Parker Announces New Truck Depot Program

Select Parker Distributors Offer Truck Depot Program to Reduce Downtime in the Work Truck Marketplace

Parket Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technology, has announced its new Truck Depot Program to reduce customer work truck down time.

Working with existing Parker Distributors, Parker's Truck Depot will offer a distributor walk-in space, a "store within a store", that provides a high tech, uniform and professional customer experience. The Depot will demonstrate the breadth of support Parker can offer the truck owner/operator/fleet maintenance manager in a variety of work truck markets. Specific market areas such as refuse, aerial/bucket truck, dump truck/trailer, bulk transport, tow/recovery, truck mounted crane, oil/gas/water drilling, and snow & ice will have dedicated displays of Parker products and systems designed for the market represented. Mechanical PTO's as well as a complete line of work truck hydraulic components, hoses, connectors, filters, even nitrogen tire inflation systems may be featured in the Depot. Parker's Truck Depot puts system solutions where the distributor customer can inspect them and have their questions answered by knowledgeable staff. The "one stop shop" model reduces downtime for customers while providing easy access opportunities to see and understand work truck performance and maintenance solutions that go beyond the usual parts counter conversation.

With annual sales exceeding $12 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs more than 62,000 people in 48 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 52 consecutive years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.parker.com, or its investor information site at www.phstock.com.

Beautiful Dominator I - Hate To Get It Dirty!

This is a beautiful Dominator I Crane Body from IMT (Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc). This great red crane body was shown off at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Chicago where it received a good deal of attention. It's no wonder. Matter of fact, Dodge had an awesome display and did such a great job of choosing nice looking, yet hard working trucks.

This Dominator I Crane Body is rated for up to a 38,000 ft-lb crane and this truck shown has that crane mounted on the body. It is rated at 7,500 lbs next to the body. Just to give you an idea of the body strength, the body materials are such: The sidepacks are constructed of 10-gauge and 12-gauge galvanneal steel. The floor structure is constructed of 12-gauge galvanneal and 1/8" deckplate steel. The workbench is constructed of galvanneal and cold-rolled steel. There's no doubt these heavier materials weigh more. The typcial 11' service body weighs around 1600 lbs, where the Dominator 11' weighs in around 3300 lbs.

IMT builds the Dominator series up to 80,000 ft-lbs strong as in the Dominator IV. Check out all the detailed specs and check out their cranes and other products as well. They have a very informative website at www.imt.com.

Custom Service Body by Cobalt Truck Equipment

This is a custom 11' Harbor Service Body that was completed by Cobalt Truck Equipment in Las Vegas, Nevada recently. It was built for NV Energy, serving energy needs for Northern Nevada and Northeastern California for over 150 years.

This truck has a lot of additions to the standard Harbor service body. For example, there are custom boxes added to the top of the closed top sides and on the curbside, there is space left for a generator. Notice also the custom drawers, some of which are nice and deep. It also sports a very tasty custom bumper, cab shield and spot lights for all hours effectiveness. Notice that the upper box mounted on the streetside has a nice, large rear lockable opening. Tail lights are mounted in the end panels instead of the bumper, there is large J-hooks to store a ladder as shown and the spare tire is mounted to the body. I see an air hose assembly in the right rear curbside compartment. It looks like this truck can get a lot of jobs done out in the field.

Thanks to Bill Hottel, Parts Supervisor for Cobalt Truck Equipment for sharing this job with us. We love custom jobs. Cobalt Truck Equipment is at 1607 Industrial Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102 and they can be reached at 702-385-4475 or visit their website at www.cobalttruck.com.

The Walk-In Van Improved

The Walk-In Van used to be an ugly square-looking metal box with wheels. Some still are. This one isn't! This is a great looking Walk-In Van: The Freightliner chassis with a Mogan Olson Walk-In Van attached. Don't you love the wheels on this example? Looks marvelous. This particular unit is a concept unit with composite and aluminum with translucent roof. To see all the offerings from Morgan Olson, go to their website at www.morganolson.com.

Turquoise Makes A Great Combo

It looks to me like turquoise makes a great combo body! I was so jazzed when I saw this shot. It is so unique! I love the rack being painted black on this as well. The only thing missing is the Alcoa wheels. The 10' combo body is manufactured by Harbor Truck Bodies in Brea, CA while the upfit was done by one of their distributors, Cobalt Truck Equipment in Las Vegas. Looks like they make a great team.

Nicely done! Absolutely love it!!

A.R.E. Named U.S. Distributor of SpaceKap

A.R.E. NAMED U.S. DISTRIBUTOR OF SPACEKAP TRUCK CAPS

MASSILLON, Ohio – Leading truck cap and tonneau cover manufacturer A.R.E. is now the exclusive U.S. distributor* of the SpaceKap, a versatile truck cap manufactured by Canadian-based Fibrocap Inc.

The SpaceKap is a self-contained mobile unit constructed of double-sided fiberglass walls – insulated to avoid condensation inside the unit – as well as a reinforced floor and stainless steel hardware. Designed to increase efficiency, the SpaceKap features twin entry doors and a unique tie-down system that allows users to install or remove the cap in minutes. The cap, which can be customized with optional doors, windows, interior shelves, dome lights, ladder racks and more, is built to spec for most compact, mid-size and full-size pickups on the road today.

“At A.R.E., we pride ourselves on offering quality cargo management and organizational solutions that fit our customers’ needs, whether they require a fully equipped fleet of construction trucks or they deliver temperature-sensitive goods that must be kept refrigerated,” said Jim Blayne, commercial/fleet sales manager for A.R.E. “The SpaceKap is a great addition to our current line and will provide niche markets with an innovative, unique product to keep their businesses running smoothly.”

Available models include:

• SpaceKap Classic is the ultimate toolbox for everyone from general contractors to large fleet operators, easily capable of replacing vans as an effective service truck.
• SpaceKap Max is the perfect mobile workshop offering maximum volume for the construction, plumbing and electrical industries, among others.
• SpaceKap Kool is an innovative refrigerated unit featuring double-wall insulation that is ideal for the catering or medical markets. And, depending on the customer’s needs, the SpaceKap’s refrigeration device can be replaced with a heat unit to maintain a warm interior.
• SpaceKap Plus, the most versatile cap in the lineup, is available in both 6-foot and 8-foot lengths and allows users to stand fully upright in the unit.
• SpaceKap Somager is a small truck solution designed to fit all domestic and import pickups.

“We are excited to develop this relationship with A.R.E., who is well-known in the marketplace and has a large dealer base that will help SpaceKap reach a maximum audience,” said Sean Brideau, sales and marketing, Fibrobec. “Our network currently distributes the SpaceKap throughout Canada, Washington and Oregon, and now customers throughout the United States can order our products and services from A.R.E.’s reliable dealers.”

The SpaceKap installs easily and requires no drilling or modification to the truck bed. It is available through A.R.E.’s network of more than 600 authorized dealers, who provide nationwide product availability and customer service. To learn more about outfitting your fleet with the SpaceKap, visit www.4are.com or call 1.800.649.4ARE.
ABOUT A.R.E.

A.R.E. has been a leading manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps and hard tonneau covers for the past 38 years, with more than 500 employees at its ISO-9001:2000-certified manufacturing facilities and a network of more than 600 independent authorized dealers. For more information, contact A.R.E. at 400 Nave Rd. S.E., P.O. Box 1100, Massillon, OH 44648, call 800.649.4ARE, or visit www.4are.com.


ABOUT FIBROCAP INC.

Fibrocap Inc. is a pioneer of fiberglass utility bodies and has manufactured the Fibrobec line of truck caps since 1972. The SpaceKap truck cap is the original slip-in unit for the pickup truck and fleet market delivering unmatched versatility and durability. For more information, contact Fibrocap Inc. at 1505, rue de l’Industrie, Beloeil, Quebec J3G 4S5, call 450.467.8611, or visit www.spacecap.com.

* Excludes Washington and Oregon

Maintainer Upgraded Signature 4 Lube Body

Maintainer Introduces Upgraded Signature 4 Lube Body

Maintainer Corporation of Iowa, Inc. introduces the newly upgraded Signature 4 fuel / lube service unit. This successful product serves as an in-field fueling and (PM) preventive maintenance lubrication unit and now has been upgraded with additional fuel and oil capacity.

Features and options include:

- 13’ Lube bed w/ 1,495 total gallons of fuel / lube product carrying capacity
- Tanks constructed with combination of steel and plastic to maximize product capacity
- Enclosed rear reel compartment / above & under body storage compartments
- 12 ga. A60 grade Galvanneal® steel compartments
- One piece 3/16” aluminum doors / heavy duty stainless steel hinges
- Three point D ring door latches with gas spring door holders
- Variable displacement piston pump w/ 8-gallon reservoir and high eff. cooler
- Hydraulic air compressor / 25 CFM @ 100 PSI w/ max. 150 PSI
- Lube products: diesel, 4-oil types, anti-freeze, evacuation & grease
- Product dispensing systems are hydraulically operated except for air-grease kit
- Push button, back-lit, switch panel w/ self-resetting circuit breakers
- Used filter bin tied into evac system
- Adjustable cam-lock rear bi-fold reel compartment doors / aluminum roll-up door optional
- DuraBed® coating
- LED I.C.C. lighting and interior lights
- Minimum chassis GVWR rating of 32,000 lbs.
- Product dispensing filters and meters optional
- EZ Latch Aluma Drawer sets optional
- In-Field Filtration System / in-line Particle Counter / computer interface module optional
- Same great quality you expect and deserve from a Maintainer product.

Check out the updated Signature 4 Lube Body from Maintainer at www.maintainer.com.

Maintainer has been building premium quality standard and customized service bodies, lube bodies and cranes since 1976. For more information on other fine Maintainer products, call 1-800-831-8588 for the dealer nearest you or visit our website at www.maintainer.com.

For information: lschlot@maintainer.com or
Contact: Linda Schlotfeldt
Phone: 800-831-8588

Electrorides Announces All-Electric Walk-In Van

ELECTRORIDES ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALL-ELECTRIC WALK-IN VAN

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, APRIL 27, 2009 ...ELECTRORIDES, INC., a developer and producer of commercial electric vehicles for public and private fleet operators, announced today that it is developing an all-electric walk-in van based on a Freightliner Custom Chassis Company MT45. The vehicle will be equipped with a Morgan-Olson lightweight aluminum composite body and will be powered by a PowerPhase® 150 electric propulsion system from UQM Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Amex: UQM). Common uses for walk-in vans include parcel post delivery, aircraft maintenance, utility service, and delivery of dry freight, bakery, linen and other products. The vehicle under development will be used for evaluation and for demonstrations to state and local governments who are expected to continue to issue mandates on emissions that will require companies to increasingly “go green” in future vehicle purchases.

The all-electric walk-in van will complement Electroride’s ZeroTruck™, an all-electric zero emission medium duty truck also powered by a UQM® PowerPhase® electric propulsion system. The ZeroTruck™, was the first electric truck in its class to be offered for sale in the United States in 2008. The ZeroTruck™ offers a low cab forward design, a fully automated transmission, up to 100-mile range with full highway capability, lithium polymer batteries, an onboard battery charger and regenerative braking.

Electrorides is a Southern California based company producing commercial electric vehicles for public and private fleets. Its first vehicle, the ZeroTruck is a zero-emissions medium duty electric truck introduced at the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles National Conference in Las Vegas in May 2008. Now available at select Isuzu dealerships nationwide. Electrorides electric drive integration system converts class (3-5) trucks to run on electric power with a highway speed of 55 mph, and up to 100 miles per battery charge using lithium polymer battery technology. This range is ideal for the medium-duty market, as most usage for delivery, maintenance, and construction vehicles is less than 100 miles/day. Electrorides has brought together partnerships and created a unique product and efficient manufacturing and distribution plan to be a leader in commercial electric drive trucks built in the US by American workers.

For more information on Electrorides - ZeroTruck
Please contact: Ariel Shafir: Ariel@electrorides.com
Director Public Relations/Media
(714) 675-7117 zerotruck.com

A Very Interesting Combo Body Trailer

I was calling on a client in Woodland, CA and saw this trailer. I had to take some photos of this trailer--and it is one of the most interesting trailers ever. I've seen a number of services bodies that were converted to trailers, but this is a combo body. Even more interesting than this is that it is a custom made combo body made for a dual axles with dual horizontal compartments over the wheels. It also sports a very custom HD rack and a secret compartment.

I say this is a great trailer and I'm sure that Cranston Steel Structures must find it to be a very effective one as well. You can contact them at 530-662-0966.

Carter Industries Mobile Installation Truck

This is the slick Mobile Installation Truck owned by Carter Industries in Union City, CA. It is a hard working truck that has a list of great features than many contractors could use. I'll tell you what I noticed.

• Nice large Tommy Gate Aluminum Railgate. A great piece for work and security. Notice how the installer backs up to a cargo van to install a bin package and use the liftgate as a bridge to make it a smoother transition from the truck to the job.
• Maybe more important than just the railgate is the great advertising on the liftgate. I've always thought that these made excellent billboards and so few bother, but look at the photo--it makes a huge difference!
• Carter designed their own crane. Look how it is designed so that you hardly even notice it is there and then it swings out. They used a Ramsey winch that they sell to finish it off. I think it is a brilliant design and perfect for their needs.
• Notice the ample underbed boxes and each has a use.
• Notice the center underbed box houses a main tool for the installations: An Air-n-Arc Contractor Series compressor and generator. Since they use air tools mainly for installations, this works very well.
• Notice where the air outlet is mounted with hose for attaching air tools.
• Notice the billboard on all three sides of this great truck.
• Hey, it's one of my favorite truck colors: RED! Good choice.
• Carter has a fleet of these trucks doing installations all over Northern California.

All in all this is a great truck and can haul a heavy load so that it can leave the shop in the early morning and work all day on installations without returning for parts. www.carterind.com

Need Bucket Trucks? Check Out I-80 Equipment!

USED BUCKET TRUCKS...AND A WHOLE LOT MORE

I-80 Equipment Company provides fully reconditioned, used bucket trucks at used-equipment prices for the data, forestry and electrical industries. We also offer like-new digger derrick trucks, forestry trucks, grapple trucks and boom trucks. Our extensive online listings include prices, color photos and detailed descriptions to help you focus and speed up your search.

I-80 Equipment carries several name brands including: Altec, Hi-Ranger, Lift-All, Terex, Versalift, Duralift, MTI, Aerial Lift of Connecticut and Prentice.

Be sure to search through our online web page of used bucket trucks and digger trucks for sale, as well as various accessories like augers, auger straps, winch ropes, buckets, bucket liners and more!

I love this site. There is more video on this site than any I've seen. Great job. Massive selection of great trucks. Check out their great website at www.i80equipment.com

Serving the Tree Care, Sign and Light, Electric Utility and Telecommunications Industries and many other related industries for over 17 years.

Dodge Commercial Truck Archives

Dodge used to seriously be involved in commercial trucks: Dodge Commercial

Love It. . . Or Lead It!

Love It. . . Or Lead It!

I hear people complain about the way things are or the way they are being done. If you don’t like the way things are, become a leader and change it!

Some of the complaints have been about truck clubs and how they are run, yet when it comes time to volunteer for leadership of the club, the voices fall silent. Few are willing to make the commitment to accept the leadership role. With many clubs, it is really easy to become the club president: you just have to volunteer! Once accepted, you can lead change effectively.

Sometimes I hear, “that’s not my job,” or “I don’t get paid for that,” and “that’s too much work.” I know this for a fact: there are a lot of things leaders do that they don’t get paid for, yet they lead because it is a great part of who they are. They provide value. They inspire and create. Leaders demonstrate vision and communicate that vision in all they do. Leaders accept responsibility enthusiastically. Leaders are builders.

As a leader, there is a cost, and it’s not about exchanging time for money or keeping track of time and expenses, rather it is providing maximum value in fulfilling the vision. That is certainly a commitment of time and energy, yet it is more like a labor of love. When you do things because you want to, it makes all the difference.

Of course, this applies to every position and situation. I see some fleet & commercial people who do very little and others who lead and accomplish so much. The ones who do little are waiting for things to come to them, while the leaders are taking charge and making it happen. The one doing little is afraid to ask the dealer for $50 to attend the truck club dinner meeting, while the leader does it regardless and expects approval because he knows the value the club provides and transmits that clearly to the dealer.

Don’t Ask . . . Tell

I have a “don’t ask. . . tell” policy. I rarely ask permission for anything, instead, I tell what I am doing or have done. Most seem to appreciate the fact that you take ownership and are getting things done. Besides, it’s a great time saver for them since I have already made the decision and have begun or completed the actions. They really just want to make sure things are getting done and that we’re keeping all the balls in the air.

Develop the leader within

Accept leadership responsibilities by weighing the benefits to you and others thinking of value and growth. You will be more than you were and you will increase in value as you expand your role. Just think of the things you can change!

RKI Toolboxes Screams Confidence

That's confidence! RKI Toolboxes.

Douglass 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Bodies. Sweet!

Douglass Truck Bodies makes a great 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Body! Of course, they build a great number of awesome bodies and have since 1958.

I've seen a lot of trailering bodies and most are very short on storage space and we all know that storage space is part of the American dream. So, Douglass has designed in a huge amount of storage as shown by the photos above--and take a look at that awesome compartment in the center of the bed at the front of the body. Just think of all the things you could put in there. It also is a great looking body. Just image your 5th wheel or gooseneck hooked up. Sweet!

Every Douglass Truck Body features:

• A60 Galvannealed Steel
• double-panel doors
• double-seal weatherstripping
• stainless-steel hardware, paddle operated slam latches
• double bit stainless steel locks
• gas strut supports
• ¾” split-tube reinforced wheel wells
• a high-visibility LED tail-light package
• PPG Del-Fleet Essential high solid polyurethane primer and paint.
  

I also have to say that, in my opinion on having looked at so many body company websites that Douglass Truck Bodies has an excellent site and you will see plenty of photos of some of the most interesting bodies anywhere. Check it out at www.douglasstruckbodies.com.