Batsford Timber Switches To Isuzu For First Time

When Batsford Timber decided to replace its aging DAF 7.5tonne delivery vehicle, the company chose to switch brand for the first time by specifying a new Isuzu N75.190 chassis cab with a tipper body.

Based at the company’s Gloucestershire site in Moreton-in-Marsh, the new Isuzu will be delivering the company’s timber products, including agricultural, industrial and domestic fencing, gates, poles, garden furniture and decking to local contractors and retail/domestic customers.

The Isuzu 7.5 tonner chosen has the popular Easyshift transmission system as standard as well as air conditioning in the cab. The vehicle is fitted with a 15ft aluminium Tipmaster body and, according to Batsford Timber, will be running on a 5 days-a-week distribution cycle, over a five- year working life, covering in excess of 200,000 miles.

Explaining why they chose Isuzu for the first time, Batsford Timber’s Managing Director Bob Clark says, “We originally looked at Isuzu some 2 years ago at the APF (Association of Professional Foresters) Show and were impressed by the versatility and driveability of the truck, combined with the frugal fuel consumption and obvious payload potential. Over the next two years we then talked to other owners of Isuzu trucks who, without exception, were unanimous in singing the praises of their Isuzus in service.”

The debutant Isuzu was supplied to Batsford Timber by local Isuzu dealer Greenmeadow Commercial Services in Swindon, whose close proximity and all-round service facilities also impressed Batsford
Timber.

“Greenmeadow provides us with a local 24 hour service facility, allowing us to take advantage of night servicing, thereby reducing any unnecessary downtime for the vehicle over its working life,” commented Bob Clark.

Batsford Timber operates from sites in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire and Longleat in Wiltshire, running a 5-strong vehicle fleet. This year, the company is celebrating 21 years of trading and this new Isuzu vehicle is sporting a specially designed commemorative 21st anniversary livery.

Full details of the 2010 Isuzu Truck product range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website http://www.isuzutruck.co.uk/

TK Truckbody Canada 9' Service Body Looking So Good

Here's a sample of a custom built 9' service body with drawer option, crane with body reinforcement, custom lighting package and vented oxygen/acetylene compartment from TK Truckbody Canada. Troy Mazar of TK Truckbody was kind enough to share these and the information below about their company.

About TK Truckbody Canada

TK Truck body Canada started out in 1964 as a division of Thermo King Western Inc. In 1978, when we had difficulty sourcing high-quality insulated vans, we began manufacturing them in-house. We've never looked back.

Our success is built on the principles of integrity, honesty and enthusiasm for everything we do. We are committed to working closely with customers to deliver solutions that meet each one's specific requirements. Our staff are motivated to achieve the highest levels of service through our culture, training programs, and resources available. You will experience that resolve every time you deal with TK Truck body Canada.

Service Bodies

TK Truck body Canada will build a custom service body to meet your specific needs. We offer a vast range of dependable products.

Construction

• Structural steel frame
• Galvanized steel body panels
• Acrylic-urethane paint with 6-year warranty
• Aluminum doors with extruded aluminum frames
• Stainless steel hardware

Options

• Cranes: Auto crane & Stellar
• Air compressors: Twister & Ingersoll Rand
• Under hood air: Vmac
• Heater systems
• Compartment alarms
• Complete line of truck accessories
• All aluminum construction

In addition to standard features, TK Truck body Canada can design a fully custom solution to meet your needs including special requirements such as backpack pumps, welders, hose reels, varsol tanks, and strobe lights.

Oxy acetylene compartments
Built to occupational health and safety specifications these compartments are designed to safely store oxygen and acetylene bottles for welding/cutting torches.

Surface Treatment

Backed by our 6 year limited warranty, TK Truck body Canada Service Bodies are protected by a proprietary surface treatment that includes galvaneal coated steel panels, aluminum doors, high grade automotive primer, and an acrylic-urethane paint finish.

TK Truckbody Canada is located in Edmonton, Alberta and you can reach them at 780-447-9529 and visit their website at http://www.tktruck.com/.

Electric Truck: Boulder EV

See much more at http://www.boulderev.com/.

Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks Commercial

Isuzu Begins Production of 2011 N-Series Medium Duty Trucks

ISUZU BEGINS PRODUCTION OF FIRST-IN-CLASS ENGINES

TO MEET TOUGH 2010 EMISSIONS STANDARDS

EPA 2010 and CARB HD-OBD Compliant, Clean-Idle Certified

ANAHEIM, CA—Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc., distributor of America’s best-selling low-cab-forward trucks, announced today that production has begun of the U.S. market’s first and only low-cab-forward medium-duty diesel engines to meet the newest and strictest emissions standards.
2011 Isuzu N-Series trucks equipped with the clean, powerful and economical new powerplants have already began to roll off the line at Isuzu Motors Limited’s factory in Fujisawa, Japan and will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships in early August 2010.

“Isuzu is a world leader in clean diesel technology,” said Shaun Skinner, executive vice president and general manager of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “So it’s no surprise that Isuzu trucks would be the first in their class to meet these new regulations. The great news for our customers is that these engines are not only environmentally friendly, they are also more powerful and more fuel efficient than the engines they replace.”
The new Isuzu N-Series trucks are the first medium-duty low-cab-forward trucks on the market to offer Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection to meet three exacting and stringent requirements:

• Compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 emissions standards (EPA 2010), which require reductions in NOx
• Compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) HD-OBD requirement that trucks over 14,001 lbs. GVWR employ on-board diagnostics equipment to monitor and verify NOx and particulates emissions levels
• Clean-idle certified

CNG Process for Full-Size Vans Nears Completion

DETROIT – General Motors has finalized the production process for its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans, allowing the company to deliver fleet customers complete vehicles with a fully integrated and dedicated CNG fuel system starting this fall.

GM announced in May that it would be the only manufacturer to offer a one-source van CNG option, allowing its customers to focus on their business rather than on contracting the conversion of their vehicles.

“Our focus from the beginning has been to offer fleet customers a simple ‘check the box’ approach with our CNG Chevrolet Express and Savana vans,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “Our robust production process is a key enabler and certainly separates us from any competitive offering.”

The vans will meet all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission certification requirements, and will be fully compliant with applicable motor vehicle safety standards.

Each CNG Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana van also will be covered by GM’s three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and five-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

GM’s Global Powertrain and Vehicle Engineering Centers are being leveraged to bring their global expertise in gaseous fuel systems together for this vehicle system.

Providing fleets with a convenient, all-in-one CNG vehicle begins with GM’s Vortec 6.0L V8 engine. GM engineers modified this proven power plant with hardened exhaust valves, and intake and exhaust valve seats for improved wear resistance and durability with gaseous fuel systems.

These hardened engines will then be assembled into the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans at GM’s Wentzville, Mo. plant.

In addition, GM has chosen Productive Concepts (PCI), an alternative fuels conversion company, to become an integral part of its production. PCI will integrate the CNG fuel delivery and storage system with the hardened engine at its facility in Union City, Ind. PCI also will work to ensure full emissions compliance.

Once the CNG system is integrated into the vans at PCI, they can be shipped to many specialty vehicle manufacturers to have commercial equipment added, or directly to GM dealers.

Fuel Efficiency Tips From Isuzu Truck

Chris Frye Has A Knock Out LTZ Service Body!

This sweet ride was sent to me along with the photos as such: "2010 Chevy LTZ Single wheel 3500 Body built by Diamond truck body. Front bins are Dually bins to maximize tool storage The others bins are 16 inch deep, 20 inch tailgate, linex coating. Ladder rack powder coated metallic blue. Install done by Superior Truck and Body north bay Santa Rosa. Note the cool LED side markers on the Bumper and push locks. Owner Chris Frye Santa Rosa CA."

This truck is unique in many ways to me. It is rare for me to catch a Diamond Truck Body, and this one is excellent. Notice the oversize tailgate which helps it look a bit more like a pickup. The off-color rack is a special touch. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like a metallic blue rack on a black truck. It is interesting to say the least.

I absolutely love the staggered size compartments. Frankly, I've never thought of doing that, nor can I recall seeing that done in all the years I've been around bodies. Oh, I've seen them in different heights, and I've seen plenty of transverse compartments, but the deeper compartments up front really adds to what can be done with the lids and what can be carried in there. Extremely interesting approach. The lids are independent and that is interesting all by itself.

The spray liner in the bed and on the bumper is helpful and durable. I like the horizontal compartments on the streetside with the horizontal compartment going all the way to the end of the body with a smaller square compartment underneath. There are so many tools and things where this compartment makes life simple.

So Chris has got a knock out truck, loaded with all the creature comforts the LTZ package gives, along with a great body and a unique approach that will service his needs very well, I'm sure. In addition, Chris has injected just a bit of style, a splash of color--not enough to disrupt--but, just enough to make a statement.

Nice job! Thank you for sharing this beauty with us!

(North Bay Superior Truck Body is located at 1047 Maxwell Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Phone number is 707-535-0474. Diamond Truck Body link provided above.)

1934 Ford Tow Truck Is Hit At Event

Here is a sweet restored 1934 Ford Tow Truck owned by Steve Ramirez of Ramirez Tow. The truck was on display at a Customer Appreciation & Open House Event at North Bay Truck Center in Fairfield. What a clean old truck. This vehicle was owned by South San Francisco Ford for most of its life and Steve was lucky enough to get hold of it. He has then spent a lot in restoring this awesome truck. Thank you Steve, for bringing this lovely truck out and letting us all get a good look at it.

Tommy Gate Aluminum Platform Liftgate For Service Bodies

Here's a liftgate that makes sense on a service body: The Tommy Gate Aluminum Liftgate, available in the standard and the G2 Hydraulic Dual Cylinder models. This makes sense because of how much lighter the aluminum model is versus the steel platform. Any weight savings behind the rear axle is a good thing!

This liftgate is mounted on a Harbor 9'x22"x41" Service Body with Stainless Steel Lids, a Window Guard and Spray Bedliner. Thanks to Kimberly at Harbor Truck Bodies for the shots.

Safety-Kleen Replaces Large Vans With Ford Transit Connect

SAFETY-KLEEN HELPS CUSTOMERS 'MAKE GREEN WORK' – FORD TRANSIT CONNECT HELPS SAFETY-KLEEN DO SAME

• 
  
  Safety-Kleen Systems is replacing 140 large cargo vans in its national sales fleet with the Ford Transit Connect
• 
  
  Click here to download related images.Safety-Kleen Systems, the leading provider of environmental services, oil re-refining and responsible cleaning solutions, is replacing 140 large cargo vans in its national sales fleet with the Ford Transit Connect
• 
  
  Transit Connect enables Safety-Kleen's sales representatives to achieve 24 mpg versus the 15 mpg offered with larger cargo vans
• 
  
  In addition to fuel savings, Transit Connect will provide easier maneuverability in urban areas, added comfort loading and unloading products, and increased visibility for the company from a marketing standpoint
• 
  
  Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – offers fleet customers a fresh choice with improved fuel economy and maneuverability to operate in crowded urban areas

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2010 – Safety-Kleen Systems, the leading provider of environmental services, oil re-refining and responsible cleaning solutions, is replacing 140 large cargo vans in its national sales fleet with the Ford Transit Connect.

Through its products and services, Safety-Kleen enables other businesses to fulfill their green initiatives. The purchase of 140 units of Transit Connect will help the company achieve one of its green initiatives as well, according to Dan Kratz, director of Fleet Operations, Safety-Kleen.

"Replacing older cargo vans with new, more fuel-efficient vehicles is part of an initiative to green our fleet," he said. "The Ford Transit Connect offers significant fuel savings over traditional cargo vans – 24 mpg versus 15 mpg. We also anticipate having less maintenance costs because the oil change intervals are longer with the Transit Connect."

According to John Ruppert, general manager, Ford Commercial and Government Fleet Operations, Safety-Kleen's choice to use Transit Connect to advance its sustainability strategy underscores the versatility of the vehicle.

"As we continue to engage existing and new customers, the Ford Transit Connect continues to find more and more applications across different businesses," he said. "Safety-Kleen is another example of a commercial customer realizing the benefits of the vehicle and its capability to deliver on the green pillar of Ford's product innovation."

Benefits of Ford Transit Connect go beyond fuel economy
Transit Connect will be used by members of Safety-Kleen's sales staff who work in 160 locations throughout the country. While fuel and cost savings are the main incentives, Kratz says there are other benefits to Ford's small compact van.

"We conducted a survey with our sales folks, and they said they wanted a vehicle that was more urban-friendly – something they could maneuver more easily through congested city streets," he said. "The Ford Transit Connect will fit the bill perfectly and still allow for ample cargo room."
Safety-Kleen sales representatives routinely carry samples of products, such as windshield washer fluid, the company's Eco-Power recycled oil and hand wipes. Kratz says the lower height of the Transit Connect will make it easier to get products in and out of the vehicle.

"We've had a test vehicle that we've wrapped with our company logo and upfitted with shelving," he said. "It's certainly more comfortable to load and unload because there is no lifting to the height of a traditional cargo van."

An unexpected bonus with the Ford Transit Connect, says Kratz, is the attention the vehicle attracts on the road.

"Because of its unique shape and size, it attracts notice from people on the street," he said. "These vehicles will provide a lot of exposure for the company from a marketing standpoint."

Safety-Kleen's corporate motto is "Make Green Work."

"We're not just making green work for other companies," said Kratz. "We're making it work for ourselves. The Ford Transit Connect is a great example of that."

BIGFOOT Is Now Wearing A Bowtie!

DETROIT – For the first time in 35 years, BIGFOOT® is wearing a bowtie.

The Original Monster Truck® will arrive at the 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in style, wearing the body of a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado. The change is more than skin deep, as the MLB BIGFOOT also features a 540 cubic-inch Chevrolet V-8 and two-speed Powerglide transmission.

"We think this is a great opportunity to bring three American icons together - Chevrolet, baseball and the Original Monster Truck," said Silverado Marketing Manager Tony Truelove. "We're glad to be a part of it."

The mutual partner is Firestone tires, which has ties to both Major League Baseball and BIGFOOT. With Chevrolet being the official vehicle of MLB, there was an opportunity to do something special at this year's All-Star Game in Anaheim, Calif.

“We were extremely excited to do a Chevrolet BIGFOOT monster truck,” said Bob Trent, vice president of BIGFOOT 4x4, Inc. “We are proud to represent not only BIGFOOT at this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game activities, but Chevrolet and Firestone as well. What's more American than Chevrolet?”

The MLB BIGFOOT will make its public debut in Anaheim on July 7.

Eaton ELocker Differential

Nice Truck Display At Hansel Ford In Santa Rosa, CA

I saw this great commercial truck display out in front of Hansel Ford in Santa Rosa, CA today and had to take a couple shots of it. I love the effect of this kind of display and it is cheap and easy to do--a few bales of straw and you've got a show. This is a Landscape Dump on a F450/550 Crew Cab with 84" CA and notice the sides have been removed and are next to the front of the truck. Looks like it's ready for a band up there.

Nice going guys!

Industrial Piping Drives One Sweet Ford Truck!

This morning I pulled into a service station for fuel and right in front of me was this bad boy F450. Easily one of the nicest looking trucks I've seen, so I just had to ask if I could take some shots. Ben Neves, Supervisor and long time employee of Industrial Piping of Modesto, CA was very kind and gave me a few minutes to appreciate his truck.

The truck is a Ford F450 Super Cab 60" CA, loaded with leather and all the comforts of home (or maybe more than the comforts of home. . .) and dressed in Alcoa wheels and maroon paint. The body is made by Scelzi Enterprises of Fresno, CA and is a 10' Combo Body with raised front compartments, and the one on the streetside is exposed from the back to see the welder against the bulkhead sideways. It also sports a compact Autocrane crane.

I especially liked the mix of color and aluminum and stainless steel. The rack appears to be polished aluminum--at least, that's what it looked like to me. I asked Ben to allow us to see some compartments since many of our readers love to see how others put stuff in compartments. He understood immediately.

What an awesome truck and I thank Ben and Industrial Piping for their kindness and the opportunity to share a bit of this truck. You can reach Industrial Piping at 209-988-1817.