8/31/20

ECCO TAILORS SAFETY SOLUTIONS FOR PUBLIC WORKS

CUSTOMIZED WARNING AND LIGHTING DEVICES FOR DIVERSE APPLICATIONS

ECCO Tailors Safety Solutions for Public Works

Whether patching up a road, clearing brush or building a playground, there is never a dull moment in the Public Works department. Each job requires a specialized set of tools and often demands the use of different vehicles or heavy equipment to accomplish the task at hand. Fortunately, ECCO’s diverse product line meets the many needs of Public Works so crews can operate safely while protecting the citizens they serve.
Choose from a vast array of warning and white lighting products to enhance visibility on site and on the road. Beacons and lightbars are must-haves for work trucks and other vehicles that primarily operate in the roadway and make frequent stops. Directional lights complement that visual warning capability and worklights provide useful illumination on low-light worksites.
Reversing safety equipment is also essential, especially when operating in high-traffic areas and neighborhoods. Back-up alarms are more advanced now and they can adjust their tone based on ambient noise. Multi-frequency alarms reduce noise pollution and may be an appropriate solution in residential communities. Supplement the alarm with a camera system so operators can see potential hazards and maneuver in tight spaces.
Learn about these and many other devices that are designed to work hard and keep people safe with ECCO's Public Works Solutions Guide. ECCO has you covered with a no-hassle warranty and unparalleled customer service. With reduced lead times, easy-to-install components and a helpful technical service team, your crews will be ready to roll out for another shift in no time.

https://www.eccoesg.com/us/en/blog/post/public-works-solutions

8/29/20

BEST-IN-CLASS POWER TAKEOFF OUTPUT NOW STANDARD ON 2020 FORD SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CAB WITH POWER STROKE DIESEL

  • Ford is making commercial 2020 F-Series Super Duty more valuable to fleets by including Power Takeoff (PTO) provision on Class 3-5 chassis cab and F-600 trucks optioned with a 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel
  • Best-in-class stationary 300 lb.-ft. of PTO torque comes from the third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel working in combination with the all-new TorqShift® 10-speed heavy duty automatic transmission
  • Ford’s pioneering Live-Drive PTO allows commercial customers to power industrial equipment and accessories such as snowplows, generators and hydraulic units with the truck in motion.
New on the 2020 Super Duty Chassis Cab, Ford is proud to offer Power Takeoff (PTO) as standard with its 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbo diesel engine for auxiliary power needs on commercial vehicles. Combined, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke and all-new TorqShift® 10-speed heavy duty automatic transmission with the power takeoff provision delivers best-in-class stationary torque of up to 300 lb.-ft. for commercial vehicle bodies that require direct-to-component or hydraulic body motor power. That’s 50 lb.-ft. more than the closest competitor.

“For a lot of our commercial and heavy-duty retail customers PTO power is the only way they can get a job done,” said Kevin Koester, Ford commercial vehicle marketing manager. “With more PTO torque on hand every task is easier and even bigger projects are now within reach.”

Power takeoff allows customers to mount accessory equipment to the transmission for auxiliary power from the engine to increase functionality in applications that require direct or hydraulic power, such as generators, cranes, wreckers, pumper trucks and boom lifts.

PTO provision will remain optional on 2020 Super Duty Pickup models and 7.3-liter gas V8 Chassis Cab models. Output with the TorqShift® heavy-duty 6-speed automatic double-overdrive transmission for F-650 and F-750 trucks and Super Duty stripped chassis trucks will be announced at a later date.

If a job has to get done and stationary power won’t cut it, the 10-speed Heavy Duty Automatic features Ford’s pioneering Live-Drive Power Takeoff which allows customer to operate accessories when the engine is running whether the vehicle is in motion or stopped. This is critical for equipment requiring power on the move such as snowplows and dump trucks.

 About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

8/27/20

Cascadia w/ an AA Custom Sleeper Truck Tour


I give a truck tour of our 2016 Freightliner Cascadia with an AA custom Sleeper that we just got back in July of 2018.

8/25/20

How to use Ford’s new Pro Trailer Backup Assist



Pro Trailer Backup Assist is new to Ford 2020 Super Duty trucks. We turned to Ford’s trailer technology supervisor Don Mattern who showed us how to backup a trailer using a dash-mounted knob in conjunction with the truck’s trailer reverse guidance system.


Check out our website for more https://www.hardworkingtrucks.com

8/23/20

Peterbilt Model 220EV Features & Benefits

PETERBILT MODEL 220EV NOW AVAILABLE FOR CUSTOMER ORDERS


Peterbilt continues to lead the industry in alternative powertrain offerings with the new Model 220EV – its first electric configuration for medium duty applications. The 220EV joins Peterbilt’s Model 579EV and Model 520EV for the most complete lineup of electric vehicles. The 220EV provides environmentally conscious customers a zero emissions vehicle for clean, efficient operation and lower overall maintenance. Designed for driver comfort and productivity, the Model 220EV features enhanced visibility, superior maneuverability, a spacious interior and ease of serviceability for maximum uptime. The Model 220EV is ideal for short route applications, as well as drayage and refuse configurations. This is the official YouTube Channel of Peterbilt Motors Company, a division of PACCAR Inc. Visit us at www.peterbilt.com.

8/21/20

Parcel Delivery- Adrian Steel


The world depends on you to deliver the goods that keep the economy moving. That's why Adrian Steel engineered products to build a custom upfit solution for your work van that makes it easier to get the job done. Check out the Parcel Delivery Solution! Learn more about our Parcel Delivery Solution: https://www.adriansteel.com/parcel-de...

8/17/20

CargoGlide Van WallSlide Features and Benefits


Never climb up into a van again, with WallSlide all of your shelving rolls out to you at chest height in an ergonomically correct posture saving your back and legs from strain and abuse. WallSlide helps your van be organized and therefore increase efficiency. Knowing where your tools and materials are at all times means less unplanned trips to the hardware store during the day costing you precious time. WallSlide hands down can help to make your jobsite safer, more efficient and productive.

8/15/20

How 4WD (4x4 - Four Wheel Drive) Works - 2H, 4H, 4L, LSD, Centre Diff, Diff Locks, Traction Control.


A complete and thorough video on how four wheel drive (4WD) 4x4 systems work. This video will look into depth on how part time and full time four wheel drive systems work, operate, what to expect and when to use it. It will cover in depth the following: - Drivetrain Fundamentals - Part Time 4x4 - Full Time 4x4 - Open Differentials - Locked Differentials - Torque Distribution - Torque Multiplication - High Range - Low Range - Transfer Case - Crawl Ratio - Limited Slip Differentials - Brake Traction Control - Wind-Up Phenomenon - Diagonal Wheels Phenomenon - Free Wheeling Hubs

8/13/20

Tested. Proven. Safe. | CURT MFG


CURT’s mission is to provide customers with safe, reliable products that empower them to enjoy more of what they love – whether it’s work, play or a combination of both.

TESTED QUALITY.
Our Wixom testing facility gives us the opportunity to test each and every product to the most stringent standards.

- Fatigue, weight carrying and weight distribution testing.
- Three-axis testing, similar to the European CARLOS.TC test.
- Every hitch passes SAE J684 or J2638 protocols.
- CURT has earned the ISO / TS 16949 certification for quality manufacturing.
- Each hitch is covered inside and out with a rust-resistant liquid Bonderite® coating to prevent rusting. - Our converters and T-connectors are potted, sealing each one off with an epoxy resin that protects the internal circuits from the elements. Each goes through an extensive salt-spray and environmental test to ensure long-lasting dependability.

PROVEN SAFE.
The result of these advancements and our commitment to safety and quality has had a positive impact on the lives of our consumers. We want to help tell their stories. These stories will be highlighted in our marketing collateral, advertisements, as well as user testimonials videos.

Whether they’re hauling equipment to the job site or taking the family up to the campground, CURT’s mission is to give them the confidence to enjoy every mile of the journey. We’re not just making towing products. We’re helping our customers make memories that will last a lifetime.

8/10/20

Premalloy Coupling/Pintle Hitches for off-road and aggregate type applications



Premalloy work-hardens at the contact surfaces during normal use, for longer service life.

  • INNOVATION COMPOSITION Premalloy is Premier Mfg’s own specially designed, proprietary material. The composition was created to handle applications that are rougher and abrasive in nature. 
  • SUPERIOR WORK-HARDENING This material is unique in its ability to work-harden at the contact surface. As the product is used, it is creating a hard outer shell and reducing wear. 
  • PERFORMANCE SUITED Great for off-road and aggregate type applications that quickly reduce material in the wear areas, Premalloy will last significantly longer.
Available at these locations: 


8/07/20

2020 SEMA Show Update


As the state of Nevada continues to adjust its plans for lowering the spread of Covid-19, and concerns that event facilities and services may be unavailable in November increase, the 2020 SEMA Show will not take place as planned.  

8/05/20

Reading Truck Body's Classic II Service Body





The Steel Classic II™ is Reading’s premier steel service body, with quality components, innovative features and Reading’s legendary durability. You enjoy Reading’s trademark quality construction plus premium features like weather-tight storage, Latch-Matic® locking, small parts storage, optional aerial and crane devices and much more. This is the pinnacle among steel service body options on the market. Reading’s Classic II™ aluminum service body combines the superior fuel economy and corrosion resistance of aluminum with Reading’s legendary quality and durability. Built with premium recycled aluminum alloy, the body is bathed in a zinc phosphate bath to prep it for improved adhesion of Reading’s durable powder coat finish, to resist corrosion better than any other service truck body on the market. It features all the standard and exclusive options that have made our flagship Classic II™ a leader in the truck body industry while offering environmental benefits that today’s consumers appreciate. Standard features include a pressed diamond plate floor and inner tailgate surface, heavy-duty compartment doors and a rugged undercoated understructure for superior durability and strength. The Classic II™ aluminum service truck body also features Reading’s exclusive adjustable hidden hinges, Dual-Pro® door seals, a slam-action tailgate and much more. Add our industry-leading 5-year limited warranty for steel and 10-year limited warranty for aluminum. It’s easy to see why there’s No Body Better than the Classic II™.

8/03/20

Ranger Design Van Accessories - Vehicle Security


For long term profitability, make sure your van is always well-protected and well-kept. Have your most expensive equipment locked away out of sight, and take other protective measures to help prevent theft. By keeping your vehicle burglar-free and in good condition, you can improve the resale value for the future.

8/01/20

Value of Effectively Maintaining Upfits

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Having the right "tools" for the job is essential.  - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

 - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Having the right "tools" for the job is essential.

Your upfit is spec’ed, purchased, and installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.

Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:


A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.


“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.


At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.


“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.


Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.


“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”


When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.


“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.


Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.


“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.


6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits


While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:


Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection


Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.


“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.


Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance


When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.


“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.


To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.


“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.


Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly 


Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders. 


“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.


Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment


You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.


“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.


Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing


When you service certain upfit items is also essential.


“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.


Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage

Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.

“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.


Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits