities across the U.S. speaking with taxi owners, operators, drivers and city officials on the key product attributes they wanted in a taxi.”
The result is today’s Ford Transit Connect Taxi, a vehicle that has been winning over customers from coast to coast.
“I drove it personally and found it to be a lot more comfortable than any other taxi I’ve ever driven,” said Chris Harisopoulos, general manager, McGuinness Management. “The roominess is another great thing about this vehicle, both for passengers and drivers, along with its overall durability. It’s just a great taxi.”
Cities where taxicab company operators have ordered Transit Connect Taxis in addition to New York include Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, St. Louis, Tampa, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Hartford, Conn. and West Haven, Conn.
“We are pleased the Transit Connect Taxi is delivering what customers need all across the country,” said Deluca.
In addition to being approved for use by the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission, Transit Connect Taxi has been approved by governing agencies in Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston – cities that require taxis to meet certain requirements.
The vehicle also has been approved for use at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and at San Francisco International Airport by the SFO Airport Commission.
“The Transit Connect Taxi provides the necessary durability needed for the harshest of conditions, from the desert-like conditions of Las Vegas to extreme New England winters,” said Larry Gach, sales manager, Ford Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing.
The open architecture of the Transit Connect Taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility, and – with 6.5 inches of ground clearance – passengers step easily through the sliding doors. The rear door opening is 50.2 inches wide at the floor and has a height of 52.1 inches.
The Transit Connect Taxi is certified to Ford Light Commercial Vehicle Durability Standards while suspension components and the underbody structure have passed requirements for potholes and curbs. The 39-foot turning diameter makes it easier to handle tight spots.
The standard Ford Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – features a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, an improvement of about 30 percent compared with traditional taxis.
Transit Connect Taxi is available with an engine preparation package for conversion to compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied propane gas (LPG). Both CNG and LPG lower taxi fleets’ operating costs and are better for the environment.

9/19/11

Knapheide & California Work Trucks Partnership In Creating A Great Contractor Body


Clay at California Work Trucks in Union City, CA shows off the features and benefits of their 12' Contractor Body, the bulk of which is manufactured by Knapheide. California Work Trucks is a Knapheide distributor plus they have their own unique products from Knapheide that they order special as in the case of the top mounted tool boxes on this Contractor Body.

Take note that the HD rack on this body along with the tool boxes can be removed, so it would be easy enough with a few friends to turn this into a plain flatbed to do certain jobs, then back to the Contractor Body to go back to work.

California Work Trucks is located at 930 Whipple Road in Union City, CA. Call them at 510-477-8425. See more soon at http://www.calworktrucks.com/

9/18/11

Big Red Saw Body On Ford F650





Wow! Here's a Big Red Beauty! Mounted on a Ford F650 chassis, this is a 16' (yes! 16 feet) Harbor Saw Body with huge compartments for handling massive concrete saw blades and machines. To get the heavy machines to and from the location, this unit is using a Tommy Gate Aluminum Railgate with a 60" depth plus 12" taper section. The more common size for the Saw Body is a 12' unit. We love a challenge!

Call us at 800-433-9452 and visit our website at http://www.htbi.net/.

9/17/11

Commercial Fleets Will Power Natural Gas Vehicle Market through 2016

September 14, 2011
There are currently about 12.6 million natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in use worldwide, and sales of NGVs vary widely from region to region and country to country. The majority of NGVs are located in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, particularly in countries like Pakistan and Iran that lack extensive gasoline refining capacity. In North America, due largely to a lack of convenient refueling stations, demand for NGVs is largely relegated to the fleet market. Worldwide sales of natural gas vehicles are expected to grow rapidly over the next five years, to 3.2 million units annually by 2016 from 1.9 million in 2010, according to a recent report from Pike Research. The consumer market will continue to lag growth in commercial fleets, however: three-quarters of the new growth between 2010 and 2016 will come in corporate and government sales.

As a portion of the worldwide total, the percentage of commercial NGVs will rise from 59% to 65% in that period, according to senior analyst Dave Hurst.

“Many manufacturers and industry observers are looking forward to the time when consumer NGVs become the next big thing,” says Hurst. “But the number of refueling stations remains too low for the consumer market to really take off in many parts of the developed world.”

One solution to the current inadequacies in NGV infrastructure is the spread of bi-fuel vehicles. Popular in Latin America, where almost 90% of NGVs have bi-fuel engines, these vehicles can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).

India, which has one of the largest fleets of CNG buses in the world, is expected to overtake Iran for the lead in NGV sales by 2014. By 2016 there will be 612,000 NGVs in India, according to Pike Research’s analysis. The strongest growth, however, will occur in the United States, where a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.4% will result in nearly 33,000 vehicles sold in 2016.

Pike Research’s report, “Natural Gas Vehicles”, provides a comprehensive examination of natural gas vehicle technologies, compressed and liquefied natural gas shipping and storage, governmental incentives and regulations, and key drivers of market growth.  The report includes forecasts of NGV sales, refueling infrastructure, and natural gas usage through 2016 for light-duty vehicles and medium/heavy duty trucks and buses.  Key market players are also profiled.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.7609.

9/16/11

Caseco Utility Body Causes A Time Of Admiration At 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show





There is much, much more to talk about when it comes to the high quality and workmanship of the Caseco Utility Body, but I'm going to focus on this one area for the moment because it is so rare and so, so tasty. Notice the interior paint is Spackle paint. It's always nice to have the inside painted to match, but to go one further and give the compartment its own scheme is downright beautiful. Only a truck guy would talk about truck bodies being beautiful, but this is a beauty--or at least I'm thinking that, so I'm sharing that idea with you.

Next time I'll talk about something more substantial I'm sure, but I've enjoyed this post! Hi-5 to Caseco! See more of their quality story at http://www.caseco.us/.

9/15/11

CTech Drawer Units At The 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show





I've had a love of drawers in trucks, and in my shop and well. . . just about anywhere things need to be stored for quick use, a drawer is perfect. In truck bodies, it is even more perfect. These can be mounted in service bodies, van bodies, flatbeds, plumber bodies, whatever bodies. And, when it comes to drawers in this field, it doesn't get any better than CTech. Of course, there is the garage that needs some organizing, and the shop, and. . .

See more about CTech at http://www.ctechdirect.com/

9/14/11

Maranda Service Capsules On Display At 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show


We took a lot of photos at the Maranda Service Capsules booth at the 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show because they had a lot to show off and such a great display. This is a great looking product and so useful and even more functional than a shell or truck cap. We especially loved the split sliders which make a great deal of sense. This is the kind of unit that can be removed any time it is needed and is very easily reinstalled.

We loved the beautiful look of all the models on display and the huge LED lights to see the area when the doors are opened, the creative use of the side space, and more. Great display.

See more about Maranda at http://www.vankiller.com/.

9/13/11

Maranda Capsules


Maranda Work Capsules for pickups to use with greater efficiency and comfort.

See more about this company and product at http://www.vankiller.com/.

9/12/11

Jim Thomas Talks About The Maranda "Van Killer" Service Capsules


Jim Thomas of Maranda gives Ryan Stone of Commercial Truck Success an impromptu tour of one of the Maranda Service Capsules that Maranda had on display at the 2011 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Maranda builds a variety of solutions that allow for more access without crawling into a van, and since it is separate from the pickup it rides on, you are not hearing everything inside the van! In addition, it is designed to last longer than the useful life of the pickup to be able to transfer from one to the next.

See more about Maranda products at www.vankiller.com

9/11/11

Knapheide 9' Dual Rear Service Body Features and Benefits


I thought that Clay did an excellent job of presenting the Knapheide body, so I include it here.

Clay gives us a features and benefits tour of the Knapheide 9' Dual Rear Wheel Service/Utility Body, including the Master Locking System, rear window protector, HD rack and more. California Work Trucks is an authorized distributor for Knapheide Manufacturing.

California Work Trucks is located at 930 Whipple Road in Union City, CA. Call them at 510-477-8425. See more soon at www.calworktrucks.com

9/10/11

1.9 Million lb generator move by Mammoet through Johnston, SC


Found this on YouTube. What a trip!

This is a 1.9 million pound generator ebing move by the Mammoet company. It started at the South Carolina coast, and is going to North Carolina. This thing has about 576 wheeles under it. It was massive. Something I have never seen before

9/09/11

Knapheide Website Enhancements

ENHANCED FEATURES & BENEFITS PAGE

September 08, 2011

Knapheide launches updated Features & Benefits page that can be utilized as a product feature outline or sales tool.

Knapheide recently developed an enhanced "Features & Benefits" page and implemented it into the website.  This new page features a more in depth look at the standard features available on individual products.  The new format allows Knapheide to show web users up close the quality of their products.

The old "Features & Benefits" page displayed a list of bullet points that outline the standard features found on the specific Knapheide product.  The new "Features & Benefits" page enables Knapheide to show web users why their products are superior to any competitor products. 

The new format displays several different views of the Knapheide product and allows users to open and close compartment doors or raise and lower the hoist.  Each view contains different clickable "hotspots" (gray circles outlined in white).  As a user clicks on one of the "hotspots" an expanded photo and text description appears below the product view.  Users can click on the expanded feature thumbnail to get an even larger view for an up close and personal look.

Currently, the Standard Service Body, KUV, and Rigid Side Dump Body product pages have the updated "Features & Benefits" layout.  Over the course of the next few months, Knapheide will be converting all "Features & Benefits" pages to the new layout.  Take some time and check out the new "Features & Benefits" pages and see for yourself why Knapheide products are the best in the industry!

Click HERE for the new Standard Service Body "Features & Benefits".  Click HERE for the new KUV "Features & Benefits".  Click HERE for the new Rigid Side Dump Body "Features & Benefits".


9/06/11

Hybrid Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Sales to Surpass 100,000 Vehicles Annually by 2017

September 6, 2011
As the global economy begins tentative steps toward recovery, truck manufacturers are looking to technologies that can help mitigate the rising cost of diesel fuel while meeting increasingly strict emissions requirements.  Trucks that utilize electricity to meet these goals come in four variations: hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and plug-in electric power take-off (EPTO) to operate equipment onboard without using fuel.  As the technology costs fall and diesel prices increase, the value proposition for hybrid trucks is strong, and a new report from Pike Research forecasts that sales will surpass 100,000 vehicles annually by 2017.

“The truck market has experienced seismic changes in the last few years,” says senior analyst Dave Hurst.  “The global recession has taken a huge toll on medium duty and heavy duty truck sales in many regions.  As fuel prices have increased, truck manufacturers have responded by expanding their offerings of alternative drivetrains to help reduce emissions and fuel usage by trucks.”

However, Hurst adds that the primary challenge facing the hybrid truck market remains the cost of the system.  Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) all continue to have higher upfront costs that are significant enough to result in higher total cost of ownership for the vehicles.  While the typical operating cost of a diesel vehicle is significantly higher than that of other drivetrains ($0.72/mile for diesel versus $0.60/mile for hybrid and $0.22/mile for BEV trucks), Pike Research’s analysis indicates that the higher purchase cost and low cost of diesel in some markets means that the trucks are not able to recover the incremental costs for the electric drive system in their lifetime.  As a result, government incentives and emissions or fuel economy regulations will continue to play a very important role in promoting hybrids and plug-in trucks.

Pike Research’s analysis further indicates that most HEV, PHEV, and BEV trucks will utilize different chemistries of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries.  The cleantech market intelligence firm expects that the use of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries will peak in 2016, as vehicle manufacturers move their remaining systems toward Li-ion.  The Li-ion market is expected to reach 3.6 million kilowatt hours (kWh) globally in the medium and heavy duty truck market by 2017.

Pike Research’s report, “Hybrid Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks”, examines the opportunities and challenges in the market for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric medium and heavy-duty trucks.  The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the different drivetrains, battery technologies, and key drivers of market growth.  The report explores global government regulations regarding diesel emissions and vehicle purchase incentives and includes detailed forecasts through 2017.  Key market players are also profiled.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors.  For more information, visit http://www.pikeresearch.com/ or call +1.303.997.7609.

9/05/11

The Two Most Important Words In Sales


This is the Geweke Commercial Trucks website. Come on in and look around. We intend to show off our products and provide valuable information. Call us if you see something you like or if you have specific questions. The Sales Team tab has additional contact information.

Geweke is proud to be an active part of the Ford Business Preferred Network (BPN) which, is focused on serving business vehicle needs.

Check out our new blog (tab on menu). It has excellent information and is updated almost daily!
We look forward to being your commercial truck source!

9/04/11

Remembering Dale Ellis, Truck Guy Extraordinaire!

Here's some sentiments that we share from the Nor Cal Ford Truck Club and the Fresno Bee:

Oct, 2007 NCFTC event


Oct, 2007 NCFTC event


April 24th, 2008 NCFTC event


April 14th, 2011 NCFTC event

April 14th, 2011 NCFTC event

April 14th, 2011 NCFTC event

We want to acknowledge and remember fondly Dale Ellis, who to many of us was a commercial truck icon. We knew him from Grumman-Olson and it seemed that he was there for so long until the company closed and he went to Supreme. Working full time into his eighties was inspiring. He just seemed to love what he did and he seemed to love everyone he came in contact with. He attended every event and was a great supporter of the Nor Cal Ford Truck Club and each one of us at our dealerships.

Dale showed us the value of being a nice guy, the value of persistence, and the personal example of loving life and being an active participant. There is so much we probably didn't know about Dale and the bio below from the Fresno Bee may help, but what we did know of Dale was more than enough.

Thank you Dale for being YOU!


Here's a short bio from the Fresno Bee:

"Dale passed away peacefully under hospice care on Friday, August 26, 2011, in Fresno, Ca. Dale Eugene Ellis was born at home in Meadow Grove, Ne. to Ernest F. and Thelma (Carroll) Ellis, on February 17, 1932.

He received his Elementary and High School education at the Meadow Grove Public Schools for 11 years, completing his 12th year in Haviland, Kansas and started college in Sterling, Kansas. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War,taking his training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and he finished his training as a hospital corpsman with top honors. He was honorably discharged from Paris Island SC in 1953.

Dale attended Junior College in Nebraska, a short time before enrolling at the University of Minnesota College of Mortuary Science, in which he graduated again with top honors as a Mortician and Funeral Director. Dale held a certification with the Minnesota Board of Health for Over 50 years. Dale was a former president of the Minnesota State Jaycees.

He relocated to Fresno, California in 1975 and became a sales representative for Steiger Tractor company, for the West Coast, where he was top sales representative for several years. He married Jamie "Pips" Pipes on March 15, 1980, and they made their home in Fresno, California. They enjoyed travel and cruises around the world. Dale loved his dogs and currently best friend, Maile.

Dale was an avid golfer, wherever he traveled he had his clubs with him, "oh my, what a problem." He enjoyed his hunting and fishing trips throughout the Midwest and West Coast. He was the master chef for the family get-togethers. Just mention Fresno City College Rams football program, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, or Fresno State Bulldogs and you could see how much he loved sports.

He worked as a Territory Sales Manager for Grumman/Olson Truck Bodies and Supreme Truck bodies until his health failed. He loved sales and was most content when running wide open and never looking back. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Jamie "Pips" of Fresno, California; siblings, Howard Ellis and his wife Sue of Bakersfield, Ca., Charlette Wyatt and her husband Dick of Erie, Co., Phyllis Johansen and her husband Darrell of Overland Park, Ks., Doug Ellis and his wife Beth of Meadow Grove, Ne.; and numerous nieces and nephews that he enjoyed.

Visitation will be at New Hope Community Church, 4620 East Nees Ave., Clovis, Ca. on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow. Interment will be a private family service at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Nancy Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Fresno, Ca. 93711; Veterans Medical Center, 2615 E. Clinton, Fresno, Ca. 93703; SPCA, 103 S. Hughes, Fresno, Ca, 93706; or charity of choice.

As published in the Fresno Bee on September 4, 2011"

9/03/11

There's Nothing Quite Like Alcoa Wheels


There's nothing quite like Alcoa Wheels to dress up a truck, let alone all the other reasons they make sense. We've been fans and have bought hundreds of Alcoa Wheels at dealerships. Here's just a few more reasons from the Alcoa Wheels website at http://www.alcoa.com/:

Alcoa wheels provide a full spectrum of benefits and support to assist your business:

1.Products that increase productivity and lower lifetime costs.
2.Products that enhance image.
3.Solutions to achieve your sustainability goals.
4.Confidence in financial stability, quality, service, education and ongoing innovation.

That’s why today, more vehicles are fitted with forged aluminum wheels from Alcoa than any other brand.

9/02/11

ETI Showcasing New Models at ICUEE Show 2011

Oklahoma City, OK - September 2, 2011

ETI, LLC, a United States-based aerial lift, truck body and service crane manufacturer will showcase several units in Booth L-315 at the ICUEE show in Louisville, KY, two of which are new models with feature patented technology unique in the industry.

ETI will have on display ETC 371H utilizing new DC power technology, an ETC 37MH, ETC 42MH, the ETO 55MH, and the new Sprinter van mounted aerial unit.

ETI is developing a new generation of models in response to customer needs gathered from months of conversations with customers, end-users, sales personnel and engineers. The first results of that effort are realized in the ETC MH 42 and the ETO 55 MH, two insulated units designed for the utility marketplace.

The ETC 42 MH is a versatile insulated unit that is well suited to those customers in need of an aerial unit that can offer powerful capabilities. With an articulating and telescoping aerial lift that has a 47' working height and 30'3" side reach, this unit has a standard option of a 500 lb. bucket capacity.


This model also offers material handling capabilities with a hydraulic winch and a 5' jib that can lift up to 1,000 lbs. While there are other brand models that can offer this working height, the ETC 42 MH has best in its class lifting capacity with no deductions for jib length.

The ETO 55 MH is an insulated, over-center material handler that offers competitive features for a unit of its class. With a working height of 60 feet and side reach of nearly 45 feet, this unit has a stow height of 11' 10".
The ETO 55 MH is unique because it offers a new generation leveling system and bin access when inside the bucket in the non-overcenter position, a design feature that is proprietary to ETI. This model also offers powerful material handling capabilities with a hydraulic winch and a 7' jib that can lift up to 2,000 lbs.


Just like the ETC 42 MH listed above, the ETO 55 MH has best in its class lifting capacity as well.

ETI will also be introducing a brand new model to the market. A Sprinter van aerial mounted unit will be at the booth. This model is the very first of its kind in the United States and is the result of a partnership development with Cox Communications and Mercedes Benz.

In addition to these new models, ETI will also be displaying some of their other models: an ETC 37 IH and an ETC 37 MH.

The ETC 37 model has been a long time popular model for ETI. The ETC 37 IH is an insulated unit that offers an articulating and telescoping aerial with a working height of 42 feet. This unit now utilizes new DC power technology, a feature unique in its class. Material handling capacity is offered in the ETC 37 MH, also on display at the show, with a hydraulic winch and a 5' jib that can lift up to 1,000 lbs. utilizing the full 27 ft - 5 in of hydraulic reach.
ETI will also be showcasing the PALFINGER WT 1000 All Terrain Aerial Platform in its booth. Introduced to the North American market at the 2011 ConExpo show in March, the WT 1000 is the world's largest all terrain aerial platform with a working height of 337 feet (103 meters).



This machine grew out of customers' needs for the highest possible working height in order to carry out assembly and maintenance work on wind turbines, chemical plants, antennas, high rise buildings and other tall structures and objects.

Designed as a telescopic access platform with a 5-section lower boom and a 3-section upper boom, the unit is also equipped with an agile fly-boom. Telescopic stabilizers guarantee maximal stability. The 8 foot by 3 foot heavy-duty workman basket makes loads up to 1322 lbs (600 kg) possible, while the hydraulically extendable telescopic 12 foot by 3 foot basket carries loads up to 1668 lbs (530 kg).

ETI is growing into a commanding force as a member of the PALFINGER family. PALFINGER, a worldwide leading manufacturer of hydraulic lifting, loading,handling and service equipment, employs 4,500 employees worldwide and had 2010 sales of $900 million dollars.