Utilimaster Enters Refrigerated Market With Seamless Body

BRISTOL, Ind., Oct. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Utilimaster Corporation, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), today unveiled refrigerated and freezer configurations for its truck bodies. Utilimaster can upfit nearly any van or truck by installing an insulated liner that is completely seamless and tough enough to support forklift traffic, while integrating customized shelving and cargo containment.

With today's announcement, Utilimaster is delivering on the promise of serving as the industry's most comprehensive solutions provider. Built tough with the capability to deliver optimal performance and maximum versatility, Utilimaster refrigerated bodies provide a superior option for delivery of perishable cargo.

The cooling is provided by an over-the-road refrigeration system with an engine-mounted compressor, a skirt-mounted condenser, and dual 10" fan evaporators. Units are also available in self-contained or cold plate configurations. The fuel for self-contained units is supplied by the vehicle's diesel tank or an auxiliary fuel tank. Cold plate units contain no mechanical parts, so there is little chance of spoiled cargo as a result of blower failure.

Mel Shields, Commercial Sales Manager, Utilimaster, said, "Our customers asked Utilimaster to design and manufacture refrigerated bodies to meet their needs. The seamless liner over the interior of the truck, made using advanced polyurea technology, is superior to the current market offering and provides the safest and most durable solution available. This innovation enables us to also provide a wide selection of customized interiors to meet our customer's specifications."

The FDA-approved polyurea liner is safe for food contact. It provides a seamless coating over the interior of the truck, preventing food and juices from being trapped within the seams. Polyurea lined trucks can be cleaned by simply hosing down the body with no moisture penetrating the coating. The temperature integrity of even the most demanding cargo is ensured with our insulation. Injected polyurethane expanded foam insulates all our delivery solutions and provides for seamless interiors in all compartments. Polyurea is a fast-setting, rapid-gelling material used to create extremely durable interiors.

Insulated Truck Options

• All Utilimaster body types available in refrigerated version
• A wide variety of roof-mounted or side-mounted refrigeration units
• From a florist, to frozen food distributor, the cargo area can be configured for any combination of temperature zones – frozen, refrigerated and ambient
• Available in temperatures ranges from 40° to -25° F
• Available in multiple-temperature/compartment options
• Standard 3" foam insulation in body
• Seamless, food-safe interior lining made of polyurea
• Available with curbside doors for easy entry and egress
• Available with Aerocap for walk-through bulkheads
• Available with electric shore power (115V - 230V, single or 3 phase)
• Custom insulated bulkhead and rear doors

Polyurea Facts

• Seamless liner surface provides a waterproof, mold-resistant finish that is easily cleaned yet durable enough to support fork lift traffic
• FDA-approved polyurea shell creates an extremely durable interior
• Whether it is a simple wash, repaint, or more extensive maintenance, our polyurea solution provides superior performance for years of service
• A 100% solid, flexible, two-component Polyurea Elastomer spray coating material
• Utilized independently or in combination with other materials to produce coatings, liners, and other resilient surfaces or substrates
• Produces an extremely durable film at all thicknesses
• Will not deteriorate, drain, or harm other materials, and is bondable as well as paintable
• Is relatively moisture and temperature tolerant, allowing application in the most problematic conditions

About Utilimaster

Utilimaster, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPAR), is a leading manufacturer of walk-in vans and commercial truck bodies for the delivery and service marketplace. Utilimaster designs, develops and manufactures products to customer specifications for use in the package delivery, one-way truck rental, bakery/snack delivery, utility and linen/uniform rental businesses. The company serves a diverse customer base and also sells aftermarket parts and accessories. Visit Utilimaster at www.utilimaster.com.


About Spartan Motors

Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets. The Company's brand names – Spartan™, Spartan Chassis™, Spartan ER™, Spartan ERV™ and Utilimaster® - are known for quality, performance, service and first-to-market innovation. The Company employs approximately 1,800 associates at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, and Florida. Spartan reported sales of $471 million in 2012 and is focused on becoming a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of specialty vehicles and chassis. Visit Spartan Motors at www.spartanmotors.com.

Site Commander Truck Cap - A.R.E. Truck Caps and Tonneau Covers

To learn more about the Site Commander truck cap, please visit www.4are.com.

Milestone for Daimler Trucks in Asia: One Million FUSO Vehicles Sold in Indonesia

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is celebrating a milestone achievement of one million commercial vehicles sold in MFTBC´s largest export market Indonesia. The company has been present on the Indonesian market since 1970 and has established itself as the leading commercial vehicle brand in that country. The so-called “Canter – Colt Diesel” truck is a top seller in the light duty truck segment in Indonesia and is contributing significantly to the seven-digit sales benchmark. http://www.mitsubishi-fuso.com/en/

Fleetwest - Load'N'Go ST 2000

The ST-2000 by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies is the newest Load'N'Go product. Load'N'Go service bodies are fully transferable on and off your pickup truck in minutes with no-holes-drilled installation. This video displays the newest steal utility body addition to the Load'N'Go fleet. To get a quote for the Load'N'Go ST-2000 call your Fleetwest representative - 866-497-7200 or visit www.Fleetwest.net

Odyne Systems Hybrid Power Truck System Selected for Nationwide Deployment by the DOE Showcased at ICUEE and Plug-In

Odyne’s Advanced Hybrid Propulsion System Featured at ICUEE and the Plug-in Conference Provides All Day Power, Reducing Fuel Consumption by Up To 50%

Waukesha, WI – October 1, 2013 — Waukesha based Odyne Systems, LLC, a leading manufacturer of hybrid systems for medium and heavy duty work trucks and winner of the NTEA 2013 Green
Award, is displaying its advanced hybrid propulsion system at both the ICUEE 2013 show in
Louisville, Kentucky (October 1-3) and at the Plug-in Conference (September 30 – October 3) in San Diego this week.  Of interest to show attendees is news that Odyne was recently selected to participate in a $45.4 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) award to develop and deploy over 120 plug-in hybrid systems for trucks throughout North America. The program strongly positions Odyne for high volume sales of its enhanced system. 

The plug-in hybrid system on display at ICUEE, featured on an International chassis, and at Plug-In, on a Ford F750 chassis, is designed to interface with a wide variety of truck mounted equipment, saving fuel, reducing emissions and providing quieter operation at the work site.  Odyne’s plug-in hybrid truck system reduces fuel consumption by up to 50%, depending on application.  It also increases power while driving by using a rugged Remy electric motor in parallel with the existing drive train to provide launch assist and regenerative braking. At the worksite, the Odyne hybrid plug-in battery system, featuring Johnson Control’s lithium-ion battery packs, provides all day hybrid power on the job. 

Joe Dalum, President of Odyne Systems, LLC commented during a press conference September 30 at Plug-In, “We are excited to be introducing several recent developments that are continually advancing hybrid and truck electrification technology. Odyne’s worksite ePTO functionality and enhanced transmission propulsion interface, developed in coordination with Allison Transmission, Odyne’s investment partner, provide unique benefits during both driving and stationary operations.  Odyne had increased standard exportable power from the hybrid batteries by 60% to help eliminate the use of separate generators, incorporated state-of-the-art telematics as standard equipment, and improved overall hybrid efficiency in comparison to earlier systems.  The recent award from the DOE is very significant and will put the advantages of hybrid systems for large trucks to work in communities throughout North America.  We also anticipate that the award will accelerate wide-scale use of our hybrid systems.” 

Odyne, a leader in innovation, holds 6 U.S. patents and 2 international patents in the hybrid field and another 20 patents are pending.


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 work site operation and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Odyne has produced more plug-in hybrid systems for large trucks than any other supplier in the U.S. The company sells its unique modular hybrid system for new and retrofit applications direct to truck manufacturers and through a global distribution and service network. The name Odyne represents the combination of “O” for Optimal and “dyne” for Force.  Odyne’s hybrid system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks represents the best hybrid power solution for large trucks.  For further information, visit us at www.odyne.com and follow us on Twitter @Odyne.


About Allison Transmission 
Allison Transmission is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully-automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, medium- and heavy-tactical U.S. military vehicles and hybrid-propulsion systems for transit buses. Allison transmissions are used in a variety of applications including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (primarily school and transit), motor homes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (primarily energy and mining) and defense vehicles (wheeled and tracked). Founded in 1915, the Allison business is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. and employs approximately 2,800 people. Allison has manufacturing facilities and customization centers located in China, The Netherlands, Brazil, India and Hungary. With a global presence, serving customers in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa, Allison also has approximately 1,400 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. More information about Allison is available at www.allisontransmission.com.

Clean Cities: Ozinga Concrete

See how this Chicago concrete company is cementing its status as a green fleet. www.motorweek.org

Introducing Cummins ISV5.0

Cummins ISV5.0, a new 5.0 liter V8 diesel engine, is designed to power pickup-and-delivery vehicles, other light- and medium-duty trucks, school buses, and motorhomes. The ISV5.0 extends Cummins range of clean diesel engines for North American vehicles and features industry leading technology that delivers performance and a low total cost of ownership to customers.

Silverado Concepts Target Extremes of Preparedness

Specialty trucks dedicated to volunteer first responders and ultimate survival

DALLAS – Chevrolet is using the 2014 Silverado full-size pickup to explore the extremes of preparedness with the Volunteer Firefighter and Black Ops concepts shown publicly for the first time Friday at the State Fair of Texas.

Chevrolet developed the Silverado Z71 Volunteer Firefighter concept truck, which honors the service of grassroots first responders, with input from the National Volunteer Fire Council. The concept vehicle features a full complement of rescue equipment incorporated on a new Silverado Double Cab equipped with the Z71 Off Road suspension.

The sinister-looking Black Ops concept is based on the Silverado Crew Cab 4x4, building on its strength, performance and safety with features designed to turn the wasteland into an oasis, including custom-fabricated lower body armor and a lockable, bed-mounted Truck Vault storage unit. It holds a solar power pack, a pair of gas masks, gloves, military First Aid Kit, folding shovel and rope.

  About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Ford Transit Connect - International Van of the Year 2014

For the full story go to http://www.vansa2z.com/New-Transit-Co...

With a score of 130 out of a possible 163 points, Ford's all-new Transit Connect has been voted International Van of the Year for 2014 by a panel of 24 specialist European commercial vehicle journalists.

2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

From the State Fair of Texas, PickupTrucks.com's Mark Williams shares his thoughts about his recent time behind the wheel of the new EcoDiesel-equipped Ram 1500.

Alcoa Wheel Products - English - 2013 Sep (960x540)

CTS loves Alcoa Wheels. . . . see more at http://www.alcoa.com/alcoawheels/

Maxon Lift Corp. Launches RA Trailer Side Door Slidelift® Series - Fully Galvanized Standard

Maxon Lift Corp. (Santa Fe Springs, CA) has developed a fully galvanized new trailer side door liftgate, the RA Slidelift® Series. The purpose-built design encompasses wide arm configurations for greatest stability and maximum trailer side rail clearance capabilities.

The new level ride RA liftgate comes standard in 3,500 lbs. and 4,500 lbs. lifting capacities. The new design makes use of the full trailer width resulting in large 48”, 60” and 82” wide platforms with depths of 55” and 79”.

The RA  features two hydraulic lifting cylinders with bi-directional lock valves and comes completely assembled and prefilled with hydraulic oil. Additional features include greaseable pins and bushings at all pivot points. Most importantly, for the utmost in corrosion resistance, the RA features a full galvanized finish that is standard for this gate. No additional charges or lead times.

“Meeting our customer’s needs is our first priority”, says Brent Stratton, co-president of Maxon. “Customers asked us for a trailer side door gate built to Maxon standards and that’s what  we proudly launch today – the RA.”

Additional product information on the RA can be obtained by speaking to one of Maxon's Customer Service Representatives at 800-227-4116 or online at www.maxonlift.com/products/slidelift/RA.

2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty Features Improved Power Stroke Diesel, Stronger F-450, Revamped King Ranch Edition

• Engineering improvements boost the performance, capability and durability of the Ford-designed and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8 turbo diesel engine

• Upgraded 2015 Ford F-450 pickup offers more towing capability than ever

• 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty King Ranch restyled, combining authentic Texas heritage with modern luxury

Ford, America’s truck leader, introduces the 2015 F-Series Super Duty lineup today at State Fair of Texas, featuring a second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke^® V8 turbo diesel engine; increased towing capabilities; and a refreshed, Texas-inspired King Ranch model.

“Truck leadership means never resting, and the Super Duty team has been tireless in finding ways to improve the industry’s most popular heavy-duty pickups,” said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “Super Duty diesel customers will benefit from improved performance and features backed by outstanding Built Ford Tough durability.”

Since the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel debuted in 2011, Ford engineers have listened to customers and continued to examine each component of the engine to develop improved performance.

Ford is the only heavy-duty pickup truck manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination, ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations – from concept to execution. This approach also enables Ford engineers to optimize the vehicle’s performance across the entire lineup.

A key Ford innovation on the original 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel was its so-called reverse-flow layout. The advanced design places the exhaust inside the engine’s V-shape while the air intake is positioned on the outside of the V. This segment-exclusive design naturally improves a variety of attributes:

• Shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the turbocharger sitting between the engine’s cylinder banks improves turbo responsiveness – key to providing torque quickly to truck customers when they need it most
• Positioning the turbo inside the engine’s valley helps isolate the engine’s hottest temperatures, improving performance and efficiency, while also reducing noise, vibration and harshness

Ford engineers built upon the many benefits of this design as they upgraded the Power Stroke. One improvement is a larger GT37 turbocharger that replaces the previous GT32 model, enabling more airflow to the engine to produce more power beyond today’s 400 horsepower and 800 lb.-ft. of torque.

Key components of the new GT37 turbocharger

The GT37 features a single, larger 88-millimeter compressor wheel that replaces the GT32’s dual-sided compressor design. The compressor forces air into the engine’s cylinders to improve performance – especially at high altitude where the air is thinner than at sea level. The turbine size is increased to 72.5 millimeters from 64 millimeters, so exhaust gases have a larger surface area to spin the turbo, providing extra power. The wastegate and the wastegate controls are eliminated, because the turbo operates at lower peak pressures than the GT32.

 

“The original designers of the current Power Stroke V8 diesel forecasted needs for higher output. This facilitated the larger turbocharger, increasing airflow and creating more power,” said David Ives, Power Stroke technical specialist. “We’ve dramatically improved performance while reducing overall engine complexity by focusing on the turbo system.”

A further benefit of the larger turbo is improved engine exhaust braking, manually controlled by a push-button switch on the dashboard. Extra braking power helps reduce wear and tear on wheel brakes and requires less manual brake application from the driver, especially on downhill grades.

Fuel system improvements

Turbo changes drove improvements to the fuel delivery system, specifically a new high-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors. The pump’s cam stroke is increased to deliver more fuel when desired for increased power. All-new injector tips better atomize the fuel, resulting in improved combustion that enables lower noise, vibration and harshness. Other benefits include cleaner emissions and a reduction in the buildup of fuel deposits on the valves over time.

In addition, a new exhaust temperature sensor enables more accurate fuel control, which improves both durability and driveability – especially when towing – and helps the customer drive the Power Stroke diesel to its maximum capability.

Even though the fuel system delivers extra fuel as needed to provide more power, other efficiency improvements ensure 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup customers see similar performance to today’s best-in-class fuel economy.

Further enhancements to Ford Power Stroke diesel include:

• Ford-designed and -engineered 6R140 TorqShift^® six-speed transmission uses a new torque converter to manage increased horsepower and torque
• New polymer coating on main bearings for improved wear-and-tear durability and lower friction
• Improved crankshaft fillet design – the transition point between the crankshaft’s journals – to increase crankshaft power carrying capability
• Increased crankshaft damper weight to reduce rotating forces on the crankshaft when the engine is performing at peak power levels
• New five-layer head gasket to handle wider range of engine firing pressures resulting from more powerful engine performance
• Added material to the engine’s cylinder heads, exhaust manifold and valvetrain to handle increased power levels
• Redesigned turbo oil and cooling lines to improve sealing
• Piston assembly upgrades to increase load-bearing capability
• New four-layer exhaust manifold gasket for improved durability

 

 

2015 Ford F-450 upgrades

The 2015 Ford F-450 tops the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck lineup with maximum towing and hauling capability. Changes for 2015 include a strengthened frame, suspension, new commercial-grade 19.5-inch wheels and tires, and core work components shared with F-Series Super Duty chassis cab models.

Just as the next-generation Power Stroke engine reflects changes that improve power while maintaining durability, the Super Duty engineering team took specific actions to bolster key F-450 components to improve towing capability, including:

• Upgraded rear driveline U-joints
• Upgraded suspension components, including new rear leaf springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and shocks
• Increased fifth-wheel and gooseneck trailer capacity
• Stronger steering gears and steering linkages
• Larger brakes shared with Super Duty chassis cab models, including wheel brakes, parking brake and new antilock brake calibration
• F-450-specific Power Stroke diesel engine calibration

 

King Ranch expresses authentic, rugged luxury

The reinvigorated update to the 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty King Ranch edition is inspired by the place where American ranching was born.

“King Ranch is an American original with a proud heritage of hard work that defines the American ranching lifestyle,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “The 2015 Ford Super Duty King Ranch seamlessly combines elements of Texas-inspired luxury and Ford capability.”

As part of the Ford Truck commitment to continuous improvement, the F-Series design team traveled to King Ranch, founded in 1853, for fresh perspective and inspiration from the 825,000-acre working ranch, which is bigger than the state of Rhode Island.

“What really stood out is how prominent the ‘Running W’ is, and how it defines and unifies the ranch,” said Barb Whalen, Ford color and material design manager. “Similarly, we wanted that brand to define the new Super Duty King Ranch.”

On the new Super Duty King Ranch, the Running W – the brand used on cattle raised at the ranch – provides a focal point for the interior. It is cut out and stitched to make the seat backs and center console appear to have been branded.

A lighter, richer shade of Mesa leather trims the seats, center console lid, armrests and steering wheel.
Exterior updates include the new, darker Caribou paint for the wheel lip moldings, bumpers and lower body. The bed rail caps, bumper caps and running boards are executed in black. The Running W brings focus to the wheel caps as well.

“Through premium materials and thoughtful execution, we strived to make the 2015 Ford Super Duty King Ranch have a look and a feel as authentic as the ranch itself,” said Scott.

KNAPHEIDE OFFERS FULL PRODUCT LINE-UP FOR RAM PROMASTER

The Knapheide Manufacturing Company is excited to announce the availability of a complete line-up of products compatible with the all-new 2014 Ram ProMaster.

The recently launched ProMaster has multiple models of cargo vans, cutaway chassis, and cab chassis to suit a wide variety of end user applications. Knapheide is uniquely positioned to provide the broadest range of commercial vehicle solutions for the entire Ram ProMaster line.

For the Ram ProMaster cargo van, Knapheide and Sortimo have develped vocational van interior packages to cover electricians, HVAC technicians, telecom providers, and general contractors. These packages utilize the Sortimo Globelyst system which features innovative and lightweight designs that maximize payload and optimize organization. Sortimo BOXXes and components allow the technician to go from curb side to work site with all their needed tools and parts, saving time and increasing efficiency. Sortimo Globelyst vocational van interior packages have been pre-configured for the following ProMaster cargo van models:

• 118” wheelbase low roof models
• 136” wheelbase low roof models
• 136” wheelbase high roof models
• 159” wheelbase high roof models
• 159” extended wheelbase high roof models

Additional accessories and options including unique thermoformed van partitions, protective wall cladding and slip-resistant cargo flooring can be added on to interior packages to allow for improved cargo management and vehicle customization.

For the ProMaster chassis cab, Knapheide is offering a full line of open Service Bodies and Platform Bodies. The ProMaster compatible Service Bodies possess the same great standard features that can be found in other Knapheide Service Bodies including E-Coat prime paint coverage for corrosion protection, continuous stainless steel hinges for compartment security, exclusive return flange cargo floor for structural superiority along with many other standard and optional features. Similarly, Knapheide’s Platform Bodies for the ProMaster feature a rugged steel understructure with the choice of wood, smooth steel, or tread plate flooring along with many of the features found on the Knapheide Value-Master X Platforms.

For the ProMaster cutaway chassis, Knapheide has developed two KUV (Enclosed Service Body) models for the ProMaster 136” wheelbase cutaway chassis -- a low roof KUV and a high roof KUV. The KUV for the ProMaster is stocked with end user features including conduit chutes for hassle-free pipe storage, oversized enclosed cargo area for securely storing larger items, external compartments for quick and convenient access to tools among many others. The combination of America’s favorite enclosed service body and the feature-rich ProMaster forms a work-ready and rugged commercial vehicle.

To learn more about the high quality commercial vehicle solutions available for the Ram ProMaster from Knapheide, visit www.knapheide.com or contact your local Knapheide distributor.

DANCO Trailers, Inc. Equipment in Action

Chain Drives, Manure Spreaders, Side Dumps, Ag Trailers & Truck Bodies. See more at www.DancoTrailers.com