12/31/14

ScoopDogg Snow Pushers


See more about SnowDogg Plows at www.snowdoggplows.com

Custom Off-Road Aluminum Bed Brush Fire Truck by Highway Products


Highway Products manufactures high quality aluminum products including custom brush fire trucks using their own flatbed as the platform. The different types of configuration are only limited by your imagination. 

12/30/14

Poly Rental DumperDogg: Pickup To Dump Truck in Minutes


See more about this product at www.dumperdogg.com

BAKFlip Hard Folding Tonneau Covers Demonstration


Charly Henley, Sales Manager for BAK Industries, discusses the advantages and features of the BAKFlip series of hard folding tonneau covers. More information: http://www.bakindustries.com

This is one of the best presentations of a product I can recall. What a great job! -- CTS

12/29/14

Pickup Pack Turns A Pickup Into A Service Body


The Pickup Pack™ is a unique alternative for companies needing organized storage and lockup security without the cost of a service body. All in an attractive aluminum body that can be easily installed on your pickup in a few hours. 

This "service body" in a Pickup Pack™ includes a gull wing saddle box, two lockable low side boxes, a flat or dome center hatch, a headache rack, and a removable ladder rack. When closed, the hatch locks the tailgate, making the bed area secure and weather resistant. There is still an 8"-10" space beneath the tool boxes for sheets of plywood or other cargo.

Republic Services Adds 20 New CNG Trucks To Their Fleet



Republic Services has added 20 compressed natural gas (CNG) solid waste and recycling trucks to its fleet serving customers throughout the greater Springfield, Mo., area, the waste management company announced.

The CNG trucks replace older diesel-powered trucks, and bring the total number of CNG trucks operated by Republic throughout the state of Missouri to 119.

Republic Services installed a new natural gas fueling station at its Springfield location to support its fleet of CNG powered trucks. One-third of the waste and recycling collection trucks serving the Springfield area are now powered by the domestic fuel source, the company said.

According to Republic Services, the company operates a fleet of more than 2,200 CNG vehicles and 38 natural gas fueling stations nationwide. Approximately 50 percent of all Republic vehicles purchased in 2014 are powered by this domestic fuel source.

"We have a history of commitment to Springfield and the state of Missouri, and we are serious about reducing carbon emissions whenever possible," said Jeff Kintzle, Republic’s area president. "This fleet addition represents a significant local investment in cleaner, safer and more efficient vehicles. It will also make a difference in preserving everything we love about the local environment for future generations."

12/28/14

Very Useful Single Rear Wheel Flatbed






This single rear wheel flatbed is not found on dealer lots very often, yet it is such a great and useful truck. Around the ranch it does a myriad of jobs taking a few bales of hay at a time or moving this and that to the other side of the ranch. As a local delivery vehicle it excels and gets into and out of tight places. This turns just like a pickup truck, yet carries so much more. This Scelzi body has an aluminum deck so it saves weight and needs zero care. With the class IV receiver, you can tow what you need along with a load. Add a gooseneck hitch if desired. This particular one is a gas V8 two-wheel drive, and it is also available as a 4x4 and/or with a diesel engine. Great truck!

See more from Scelzi at www.seinc.com

12/27/14

The 2015 Ford F-150 takes on Top Athletes Pummeling it with Projectiles


Top athletes deliver punishing slap shots, fastballs and more into our truck beds. Which holds up best? Last year’s steel, or the new aluminum alloy?


From John Brenkus, host and creator of ESPN Sport Science comes Tough Science, a series in which he and his crew take a closer look at the science behind the 2015 F-150 through a variety of tests. 

In this episode, we see how the 2015 F-150, with its 2.7L EcoBoost engine and weight reduction of up to 700 pounds (made possible by the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body), can handle what our team can throw at it – literally.

We’ll test the strength and durability of the new aluminum bed vs. last year’s steel bed with the help of top athletes. They’ll be launching projectiles from their respective sports into both beds. We’re talking - Baseballs, golf balls, hockey pucks and shot puts. These athletes hold nothing back as they unleash on both beds.

How do they do? Is it possible to make the best selling truck on the market, even better?
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch all of the action and see for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/user/fordtrucks

Visit Ford Trucks online: http://www.ford.com/new-trucks/

The official YouTube channel of Ford Trucks. Learn more about our F-150 and Super Duty® trucks, and why they are the Future of Tough.

Follow Ford Trucks on social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fordtrucks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fordtrucks
Instagram: http://instagram.com/fordtrucks 
Ford Social: http://social.ford.com/

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, visit http://corporate.ford.com.

12/26/14

Harbor Mechanic's Body with 56" Compartments, Plus Options Galore

Here is a Harbor 56" Service Body with crane reinforcement and set up for a crane which was to be installed locally. Some might call this a Mechanic's Body too. Check out all the optional drawers, how big the compartments are because of the height of the body, the external lighting arrangement, 3-piece cargo bed enclosure with barn style rear doors, cabinet with bottle brackets and rings for welder bottles, master locking system, plus heavy duty forklift loadable rack (of course, we need that to get the stuff up there!), and rack straps to hold it down tight.. Notice also that the typical horizontal doors over the wheels are so tall they have vertical style doors.
See more from Harbor Truck Bodies at www.htbi.net

12/25/14

2015 Ford F-150 Truck Towing Test: Hauling Hay - You Test Episode # 2


Watch as the 2015 F-150 truck is put to the test lifting thousands of pounds of hay across a ranch in Montana--showing powerful towing capabilities. Discover the future of tough: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2015/

36 Hour Desert Test: 2015 Ford F-150 Truck - You Test Episode #1


Watch as the new 2015 Ford F-150 is challenged to a 36-hour torture test in the brutal heat of the desert. See more at http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2015/

12/24/14

Bed Meets Rock: 2015 Ford F-150 Truck - You Test Episode # 3


What happens when stonemason John Swanson challenges the all-new Ford F-150 to move enough rocks to do his job for four months in one day? Watch to see how the new aluminum truck bed stands up to the challenge, holding 51 loads and over 100,000 pounds of rocks. http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2015/

Into the Arctic: 2015 F-150 Truck - You Test Episode #4


See what happens when the new 2015 F-150 tows at maximum payload over the Dempster Highway – a rough, desloate, 900-mile stretch of gravel road that goes through the Arctic Circle.

See more at http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2015/ 

12/23/14

Highway Products Sighting On The Road



A couple of months ago, I was out and about and spied this wonderful rig. This is a Ford F450 Super Cab with a Highway Products Trailering body hooked up to a sweet, and extensive traveling trailer. Maybe I should say traveling palace. So, as I was walking my little dog, I just had to steal a few quick cellphone shots. See more about this body at www.HighwayProducts.com

12/21/14

Up Fit Packages for the Chevrolet City Express | GM Fleet


The Chevrolet City Express comes with reinforced attachment points, roof rack and engineered mounting points making it easier to up fit your van for trade specific packages. Learn more about the City Express visits http://www.gmfleet.com/chevrolet/2015...

Chevrolet City Express Mobile Office | GM Fleet


The Chevrolet City Express can operate as mobile office with a center console designed to fit hanging folders or a laptop, upper dashboard storage for a clipboard or pad of paper and extensive storage throughout the van. Learn more about the City Express visithttp://www.gmfleet.com/chevrolet/2015...

12/20/14

10' Scelzi Combo Body on New F350 Super Cab XLT Dually


John Turic of Hansel Ford in Santa Rosa CA shows off a recent arrival. This unit is a new HD Ford F350 Dual Rear Wheel Super Cab Chassis with Alcoa Wheels, Running Boards, XLT uplevel trim and all the power features. Why not ride in style and comfort?

This great truck is matched to a Scelzi Enterprises 10' Combo Body with a 3' rear work platform standard. This body also has 4 deep HD drawers in the curbside front compartment, Master Lock System, HD Forklift-loadable Rack with Rack-Straps, Fold-down Gates in the rear and HD Receiver and Trailer Plug. Get work done easily on the job site with this great Combo Body.

See more at http://www.HanselWorkTrucks.com

12/19/14

Chevy Tahoe Police Edition | GM Fleet and Commercial Vehicles


GM Fleet offers a two wheel drive and four wheel drive version of the Chevy Tahoe PPV. Plus, a powerful V8 engine gives it great fuel economy and power for pursuits. Learn more about the Chevy Tahoe Police edition. See more at www.gmfleet.com

12/18/14

How to Transform Cargo Vans into Mobile Offices by Steven Martinez and Chris Brown

Silver Moon Brewing created this "pop-up pub" to expand its marketing outside of its home base of Bend, Ore.

Extreme makeovers aren’t just about nose jobs, hairdos or home redecorations. In the fleet world, an extreme makeover entails upfitting a work truck or van to accomplish as much work as possible on the road.

These three small business owners each took a blank-slate cargo van and “did it themselves” to create not only a mobile office but also a way to expand into new business and extend their brands

See rest of article and more photos from Business Fleet.com here:

SnowDogg Move Aside Commerical


See more at www.snowdogg.com

12/17/14

Pride Service Body with Plenty Of Drawers and Storage


Sales rep. Jim Guest displays some of the most important features on a Pride Body. See more about Pride Bodies, Ltd. at www.pridebodies.com

Built Tough: Power Wheels® F-150 Toughness Test


Tough play requires a tough truck, and we’ve got the proof to back up all the tough talk. Watch as the new Power Wheels® F-150 takes on the weight of a full-size 2015 F-150 truck. Aspiring truckers can order their own at powerwheels.com/F150.

12/16/14

The Magic 8' Service Body Changeup


Jordan shows us a unique change to an 8' Service Body that makes it so much more useful and effective in the same space. It's not a bigger body, but a substantially more effective one. The transverse compartment is part of the magic, and then combine that with the horizontal series long horizontal compartment, add the master lock system, Harbor's push-button locking system, stainless steel lids and this changeup creates magic when it comes to functionality and effectiveness. See more at http://www.DowLewisTrucks.com

12/15/14

Westport Dallas: Quality Natural Gas Solutions


Westport Dallas is proud of our commitment to delivering North America’s largest range of natural gas and bi-fuel Ford products. Learn more about our Ford-approved, OEM-experience assembly process and quality in our newly released video.

Westport Dallas has set the standard for Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) across North America and is the largest Ford QVM in both product line and capacity.

For more information, visit http://www.westport.com/wing

12/14/14

Concrete Saw Body Gets The Machines And Tools To The Jobsite


Here's a  great truck for Concrete Cutting contractors, a 12 foot saw body has plenty of cabinets and is backed up with an Interlift conventional liftgate. It is as functionally effective as it is good looking. Notice the huge locking compartments to keep large saw blades and other gear out of the weather and out of sight.

The liftgate serves two purposes, one being the obvious one to lift the equipment onto the bed area and the other to provide a backstop to secure the equipment in place and prevent it from rolling off the back of the bed!

See more of this body: http://htbi.net/sawbody.html

Visit Harbor's complete website at www.htbi.net and call Harbor at 800-433-9452.

12/13/14

Ram Commercial | ProMaster Testing | Heat Test


The Western United States is home to the most torturous terrain and climate anywhere. That's why these engineers are here: to put the Ram ProMaster City to the test.

12/12/14

Driving the Future of Tough: Ford F-150 Drive Event in Alcoa, TN


Alcoa employees were eager to test drive one of the first all-aluminum F-150 trucks. So as part of Ford’s F-150 Drive Event, they made a special stop at our Tennessee Operations location, where Alcoa expanded its facility to meet growing demand for automotive aluminum.

12/11/14

Reading Classic II Work Truck Walkaround


The Aluminum Classic II offers an unbeatable combination of standard features, useful options, and the know-how of over 25 years of refinement. This service body is designed for efficiency today, and built to last for tomorrow. See more at www.ReadingBody.com

12/10/14

Michelin Developing Airless Tire/Wheel Called 'Tweel'

The Tweel SSL is designe for use on skid steer loaders. Photo courtesy of Michelin.


Michelin's newest plant will produce the Michelin X Tweel Airless Radial Tire for commercial vehicles. The Tweel is a non-pneumatic tire that connects the tire and wheel with a rigid hub connected to a shear beam made of flexible, deformable polyurethane spokes.



See rest of article: Michelin Developing Airless Tire/Wheel Called 'Tweel'

RAM 4500 Gets Harbor Landscape Dump with Tommy Gate and Rack





Here's a nice RAM 4500 Diesel Dually with a Harbor Landscaper Body, the original Master Landscaper comes with MDO Plywood Gates with dual side exterior laminate, rear latch swing away rear steel frame gates that lock to side for dumping.

This one has one or more underbed boxes for additional space, a heavy duty extended over-the-cab.rack, a top mounted tarp. a Tommy Gate liftgate, and a Class IV Receive Hitch. See more from Harbor Truck Bodies at www.htbi.net

The Tommy Gate G2 Series is a dual-cylinder, parallel-arm design which utilizes a pair of hydraulic cylinders to lower and raise the lift by applying direct power to both sides of the platform. Supporting larger platforms, G2 Series models are compatible with flatbed, stake and van bodies and offer a wide selection of platform materials to accommodate almost any industry application. www.tommygate.com


 

 Capacity: 1300 & 1600 lbs.

  • Dual hydraulic cylinders
  • Maintenance-free components
  • Recessed control
  • Larger platforms
  • Fully-enclosed hydraulic system

12/09/14

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Checks Off Bucket List Item: Receives the First Odyne Hybrid System Equipped Truck in California

Truck Delivered in Conjunction with the 
South Coast Air Quality Management District 

Waukesha, WI – December 9, 2014 — Odyne Systems, LLC, a leading manufacturer of hybrid systems for medium- and heavy- duty work trucks, announces the first Odyne plug-in system equipped bucket truck in California is now at work at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. LADWP is the largest municipal water and power utility in the nation, serving 670,000 water customers and 1.4 million electric customers. The truck features an International chassis and an Altec body and boom and was delivered as part of a South Coast Air Quality Management District program to support new energy efficient vehicles.


The Odyne hybrid system truck and a diesel powered truck will be tracked and compared to determine the real world benefits of the hybrid system. Each vehicle is equipped with a data acquisition system to record a comparative analysis. The Odyne hybrid power system features proprietary and patented hybrid technology combining reliable electric power conversion, power control and energy storage technology.

An Odyne plug-in hybrid system lowers fuel consumption by up to 50% compared to traditional diesel or gasoline engines, reduces emissions and provides quieter operation at the work site. The Odyne system is the only one approved to interface with Allison Transmission’s industry leading fully-automatic transmissions and uses a rugged Remy electric motor in parallel with the existing drivetrain to provide launch assist and regenerative braking.

At the job site, the Odyne plug-in hybrid system, featuring Johnson Controls’ lithium-ion battery packs, powers typical work site applications with the engine off for a significantly longer time than other large truck hybrid systems. Odyne continues to be the only plug-in hybrid system on a medium- or heavy-duty truck to deliver greater fuel efficiency both while driving and at the work site.

Matt Jarmuz, Director of Sales for Odyne Systems noted, "We are excited to have an Odyne plug-in hybrid system evaluated against other alternatives in the Southern California market. We have a passion for innovation and delivery of reliable, advanced hybrid system solutions, and this truck will help establish the merits of the product when evaluated alongside alternatives in this particular environment”.

About Odyne Systems, LLC 
Odyne is a leader in hybrid drive systems for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Odyne’s advanced plug-in hybrid technology enables trucks over 14,000 pounds to have substantially lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, improved performance, quieter job site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has fielded more plug-in hybrid systems for large trucks throughout the United States than any other supplier.

Odyne systems are modular and are integrated to powertrains during the new vehicle manufacturing process or are retrofit to existing truck chassis in various applications. The systems are sold and serviced through a worldwide distribution network including Altec, DUECO and Terex Utilities. Odyne has also authorized selected Allison Transmission distributors to service Odyne systems across North America. For further information, visit us at www.odyne.com and follow us on Twitter @Odyne. 

About LADWP
LADWP is the largest municipal water and power utility in the nation providing 670,000 water customers and 1.4 million electric customers with quality service at competitive prices. About SCAQMD SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

About Allison Transmission 
Allison Transmission is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and is a leader in hybrid-propulsion systems for city buses. Allison transmissions are used in a variety of applications including refuse, construction, fire, distribution, bus, motorhomes, defense and energy.

Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and employs approximately 2,700 people worldwide. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India. Allison also has approximately 1,400 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.allisontransmission.com.

Chevy Fleet Vehicles: Brashear Electric | Chevrolet Business Elite


Chevrolet Business Elite partners with businesses around the country and offers a variety of Chevy fleet vehicles. See how Chevrolet Business Elite listened to the unique needs of Brashear Electric and developed solutions for their fleet. See more at www.chevrolet.com/commercial.html

See more about the commercial/fleet sales member, Matt Price and the dealership at www.mccurleyintegritychevrolet.com.

12/08/14

Sortimo By Knapheide Exxpand Launch


This video introduces the new Sortimo By Knapheide product family called Exxpand. Watch this video and hear some of the great feedback and comments we received at the 2014 NTEA Work Truck show.

12/07/14

Knapheide Standup KUV Body On GMC Cutaway


Jordan Lewis gives us a tour of a Knapheide KUV plumber-style service body on the GMC cutaway chassis. This one has a stand up height so there is no hunching over inside and he compares this visually with the popular low roof model. See more from Dow Lewis athttp://www.DowLewisTrucks.com

12/06/14

2015 Ford Transit Benefits and Features Tour


Bob Kelly gives us a good tour of a 2015 Ford Transit medium height roof and the long wheelbase. This unit also has a Knapheide Sortimo package including a bulkhead. See more at http://www.NorthsideTrucks.com

12/05/14

Sprinter Production in Russia


Production and manufacturing process of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

Visit our Website:
https://www.myvan.com/

12/03/14

Extreme Opportunity on New F650 Dedicated CNG Mechanic's Truck


New Demo 2012 Ford F650 Chassis Cab with V10 and dedicated CNG option.

Body: CASECO Master Mechanic Series, Model MM266. 133" Body Length, Fully Integrated Substructure and Side Pack Assembly, 24" Workbench Bumper, Exterior LED Work Lights, Interior LED Work Lights, Split 10-Drawer Unit on Driver's Side, GRACO Filter, Lubricator, Regulator Assembly, Stellar Model 10621 Hydraulic Telescopic Crane, 60,000 ft./lb., 10,000 lb. Maximum Lift, 21' Hydraulic Reach, Stellar SRS40P Rotary Screw Hydraulic Air Compressor with 22 Gallon Air Tank, Manual In/Out, Hydraulic Up/Down Outriggers, CASECO CNG Cross Box, 2-21x80 CNG Tanks (58 GGE), Impco CNG Conversion. 

This is a new demo unit Mechanic's Body that was mounted on our own F650 chassis and shown at a few shows around the country. It was trucked to each event, not driven. It was converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The CNG unit is a QVM approved IMPCO kit, Dedicated CNG, 58 GGE (Gallons of Gas Equivalent), with Type 4 Lincoln composite tanks.

This unit is now is ready for sale. Because of the fact it was used as a demonstrator, we have secured extremely discounted pricing and can offer this unit at a very special one-time price. It comes with a full factory warranty and the IMPCO CNG kit has a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

If you're interested in a dedicated CNG Mechanic's Truck, please call Joe Hughes at 253-709-0001 or you can email him at joehughes@fordpros.com, or contact Don Beezley at Northside Ford Truck Sales in Portland OR at 503-282-7777, ext 180 or you can email him at dbeezley@northsidetrucks.com. This unit is offered for sale by Northside Ford Truck Sales, Portland, OR.

12/02/14

Ford Transit Van Tour From Low To Medium To High


John Turic of Hansel Ford gives us a tour of the different roof heights available on the new Ford Transit van that replaces the Econoline van. This video really shows the difference of getting in and out of these vans to help you make your best choice. See more athttp://www.HanselWorkTrucks.com

12/01/14

Harbor SRW WorkMaster on GMC Double Cab HD2500



Here's a twist on the WorkMaster by Harbor, often called a plumber style body. This one is mounted on a conventional cab single rear wheel GMC Double Cab. This 8' WorkMaster has standard WorkMaster features including the Master Lock System, Rear Access door for sliding in pipe and matches up with the interior shelf, Tall barn style doors in the back give easy access to the interior with two shelves on each side. This one also has a removable stainless steel vise bracket and on the other side, a water jug holder. All this on a 2500HD GMC Double Cab makes for a sweet package.

See more offerings from Harbor Truck Bodies at www.htbi.net

11/29/14

SpitzLift: Who We Are


The SpitzLift is the most payload efficient, material handling equipment available today.

www.spitzlift.com

11/28/14

Freightliner Fleet Spotlight | Bison Transport


We don't normally post much about heavy duty trucks, as our focus is light and medium duty trucks; however, we thought this video was interesting and the ideas of how to manage the fleet would be so similar. -- CTS

Learn more about lowering your Real Cost of Ownership(SM) at: https://rco.freightlinertrucks.com/ 

Since 1969, Bison Transport has grown from just 18 tractors and 32 employees to over 1400 tractors and 2600 employees. Today, they are one of the largest carriers in Canada, the largest long combination vehicle (LCV) carrier in North America and recognized as North America’s Safest Fleet. 

Freightliner is proud to provide Bison Transport with some of the most innovative trucks on the road today, including the best-in-class Cascadia® Evolution, equipped with the proprietary Detroit DD15® engine and the DT12™ transmission, to give them the efficiencies and reliability they need.

http://freightlinertrucks.com | http://www.facebook.com/freightliner | http://twitter.com/freightliner | http://instagram.com/freightlinertrucks

11/27/14

Into the Arctic | 2015 F-150 Truck | You Test: Episode #4


See what happens when the new 2015 F-150 tows at maximum payload over the Dempster Highway – a rough, desloate, 900-mile stretch of gravel road that goes through the Arctic Circle.


Discover the future of tough: http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/2015/

Ford engineers put the new 2015 F-150 through a series of rigorous tests to prove it lives up to the Built Ford Tough® legacy, and over 13,000 people told us how they’d put it through its paces. Now it's time to see how it performs in the real world.
Watch YouTest episodes 1 -3: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

The official YouTube channel of Ford trucks. Learn more about our F-150 and Super Duty® trucks, and how we put them to the test to meet our rigorous Built Ford Tough® standards. 

Subscribe to Ford Trucks YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/fordtrucks
Visit Ford Trucks online: http://www.ford.com/new-trucks/

Socialize with Ford Trucks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fordtrucks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fordtrucks
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fordtrucks
Ford Social: http://social.ford.com/

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

11/26/14

Ram 1500 Wins Motor Trend’s 2015 Half-ton Pickup Shootout

November 24, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The editors of Motor Trend today named the Ram 1500 the winner of their 2015 half-ton truck shootout.



Three contenders were put through a broad array of testing designed to evaluate the core uses of a truck owner. In addition to the 2015 Ram 1500, the judges examined America’s other two top-selling full-size trucks: the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2015 Ford F150.

To determine a winner, the Motor Trend judges took the three competitors on a 260-mile drive through eastern California and western Arizona. Each truck’s performance was measured in a number of exercises, including:

1. Standard testing (without load): 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile acceleration, 60-0 mph braking, and maximum lateral grip.
2. Limit handling (without load): closed-course cornering, braking and acceleration.
3. Tow testing with 7,000 pound trailer
4. Payload testing with 1,000 pounds
5. Fuel economy testing
  
After the data was collected, judges convened to determine which truck would be the victor of Motor Trend’s half-ton shootout. The winner is chosen by directly comparing empirical results and drive impressions of each truck.

With the votes cast, the Ram 1500 surfaced as the winner of Motor Trend’s 2015 half-ton pickup shootout. The judges were particularly impressed with the performance of the Ram 1500’s EcoDiesel V-6 engine as well as its eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a combination that boasts best-in-class 28 mpg fuel economy.

“This is a strong third-party testimonial of Ram’s place in the market and contributes to the justification of long hours and hard work to deliver the best trucks available,” said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand. “Just five years after becoming its own brand Ram Truck has nearly doubled its market share and earned best-in-class titles in fuel economy, torque, payload and towing.

"The half-ton segment is a severely competitive environment and winning Motor Trend’s half-ton shootout validates that we have the top truck in the segment," added Hegbloom.

Motor Trend’s Real MPG testing proved V-6 turbo nor V-8 gas-powered engines can match the EcoDiesel’s efficiency. Judges observed fuel economy of 22 mpg during 1,000-pound loaded testing over 260 miles. Motor Trend’s Real MPG testing last year returned frugal stats: 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined for the Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab 4x4 with a 3.92 rear axle and an even more notable 18/28/22 for the Lone Star Crew Cab 4x2 with a 3.55 rear axle.

"Our comparison of the latest half-ton pickup trucks was as exhaustive as it was comprehensive, because this segment is so important and so competitive. We evaluated every aspect of these trucks we could and debated long and hard over their merits,” said Scott Evans, Associate Editor — Motor TrendMagazine. “In the end, the Ram EcoDiesel's excellent ride quality both loaded and empty, torquey engine, smooth and intelligent transmission, ease in towing, comfortable and refined interior, and best-in-test fuel economy proved the winning combination."

The Ram’s optional air suspension system also contributed to the win, as it delivered a compliant ride and commendable handling no matter the terrain. In terms of design, the Ram 1500 impressed with its style, packaging, and interior ergonomics. The variety of the lineup was another compelling factor. Whether outfitted as a basic workhorse or optioned up to a near-luxury hauler, the Ram 1500 provides all of the capability needed in a truck.

About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry.

Creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day in and day out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.

In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

Moving into the 2015 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:

  • Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel - 28 mpg with Ram 1500
  • Best-in-class towing capability - 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
  • Best-in-class payload – 7,390 pounds with Ram 3500
  • Best-in-class torque – 865 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 equipped with Cummins engine

Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

11/25/14

11/24/14

Cantilever-Style Liftgates From Maxon - Made In The USA



Maxon GPC Liftgate

Maxon’s GPC-series liftgates are the first North American-designed and manufactured cantilever-style gates. They provide high lifting capacity (to 4,400 lbs) with large platforms and exceptional stability for both trucks and trailers.

Stable and Secure

All of Maxon’s conventional liftgates offer exceptional stability and security, thanks to their ability to level the load on virtually any surface or terrain. Coupled with the convenience of potentially using the platform as the actual vehicle rear door and reliability that’s been proven internationally, they’re ideal for general freight handling where dock loading isn’t frequently required.

Designed, Built, and Serviced in North America

Maxon’s conventional cantilever-style liftgates are designed, built, and supported in North America, which means that after sales service, and parts are readily available when you need them. There’s no waiting for parts to come in from overseas, or wondering who will support the gate in the future.

Harbor Truck Bodies is an authorized Maxon dealer. Product Specs can be found at
http://www.maxonlift.com

11/23/14

11/22/14

ISUZU A CRACKER FOR BLUE COW CHEESE COMPANY


These days any trip down the supermarket aisle or to the gourmet delicatessen sees cheese lovers spoilt for choice with a mouthwatering selection from both Australia and around the globe.
Perth-based Blue Cow Cheese Company is adding to the selection by bringing a taste of Europe to Australia with its range of artisan and farmhouse cheeses.

The business imports and distributes the best cheeses from both European and local producers, along with charcuterie and other gourmet products including pastry, ice cream, pate, dips, olives and savoury biscuits.

Based in Belmont, Blue Cow Cheese Company supplies products to the food service and retail sector in Western Australia and is expanding into the other states. Perth’s metropolitan daily distribution is handled by a fleet of Isuzu NLR 200 trucks, easily identifiable via blue livery featuring a cow jumping over the moon.

Prior to distributing the products via road, those that are imported from Europe arrive in two ways. The fresh, delicate and young cheeses are airfreighted fortnightly from France and Italy, while the hard cheeses and other gourmet products are shipped directly from Italy to Fremantle Port.
According to Blue Cow Cheese Company Managing Director, Nicholas Bath, as the business has grown from one person to a team of 30 people over the past 16 years, its systems have also become more sophisticated.

“Not only do we supply chilled product, we also have the capability to supply frozen and dry product, all delivered in one vehicle,” Mr Bath said.

“We have standardised our fleet on the very reliable Isuzu NLR 200 – with one manual and three AMTs in the lineup. Our latest Isuzu is a new medium wheel based truck. The beauty of the NLR is that it can be driven on a car licence.

“Our trucks are on the road from Monday through to Friday and are used for metropolitan delivery to the likes of supermarkets and via inner city laneways to hotels and cafes.”

In addition to importing the international products, Blue Cow Cheese Company has its own range of products which are locally sourced.

“We work with a small group of producers who are able to produce cheese to our brand’s specifications. These producers are experts in their respective fields and are located in all different regions of Australia,” Mr Bath said.

With such a broad food offering and customers located all across Australia, it’s important that Blue Cow Cheese Company’s fleet of trucks stay on the move with little downtime.

“The business commenced using another Japanese brand before moving to a European manufacturer before settling on Isuzu. The reason being the high quality of the Isuzu product, as well as our strong relationship with Major Motors and Sales Manager, Peter Dewar,” Mr Bath said.

“The trucks travel up to 500 kilometres per week. They have performed very well and take the punishment of inner city distribution well. The bodies are strong, the cabs make a very pleasant working environment and the engine performance is faultless.

“The vehicles perform very well and provide us with enough power for the work we do. All of our drivers comment on the layout, functionality and spaciousness of the truck cabs.

“While I keep an eye on truck market trends and the new products that are available, it’s difficult to go past Isuzu and Major Motors. As we grow, we will always have Isuzu at the top of our list for selection.” 

See more at: http://isuzu.com.au/