Product Profiles

March 1, 2003
Two-stage infrared heater can cuts costs Solaronics Inc kicks infrared heater technology up a notch with its new SunTwin two-stage Hi-Intensity Series

Two-stage infrared heater can cuts costs

Solaronics Inc kicks infrared heater technology up a notch with its new SunTwin two-stage Hi-Intensity Series that lowers fuel costs and improves indoor comfort and air quality. By matching air and gas proportions — also known as stoichiometric ratios — optimal combustion is achieved in both operating stages.

Optimal combustion is accomplished in SunTwin two-stage heaters by using the company's new Stoichiometric Combustion System, claimed effective through the maximum of 200,000 Btu/hour.

Features of the patent-pending SunTwin include capability to power down output to conserve energy, eliminate gross overheating, and provide softer, more comfortable heat. Powered by natural gas or LP/propane gas, operation is environmentally safe and offers energy savings of up to 75% over conventional heaters. A 24-volt two-stage digital thermostat allows fewer on-off cycles for longer product life. Models are offered with 50,000 to 200,000 Btu/hour inputs for natural gas and 45,000 to 160,000 Btu/hour for LP/propane.

All SunTwin heaters are CSA International design-certified, factory prewired, pre-piped, and tested. Reliability is assured with seamless no-weld construction and 16 gauge corrosion-free aluminized steel main frame. The ceramic burner assembly carries a lifetime warranty. Contact Solaronics, 704 Woodward Ave, Rochester MI 48307 for further information.

Tool installs hose clamps consistently

The UL4000, a new battery-powered tool developed by Band-It, installs patented Ultra-Lok hose clamps virtually anywhere. Pre-determined torque settings eliminate hose assembly guesswork, and the ability to lock under full tension ensures a tighter, safer, more consistent clamp.

This tool is offered at a fraction of the cost of crimp and swage equipment. Clamps allow fittings to be salvaged for reuse if hoses are damaged, and clamps require fewer SKUs than crimp and swage. The smooth ID buckle design eliminates potential leak paths.

The UL4000 installs ¾" and ½" Ultra-Lok clamps up to five times faster than traditional methods. This tool features dual, high-capacity 18-volt NiCad batteries with deep cycle charging capabilities. A mechanical clutch and programmable torque settings provide consistent band clamping tension regardless of installer skills.

Ultra-Lok bands are available in lengths from 18" to 100'. Preformed Ultra-Lok clamps are available in IDs from 1.5" to 9". Ultra-Lok clamps can also be installed with Band-It's UL9010 AC-powered portable tool, or with the IT9000 electronically controlled bench tool.

For more information, contact Band-It, PO Box 16307, Denver CO 80216-0307.

TailRail does many duties

Blackhawk Manufacturing Inc's new TailRail serves many functions for light-truck owners.

Acting as an ergonomically correct rotary handle when used to open and close a tailgate, it reduces strain on the wrists and back. The vehicle owner holds the TailRail with one hand while releasing the tailgate latch, and then places his other hand on the TailRail. There is no need to remove or change hand position, as the TailRail rotates and assists in opening and closing a tailgate.

It also functions as a tailgate protector, a roller for loading long materials while either in the up or down position, and a sturdy tiedown point for items sticking out over the tailgate.

The Tail Rail is made of heavy-gauge stainless steel tubing and rolls on sealed roller bearings just above the top of a factory tailgate. Mount plates bolt onto the tailgate using existing factory mounting holes. Black plastic caps cover the open end of the mount tube.

For more information, contact Blackhawk, 3122 S Riverside Ave, Bloomington CA 92316.

Trailer connectors offered

Del City's seven-contact truck trailer connector is constructed of heavy-gauge drawn steel, is cadmium-plated, and has a polarized round brass contact. This 40-amp connector is interchangeable with most other seven-contact connectors. The socket cover locks in place, providing protection from the elements.

The company also offers six-contact metal connectors. The 35-amp connector with die-cast metal construction and spring-loaded cover is suitable for medium-duty applications. Round brass contacts are interchangeable with other popular six-way connectors.

For light-duty use, 20-amp four-contact chrome connectors are offered. A spring-loaded cover holds the plug in place and protects against the environment.

Contact Del City, 2101 W Camden Rd, Milwaukee WI 53209 for full details.

Autocar expands vocational engine offerings

Autocar has announced an expansion of engine offerings in 2004 Xpeditor WX, WXR, and WXLL low-cab-over-engine (LCOE) truck models.

Specially engineered V-rated engines from Cummins will include the ISM-EGR 285V in ratings of 285 horsepower with 1050 ft-lb of torque and the ISM-EGR 320V in ratings of 320 hp with 1,150 ft-lb of torque. Both engines will be available in the Xpeditor WXLL model in May, the WX in June, and WXR in July 2003. Cummins ISM V-rated engines are engineered for severe-duty vocational vehicles. The Cummins EGR engines are fully compliant with October 2003 emissions standards.

Autocar will also offer the Caterpillar C-10 diesel fuel bridge engine and the C-10 dual-fuel version. The C-10 is rated at 305 hp with 1,050 ft-lb of torque. It will be available in WX models beginning in June and in the WXR in July.

ACERT-equipped engine gains certification

Caterpillar Inc has received certification by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the company's first engine equipped with breakthrough Advanced Combustion Emission Reduction Technology (ACERT).

ACERT is a differentiated technology that reduces emissions at the point of combustion, while preserving engine reliability and durability.

The first EPA-certified Caterpillar engine with ACERT technology is the C9 engine, built for customers that operate emergency and recreational vehicles, mass transit buses, and vocational class trucks such as refuse haulers and dump trucks. Full production of the C9 with ACERT technology will begin in first-quarter 2003.

All Caterpillar on-highway truck and bus engines will be equipped with ACERT technology by fourth-quarter 2003.

Kit converts Mack sleepers into day cabs

Mack Trucks Inc has a new retrofit kit that readily converts its sleepers into day cabs.

Designed for use on all of the company's Vision models as well as its CH walkthroughs, this product allows a truck originally used for long- or regional-haul applications to have a productive second life as a local hauler.

The DayCab Conversion Kit, available through any Mack dealer, consists of three components: a welded subassembly, or structural kit, which is essentially a new rear wall for the cab complete with “bolt-on” reinforcements; a suspension kit; and an interior trim kit. The structural kit bolts into the same holes as the original sleeper, while the trim kit makes the interior look as good as new, according to the company.

Once a sleeper section is removed, and other minor preparation work is accomplished, the entire DayCab Conversion Kit can be installed without special tools in less than eight hours. When complete, the retrofitted sleeper has all the structural integrity, features, and eye appeal of a standard production day cab, according to Mack.

Landoll trailers carry extended warranty

Landoll Corp offers an extended five-year warranty for its specialty transport trailers. The company will offer this extended structural warranty on all traveling tail, detachable, fixed-gooseneck, and traveling-axle models.

A redesigned frame provides additional high-tensile “junior” I-beam crossmembers and a well-protected wiring harness. Landoll continues to powdercoat bolt-on components including the traveling undercarriage, pin-drop stands, fifthwheel plates, cable rollers, and engine brackets.

For more information, phone Landoll at 800-428-5655 or e-mail [email protected].

Bodies cater to landscapers, contractors

New England Truck Design Inc has introduced Road-Craft aluminum bodies. After 20 years designing and building communications vehicles for the military and television broadcast industries, Kevin Lavin, president of the company, decided to offer an aluminum body for light and medium truck chassis catering to the landscape and contractor trades.

Road-Craft dump bodies come in 9' to 12' lengths with 2/3- and 3/4-cubic-yard capacities, 1/4" decks, and 3/16" side skins. These bodies have a double-acting tailgate 3/4" × 2" aluminum top hinges and lower latch bars, and a 1½" solid lower hinge.

Aluminum grain bodies also come in 9' to 12' lengths with 1/4' deck and .190 skins Side walls are fully framed and removable, and a spreader bar is positioned over barn doors Aluminum bar lock hardware is used in these bodies, with 1" aluminum hinges in bronze bushings. The headboard has a removable window area.

Road-Craft flatbeds are offered in many shapes and sizes, and are built to take a scissor hoist without a problem.

For complete details, contact New England Truck Design, 294 Leominster Rd, Sterling MA 01564.

Reinke displays container chassis at expo

Reinke Manufacturing Co Inc, a Deshler NE-based manufacturer of over-the-road trailer/chassis equipment and mechanized irrigation systems, attended the International Association of North America (IANA) International Intermodal Expo in Anaheim CA recently.

At the expo, Reinke displayed its 40-foot container chassis, measuring 43.5 feet long and weighing 6,200 pounds (+/-3%). It has a maximum payload capacity of 66,000 MGVW and features a full five-year frame warranty. This chassis comes in spread, tandem, or tri-axle and is designed for heavyweight dry bulk and refrigerated containers. Options include hubodometers, spare tire carrier, a mid-right turn signal, aluminum wheels, and front and rear fenders.

Reinke representatives at the show included Tysen Hissong, trailer/chassis sales administration manager; Ken Haut, trailer/chassis sales representative; Ron Schardt, chief executive officer; Bob Friehe, president; and Tim Goldhammer, vice-president of marketing.

Chassis options include the 40-foot container chassis and the Millennium tank chassis. Trailer designs include all-aluminum, combo (aluminum with steel rails), dropdeck combo (with special strong beams to eliminate stress points), and other specialty trailers.

New tailgate design earns a patent for Heil

Heil Environmental Industries Ltd has received a patent for the proprietary dual track design of its new PowerTrak Commercial rear loader tailgate.

Typical rear loaders move shoes or rollers along a single track in the sides of the tailgate during sweep and pack cycles. This requires the top cylinder to operate at a sharp angle of resistance, creating intense friction. PowerTrak Commercial's dual track system gives the top cylinder its own track, reducing the angle of resistance. As a result, friction is reduced, cycle times are faster, more pressure is exerted directly into the load, and tailgate shoes wear less, decreasing maintenance needs.

PowerTrak Commercial went into production in 2002, after more than two years of research and development. The patent was awarded in November 2003. Product designer Bobby McKinney, a 30-year Heil veteran, is credited with inventing the dual track design.

PowerTrak is also the first Heil refuse collection vehicle to be built using new high-strength formable steel in high-stress areas. This special steel is very strong and light, but can be bent and formed without weakening. Combining this steel with the weight advantages from the dual track design led to a lighter tailgate overall, for reduced stress on the vehicle body and chassis. Larger payloads are also possible — up to 1,300 pounds per cubic yard.

Laser-Bug positions welding torch precisely

Bug-O Systems has unveiled the Laser-Bug, an ultra-compact sensor-controlled welding travel carriage. The Laser-Bug is a three-axis robot that uses a laser camera scanner to read and automatically position a MIG/MAG welding torch on a butt or fillet joint.

The whole system is about 20" × 20" × 11" (508 × 508 × 279 mm) and weighs 41 pounds (18.6 kg). The unit is programmable and can perform multi-pass, multi-layer welds with automatic gap, weave, and travel speed compensation. The sensor can track one side of the joint, or both sides. For more information, contact Bug-O, 3001 W Carson St, Pittsburgh PA 15204-1899.

System can lower VOCs in coatings process

PPG Total Service Solutions has announced a formal alliance with Bio Reaction Industries to offer the Greencell bio-oxidation system to coatings users and other manufacturers. Designed for use on paint spray booths and ovens, the patented system can reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and odors generated by the coatings application process by up to 95%.

The Greencell bio-oxidation system also can cut operating costs by 15% to 55% and lower capital costs by 20% to 35% compared with conventional incineration systems.

Greencell uses benign, naturally occurring microorganisms to convert VOCs in polluted air streams to carbon dioxide and water.

TruckSkin chosen as fleet graphics provider

TruckSkin, a division of digital graphics pioneer Britten Media, announced that General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC has agreed to market Morgan Corp's TruckSkin to its low-cab-forward dealers.

A patented, changeable “second skin” vinyl outerwear for truck bodies, TruckSkin allows fleet owners to market their own products or those they carry without paying the cost of billboards. Unlike its “rolling billboard” predecessors that rented truckside as an advertising medium, TruckSkin lets the fleet owner own the medium, bringing recurring revenue and marketing potential.

General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck is offering to provide marketing support for TruckSkins installed on dealer-owned demo trucks. If a dealer refers five of its customers to TruckSkin and they result in sales, TruckSkin will provide additional benefits to the dealer.

Beginning in October 2002, every newly manufactured Morgan truck van body has been factory-0equipped with TruckSkin hardware, ready to accept TruckSkin panels. Other van bodies can be retrofitted at many GMC, Chevrolet, Isuzu, Morgan, or other authorized dealers to accept TruckSkin panels. Unlike conventional decals, TruckSkin panels offer virtually unlimited visual potential that can be ordered and designed simply. In addition, TruckSkin provides protection from over-the-road wear and tear, shields the body from UV rays, and can be easily changed or updated.

Fleet owners have the flexibility to add, remove, or change the “skin” as often as they wish. Ordering new skins is done via a toll-free number or at www.truckskin.com. Installation can be completed in less than one hour.

Portable drill outperforms its predecessor

Hougen Manufacturing's new Model HMD904 portable magnetic drill incorporates design improvements over its predecessor. The new drill weighs less, has a greater power rating to drill large holes deep without stalling, and simplifies service and maintenance access. Plus, the holding strength of the magnetic base has been increased by nearly 10%.

The HMD904 weights 27.5 pounds, measures 8¼" × 73/16" × 167/16", yet provides an expanded drilling capacity of up to 1½" diameter and 2" depth of cut. A strengthened magnetic base provides an 820-lb drill point breakaway force rating. A new Hougen motor supplies an electrical rating of 115 volts, 60 hertz, and 8. 0 amps.

This unit also offers safety features including a motion sensor that shuts down the drill motor if shift or lift of the magnetic base is detected. A two-stage power-on switch prevents drill rotation unless the magnet first has been engaged. In case of power interruption, safety circuitry will keep the motor off after power is restored until the start button is manually depressed.

Accessories available include pipe adapters for drilling on concave surfaces, tapping kits, countersink tools and adapters, ratchet drive for drilling in tight spaces, arbor extenders, Jacobs chucks, and a quick-change twist drill adapter.

Contact Hougen, PO Box 2005, Flint MI 48501-2005 for more information.

Analysis program lets users project RearSentry savings

Rostra Precision Controls Inc is offering a RearSentry return-on-investment analysis program to help fleet managers control rising costs. Designed for those considering installation of a rear obstacle sensing system on their fleets, the program allows for input of current vehicle accident and usage data, comparing annual projected costs versus savings both with and without a RearSentry system.

Operated through the company's main office in Laurinburg NC, the free program is simple. Users place a toll-free call, answer several questions about their fleets' usage and accident rates, then receive a detailed Cost Justification Worksheet. This worksheet indicates annual total and per-vehicle savings, total and per-vehicle system costs, and expected return-on-investment time period.

The RearSentry rear obstacle sensing system uses a microwave signal to detect obstacles up to 12 feet behind a vehicle, alerting the driver through a series of audible beeps that increase in intensity, and from an in-cab LED display that changes from green to yellow to red, as objects draw closer.

Holland Group invests in time-saving software

The Holland Group has invested in new computer-aided design (CAD) software that will reduce its product development time from years to months. Its investment in SolidWorks three-dimensional CAD software will allow engineers to streamline customization of products, improve design modifications in assembly, and generate photorealistic renderings of its coupling, fifthwheel, and suspension system products.

The Holland Group will use SolidWorks to design and develop various components used in the heavy-duty trucking and transportation industries, including fifthwheels, trailer landing gear, and air and mechanical suspension systems for both truck and trailer systems. The new software package replaces all other systems used by the company's global design teams.

Also used by The Holland Group is SolidWorks Toolbox, which allows engineers to see how design modifications will translate into assembly.

The new software package also generates photo-realistic design renderings through SolidWorks Photo Works so the company s marketing and customer service teams can help customers visualize products and understand how they will fit into the overall system design.