Although we often showcase the performance side of diesels’ work-and-play nature, getting work done effortlessly, efficiently, and reliably is still the primary goal for compression-ignition powerplants. This is why we found ourselves attending the Work Truck Show, presented by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) in Indianapolis. With more than 500,000 square feet of vocational trucks and equipment on hand, it’s a place where hundreds of solutions exist, not only for diesel engines, but also for the trucks they power down the highway. Function Over Form Product placement at this venue is key. No blingy bolt-ons exist—and even if something does have visual appeal, its functionality outweighs its looks. During our time at the show, we caught up with Ford, GM, and Ram, chatted with experts in the transport, snow removal, and emissions industries, and even found out which products are hot in the pickup segment. From big-name manufacturers to small businesses, this seminar of solutions is full of ways to make life easier while out on the road, in the field, or at the shop. Two of the driving forces behind the implementation of diesel-electric hybrid technology are ever-increasing emissions standards and the push for less pollution at idle. Odyne, a clean technology company, recently partnered with Ford to build a plug-in hybrid solution for medium- and heavy-duty trucks that spend much of their time in stationary positions (and at idle). The 6.7L Cummins-powered Ford F-750 we saw at the show was said to be capable of saving up to 1,750 gallons of fuel annually. This Class 7 Super Duty featured lithium-ion batteries that recharge while braking (regenerative braking) and benefited from a 50hp (launch-assist) boost for take-off, thanks to the electric motor.Two of the driving forces behind the implementation of diesel-electric hybrid technology a A lot of snowplow manufacturers set up shop at the Work Truck Show, exhibiting applications as light-duty as ATVs and as heavy-duty as tandem-axle trucks. Arctic Snowplows’ booth caught our eye with its “Tougher than a Canadian Winter” slogan. Its plows are available in galvanized steel, which not only guards against rust and corrosion better than conventional, painted steel, but requires virtually zero maintenance (and you don’t have to repaint them year after year).A lot of snowplow manufacturers set up shop at the Work Truck Show, exhibiting application After seeing Rotary Lift’s Mach4 mobile columns on display, we’ll never be able to look at a four-post truck lift the same. Its hydraulically activated, battery-powered, mobile columns feature an onboard charger for the battery, automatic steering, retractable cord reels, and optional LED lighting. Plus, any column can control the others (no slave unit exists). The Mach4 (for four column) has a 72,000-pound lift capacity.After seeing Rotary Lift’s Mach4 mobile columns on display, we’ll never be able to look at Over at the Pacbrake booth, onlookers could view several products already on the market. But what caught our eye was its promotion of the new P67 engine brake for Ram HD trucks. Set for a fall release date, the new engine brake is said to nearly double the braking performance currently being offered from the factory.Over at the Pacbrake booth, onlookers could view several products already on the market. B This inclining platform trailer was easily one of the neatest things we saw at the show. Built by The Advance Metalworking Company, its Lo Riser bumper tow trailer was designed to safely load (and haul) any vehicle with poor ground clearance. The hydraulically activated platform can provide as little as 4-degree loading angles. Its Lo Riser trailers are available in both single- or tandem-axle configurations, with a maximum weight capacity of 16,000 pounds.This inclining platform trailer was easily one of the neatest things we saw at the show. B The latest news from Navistar International was its expansion of the Huntsville, Alabama, engine plant to include production of the MaxxForce DT, MaxxForce 9, and MaxxForce 10 engines. Previously, these inline-six mills (which all share a common block) were built in its Melrose Park, Illinois, facility, which will soon be converted into a new, state-of-the-art testing and validation plant.The latest news from Navistar International was its expansion of the Huntsville, Alabama, For those unfamiliar with its exhaust aftertreatment systems, Cummins had one on display. From the 15.0L ISX to the 6.7L ISB found in Rams, this same basic system exists across the board for its on-highway engines. First, the diesel particulate filter (A) collects and oxidizes carbon, removing particulate matter from the exhaust. Next, the dosing valve (B) sprays a fine mist of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF, or urea) into the exhaust stream of the decomposition reactor (C), which converts DEF into ammonia through the process of hydrolysis. Finally, the selective catalytic reduction catalyst (D) transforms NOx into harmless nitrogen gas and water vapor.For those unfamiliar with its exhaust aftertreatment systems, Cummins had one on display. One company we spoke with reminded us that it is important to get the highest quality diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) possible. According to the folks at Brenntag, the world’s largest DEF distributor, it offers the purest urea for SCR systems on the market (called TerraCair). Prior to making its way to a retailer, TerraCair undergoes extensive testing (at one of Brenntag’s 35 labs) to assure consistent quality makes it into your aftertreatment system.One company we spoke with reminded us that it is important to get the highest quality dies Idaho-based Titan Fuel Tanks was on hand showcasing its current bestseller: a 50- gallon replacement fuel tank for ’11-and-newer shortbed F-250 and F-350 Super Dutys. According to Regional Manager Kay Walker, it doesn’t take long for new Ford owners to seek out more fuel range than the factory, 26-gallon unit provides.Idaho-based Titan Fuel Tanks was on hand showcasing its current bestseller: a 50- gallon r Jasper Engines and Transmissions is the remanufacturer of OE engines and parts we’ve all come to know, and in the work-truck industry it has a hand in just about every domestic diesel application. From HEUI injectors and high-pressure oil pumps to rotary VP44 and VE injection pumps to CP3s, its diesel shop is extremely busy these days. And, as a large portion of its business consists of 6.0L Power Stroke components and engines, it’s now offering bolt-in-ready 6.0Ls equipped with head studs.Jasper Engines and Transmissions is the remanufacturer of OE engines and parts we’ve all c This compact, lightweight hoist from SpitzLift weighs less than 40 pounds but can pick up 900 pounds. The company had multiple portable crane designs on display, including units that mount via truck bed, service bed, and hitch receiver, as well as units that can fit inside a van. This hoist can rotate 360 degrees, utilizes the truck’s batteries for its 12-volt power, and folds up for easy storage.This compact, lightweight hoist from SpitzLift weighs less than 40 pounds but can pick up From fleet operations to law enforcement and school buses to public transit applications, the need for backup cameras, in-car video, and surveillance footage is a necessity in the transportation industry. One of half a dozen mobile video camera companies at the Work Truck Show was Safety Vision. Its new SVR-4100 digital video recorder (far right) was on display, which is designed to operate in high-vibration environments yet reliably record data to a standard-capacity SD memory card.From fleet operations to law enforcement and school buses to public transit applications, By Mike McGlothlin Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
