IN SPITE of the fact that many utility personnel were busy restoring electricity to the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast during the time the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) was being held, the event still attracted a record number of attendees.
More than 16,400 industry professionals toured the show, viewing a wide range of truck bodies, trailers, and truck equipment designed for construction and utility applications.
The exhibition, held every two years at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, was held September 27-29, 2005.
The show featured more than 800 exhibitors and more than 1.113 million net square feet of exhibit space. Here are some of the highlights from the truck- and trailer-related products that were displayed:
Refined body. Additional refinements have been added to the Warner line of service bodies. The company's Select models have new wheel panels, new blind-mount latches, composite dividers that lock into place, larger door openings, and a redesigned punched bumper. Select Pro models have all the above, plus compression latches and gaskets that are recessed in the door and out of the way, says Mark Boice. They are part of the product line manufactured by Warner Bodies, Noblesville IN.
Happy anniversary. Reading Truck Body, Shillington PA, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in part by introducing the C2-50 package for the Classis II service body, says Dennis Esposito. Included in the package are aluminum treadplate gravel guards on the front body panels, Latch-Matic remote wireless locking system, aluminum treadplate cap on the top of the tailgate, and patent-pending shelf units — three shelves suspended on ball-bearing guides and rated at 250 pounds.
Curvaceous. Contour Body Series from Brand FX Body Company, Fort Worth TX, combines fiberglass construction — including vacuum-formed glass doors with foam cored interior — and aluminum accessories. Side packs have built-in drip rails, easy-close latches. The Brand FX 60 model (for chassis with 60-inch C/A dimensions) weighs approximately 800 pounds. Representing Brand FX is Joe Slowiak.
Injection molding helps Cargobody Products USA reduce the weight of its slip-in truck body inserts. A foam core the injection-molded surfaces combine to reduce the weight of the company's 6' 2" stand-up model by approximately 500 pounds. Imbedded stainless steel reinforcements add strength where needed. Cargobody Products, Rock Rapids IA.
Turning a pickup into an insulated van is fast work with this slip-in unit from Fibrobec, Beloeil, Quebec. The Space Kool insulated van can be equipped with a variety of refrigeration systems that include engine-driven compressors, in-cab control modules, ceiling-mounted evaporators, and optional 220-volt stand-by. It also can be equipped with insulated doors shelving and tie-down systems, but for right now, Richard Studler is content to use it to keep water cooled on a warm September afternoon.
Complete package. Feterl Manufacturing introduced a new crane and crane body. The body represents a new direction for the Salem ND manufacturer. Previous models were built for heavy-duty applications. The new model is lighter in weight, designed more for metropolitan applications, says Jerry Nichols, where heavier weights are not necessary. Even so, the drawer units — which Feterl produces in house, have a relatively high capacity. Each drawer can handle 300-pound loads. This body is designed to accommodate a new 6,000-pound crane.
Deep in the Canyon. The new Mid Box provides storage in GM's Colorado and Canyon, while the topper offers additional utility from above. The Mid Box features contoured double-paneled doors that match the styling of these General Motors trucks, rotary latches, and door handles and locks that match those on the cab. Scott Metzger and Lori Wehr demonstrate for Astoria Industries of Iowa, Chariton IA.
Vforce Power Lifter uses hydraulic cylinders to load up to 1,000 pounds into the back of a pickup. Mounted in a Class 4 receiver hitch, the lift comes with remote hand-held controls and an enclosed hydraulic system. Drawing 125 amps, the electric/hydraulic system generates 3,000 psi. It is a product of Littlestar Products, Machesney Park IL. Also demonstrated: the company's Thrust trailer tugger that uses a contractor-grade cordless drill to move light-duty trailers.
Auto Crane, Tulsa OK, introduced several new models, including the integrated Titan 16 body and 16,000-ft-lb capacity crane. The crane body consists of one-piece sidepacks and integrated crane box. The design has eliminated wheel wells inside the bed. Other body features include adjustable internal hinges, three-point latches, LED lights, and flush-mounted tie-downs.
Galvanized construction trailer has sidewalls made of bolt-together steel panels. Mike Ushey shows a sample of the bins with which the trailer can be equipped. Other options include roof rack and ladder system, fold-down exterior workbench, interior tie-downs, and rubber floor mats. The trailer is a product of Bridgeview Manufacturing in Gerald, Saskatchewan.
Keyless remote dumping is one of the new features of the DT Series dump trailer from Brooks Brothers Trailers. Twin cylinders provide added stability during dump cycles. The DT142-7K model shown here has a 12,000-lb load capacity and 16,000-lb GVW rating. It is a product of Brooks Brothers Trailers, a division of Moran Welding, Winfield MO.
New crane from Liftmoore Truck Cranes, Houston TX, can be controlled wirelessly, as Herb and Mary Koenig demonstrate. The Model 4064 crane features power extension to 22 feet, planetary gear winch, unlimited rotation, and a worm gear rotation box. The hexagonal boom offers greater strength. The radio control can be used on Liftmoore's electric and hydraulic cranes without additional modification. The radio receiver plugs into the standard remote-control pendant socket.
Given the okay. System Edstrom has become an approved equipment supplier for the Sprinter under the Dodge Customer Assurance Program. U S headquarters for the van interior manufacturer are in El Cajon CA.
Tiger reaches out. New addition to the Tiger crane line has a 21-ft reach. Powered by an 11,000-lb Braden winch, the Model 1061 crane offers wireless control of its proportioning valves. Rated at 62,000-ft-lb capacity, the crane is a product of Service Trucks International, Sioux Center IA.
Expanded line. Maintainer Corporation of Iowa, Sheldon IA, has added a 12,000-lb crane to its line. The crane, with a 24-foot hydraulic reach, has a 10,666-lb lift capacity at six feet from the center line of rotation. It includes closed-center load-sensing hydraulics, quick-change load hook, and hexagonal boom design. Tom Wibben demonstrates.
Above-deck air compressor is designed as a lighter and smaller product that still delivers up to 85 cfm and 175 psi. The smaller size Viper II takes up less vehicle space while weighing only 200 pounds. It comes with combination manifold that eliminates hoses and fittings, integrated hydraulic oil cooler, and lifetime warranty on the exclusive Sullair air end. John Hooper demonstrates for Vanair Manufacturing, New Buffalo MI.
IMT announced revisions to its crane and body lines. The company recently added four electric telescopic cranes that are equipped with planetary gear winch, all-steel gear rotator, solid-state control circuit, and arc suppression. The reach of the four cranes range from 7 to 22 feet. IMT also announced its DSC20 crane body rated for up to 20,000-ft-lb cranes. The body is designed for small and mid-sized equipment maintenance and lifting applications. IMT, Garner IA.
Popping the top. The new UST Series toolboxes from RKI, Houston TX, feature top opening doors. The first offerings are available in 72" and 96" lengths, but additional sizes are on the way. Representing RKI are John Norfray, Hector Orozco, and Bob Ducharme.
Best thing since Legos? New composite drawers can be assembled into a wide range of configurations to produce a custom van interior package. Each six- and 12-inch “building block” can be locked together vertically or horizontally. Eric Dorr displays one of the possible configurations. The composite drawers are a product of Adrian Steel Company, Adrian MI.
PTO-driven power supply is designed for jump-starting vehicles, according to Christa Bader with Getec Inc, Ferndale NY. It can generate 6,000 watts of 120- or 120/240-volt AC and 1,000 amps of 12 or 24 volts DC. A gear-driven model also is available.
Total control. Complete control systems are available from Wescon Products, Wichita KS. Korker Vrooman shows the company's new shift and universal dump control that can be assembled in a wide range of configurations.
Longer line. Buyers Products Company, Mentor OH, continually is adding to its line of truck and trailer-related parts and accessories, says Brian Smith. Some of the latest include a polished fuel fill and steel ladder.
Keeping your power dry. New air aftercooler is designed to reduce the moisture level of truck-mounted compressed air systems. A product of VMAC, Nanaimo BC, the Eliminator 70 air aftercooler uses a fan to cool the air that passes through it. As the compressed air cools, moisture condenses and is collected in the air filter. Condensed moisture then collects and drains through a nylon line. The compact design can be mounted in a wide range of locations throughout the truck.
LED compartment lighting system is available from ROM Corporation, Belton MO, says Mark Butler. It can be mounted as part of an integral track with the company's shutters or as a stand-alone system. The LED lights are sealed in epoxy-filled housings and can be retrofit onto earlier ROM compartment lighting systems.
Charged up. Solar-powered breakaway kit keeps the battery fresh. Built-in blocking diode prevents battery drain at night. The thin panel can be mounted almost anywhere with screws or adhesives. Mike Stephens displays for GoPower Electic, Victoria BC.
New air compressor is available from Boss Industries, LaPorte IN. The Boss RX 70 uses a Honda gasoline engine to produce 70 cfm at 100 psi. It can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle or left on a jobsite.
For more information contact ICUEE: phone (866) 236-0442 (toll free), (414) 272-0943, fax (414) 272-1170, e-mail [email protected] or online at www.icuee.com. ICUEE is owned and produced by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.