Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Winter Tire Test: Some Treads Are Better Than Others



By Bruce W. Smith

Every so often I find myself checking out the tires of the vehicles around me when stopped in traffic, wondering how this or that one performs compared to the factory tires on my pickup truck. My questions become even more pointed in winter: Should I invest in a set of winter tires? Would mud tires be a good choice or all-terrain? Would it be worth the investment to buy a dedicated snow tire and run them half the year?

To find out, we went to the snow-covered hills just a few miles outside Steamboat Springs, Colo. Carved into the deep snow were three perfectly groomed snow courses with big berms and a variety of twists, turns and elevation changes. These tracks are the training grounds for the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. They also serve as the perfect location to test tires — and for us to see how popular pickup tire tread patterns compare when pitted against each other under controlled winter driving conditions.

And even though it's spring, the information we're offering here should help you decide what kind of tires you want next winter.

The Contenders
We spent two days this past winter with Woody Rogers and T.J. Campbell, product information specialists for Tire Rack, comparing popular 275/65R18 tires on a twisting, curving half-mile section of track three behind the wheel of two identical 2016 Ford F-150 4x4s. The tire comparison contenders were:

  • Goodyear Wrangler Fortitude HT OWL SL (P-metric)
  • Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 SL (P-metric)
  • Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT LT (E load range)
  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 RWL LT (C load range)
  • Firestone Destination MT LT (E load range)

Source: www.pickuptrucks.com

Read more at: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/03/winter-tire-test-some-treads-are-better-than-others.html

Saturday, October 27, 2018

VMAC RAPTAIR-G30 Gas Drive Air Compressor at work



Get all the power you need in this small air compressor. No air tank required. The G30 gas drive air compressor with 30 CFM rotary screw air power.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

BOSS TGS 600 and 1100 Tailgate Spreaders


BOSS offers several different polyethylene tailgate spreaders to suit your needs. Check out the BOSS TGS 600 and 1100 tailgate spreaders in action. Visit: www.bossplow.com

Sunday, October 21, 2018

A Five-Star Rating places the Pac-Mac KB Series in a class of its own!



Our engineering teams can work directly with our customers to provide superior customer service and develop in-depth understanding of your needs.

Monday, October 15, 2018

2018 Northern NV Regional Snow Workshop

It Starts Here | BOSS Snowplow |


For BOSS, it all starts here in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where designing, innovating and manufacturing world-class snow and ice removal equipment is what we're all about. We are a worldwide leader in snow and ice control with a growing lineup of plows for trucks, UTVs and ATVs, salt and sand spreaders and box plows built for the professional.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Webasto Air Top 2000 ST Heater Animation


The Webasto Air Top 2000 ST is the perfect solution for keeping comfortable in your cab, reduce vehicle idling, and save money.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Demos with Drones: Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ | F-150 | Ford


Sure, you can back up in a straight line, but let’s see how the Ford F-150 fares with a winding course, using only available Pro Trailer Backup Assist.™*

*Optional features shown. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment and the need to control the vehicle.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Get Ready For Future Trucks That Trouble-shoot Themselves

In the future, equipment is expected to troubleshoot itself 
without human intervention.

iStock_Bombaert818

Thanks to advances in technology, as well as an increasing emphasis on operations efficiency and wise resource use, the role of equipment fleet managers across all industries has changed quite a bit in recent years.

Expect even more changes in the future, says Jim Schug, a principal and engagement manager for FMI Corporation.

Schug, who is also a certified equipment manager and the program lead for the Certification Institute, cites “adapting to technology, innovation, and the new workforce” as three big changes that have occurred in fleet management over the last few years. All fleet management professionals — no matter their industry or the type of equipment managed — need to prepare themselves for more changes on the horizon, he says.

“All vehicles are adapting across the industry,” says Schug, who participated in a panel discussion at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas this March on the future of equipment management.

Jim Schug
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime.” Jim Schug, principal and engagement manager, FMI Corporation

“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime,” says Schug, whose company is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices in Denver, Tampa, Phoenix and Houston. “In the future, trucks will be connected and serve as a tracking center; and they will likely evolve out of needing field repairs and emergency calls.”

Need to adapt to changes
Given this move toward automation and advanced technology, fleet equipment — including service trucks —will become much more sophisticated and provide “near perfect information” on how they operate, he predicts. Therefore, he says, companies will only remain competitive in the future if they can do the following: have the best, most “fit” equipment to perform the job; eliminate equipment downtime; and demonstrate the ability to sustain ongoing operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And much of this will rest on the shoulders of fleet management leadership and their ability to adapt to industry changes, Schug argues.

“This future is a big shift from where we are today and puts more pressure on the equipment manager to lead what happens in the field, so the intensity and importance of the role increases,” says Schug, who has a bachelor of science degree in quantitative economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master of science in engineering management from the University of Missouri. “If equipment managers are not already sitting at the leadership table today they should be … and I certainly believe they will be in five years.”

Whether playing catch-up or preparing for more changes, fleet managers should take proactive steps to better position themselves (and their companies) for what lies ahead, he says.

“Learn how to collect data and enter it into an efficient system that helps inform when making difficult decisions,” says Schug, who acknowledges many people already use maintenance management systems in their decision-making.

However, he advises fleet managers to think beyond simply collecting and entering data. On that note, he emphasizes how the gathering, harvesting and analyzing of data by fleet managers can help their CEOs make good decisions.

Recognize data’s value
“You need to recognize how valuable that data is to your lifecycle costs and current operations. Equipment data will drive operations in the future,” says Schug, whose company provides management consulting and investment banking services to various industries including construction and engineering.

Given the importance of data in fleet management, Schug says it is critical for fleet managers to “stay engaged” and “plugged-in” when it comes to industry associations and vendors. By doing so, fleet managers can keep abreast of new technologies, products and/or practices, all of which can benefit their overall fleet management efforts.

“You do not want your firm to fall behind the innovation curve. At the same time, we are seeing strategy evolve from a ‘gut feel’ to a more data-driven approach,” Schug says.

According to Schug, though, a data-driven strategy in fleet management is more of a “shared understanding” developed and refined through the experiences of employees serving customers in the field.

“CEOs seldom innovate effectively,” Schug says. “The field and front-line management is the source of all great innovations; and they will be what leads our industry forward. Great firms recognize this and harness it in the development and execution of their strategy.”

Mark Yontz is a freelance writer from Urbandale, Iowa.

Source: http://www.servicetruckmagazine.com/get-ready-for-future-trucks-that-trouble-shoot-themselves/


Sunday, October 7, 2018

IMPROVE YOUR AIR COMPRESSOR’S PERFORMANCE THIS WINTER


Though it may feel like summer just started, the reality is that fall is just around the corner, and with it comes the rain, frost, ice, and in most cases, snow. Now is the time to start planning and ensuring that this winter your equipment is ready to work as hard as you do in the freezing temperatures.

Think back to last year’s winter season, did your air compressor let you down in any of the following ways?

• Refused to start

• Broke down frequently

• Caused a cumbersome safety hazard while parked on the side of the road

• Required maintenance to be done standing in the truck bed or on a ladder next to your truck

• Required snow and slush to be dug out from around the deck-mounted unit so it could warm up enough to run

If any of these challenges sounded familiar, then it’s time to consider upgrading to a VMAC UNDERHOOD rotary screw air compressor. Here’s how a VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor solves each of these issues:

RELIABILITY

VMAC UNDERHOOD70 Installed on Truck
The last thing you need when working outside in the elements is difficulty starting your equipment, or an unexpected breakdown on the jobsite. The VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor is very reliable, and proven to operate in extreme cold conditions. Manufactured in North America in an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility, VMAC air compressors and multipower systems meet high quality standards, and are backed by an industry-leading Lifetime Warranty (Limited).

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance costs are greatly reduced by investing in the UNDERHOOD air compressor as high quality aluminum parts, and few moving pieces means VMAC air compressors require less maintenance and servicing than a reciprocating air compressor. A VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor also requires less maintenance than a hydraulic deck-mounted or engine driven air compressor because there is no hydraulic or engine-related components to maintain. To ensure the best performance, regular compressor maintenance is recommended by VMAC.

SAFETY

Above-deck air compressors can cause a major safety hazard in snowy and icy conditions. Operators have to climb into the back of a snow and ice-filled truck bed to dig out the air compressor to allow it to warm up enough to function. In addition, parking a tow-behind on the side of the road to conduct maintenance is challenging and dangerous, especially in bad weather. By having the UNDERHOOD air compressor stored safely under the hood, boots are kept on the ground, ensuring the safety of operators, and limiting OSHA and WCB concerns and claims.

COLD WEATHER STARTING

The VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor is mounted directly on your truck’s engine, which warms up the compressor on the way to the jobsite, and keeps it warm and protected from the elements, even when temperatures drop well below freezing.

Working outside in harsh winter conditions can be challenging enough, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. The VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor relieves common pain points that many operators suffer from each winter, from decreased productivity to unsafe working conditions. Waiting for an air compressor to warm up, climbing in the back of a slippery truck to dig out equipment, and conducting maintenance on the side of the road in dangerous driving conditions are just some of the challenges that you can take out of the equation with a VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor. So when planning your investments for this winter, include an upgrade to a VMAC UNDERHOOD rotary screw air compressor, contact sales@vmacair.com.

Learn more about VMAC’s line of UNDERHOOD air compressors, ranging from 30 CFM up to 150 CFM outputs.

Friday, October 5, 2018

BEDBIN by BEDSLIDE


Take a closer look at the BEDSLIDE accessories. See how the BEDBINS work with everyday items and why they are a great addition to your BEDSLIDE.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

2019 F-Series Super Duty

2019 F-350 XLT

America’s truck leader again brings heavy-duty truck customers the most capable heavy-duty pickup – the 2019 Ford F-Series Super Duty. Its high-strength steel frame, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body, powerful 6.2-liter gas or 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel, plus TorqShift® 6-speed transmission all carry over. Lariat Sport gets a new Appearance Package with premium painted 20-inch aluminum wheels. An available FordPass™ Connect embedded 4G LTE modem is added for greater connectivity, while an available 1,000-watt, 10-speaker B&O PLAY premium audio system treats customers to top-shelf sound. In keeping with consumer trends, CD players are no longer available.

New colors: Agate Black, Silver Spruce


STANDARD FEATURES
  • 4-/7-pin trailer tow connector
  • Built Ford Tough® trailer hitch receiver
  • Engine – 6.2L 2-valve V8 FFV (F-250, F-350)
  • Engine – 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel (B20-capable) (Limited, F-450)
  • Fail-Safe Engine Cooling System (gas engine)
  • Front stabilizer bar
  • Integrated trailer brake controller
  • (XL DRW, XLT, LARIAT, KING RANCH, PLATINUM, LIMITED)
  • MyKey®
  • Pickup box lamps
  • Rear view camera
  • Stationary elevated idle control (SEIC)2
  • SYNC® (XLT)
  • SYNC 3 (LARIAT and above)
  • Transmission – TorqShift® Heavy-Duty 6-speed SelectShift® automatic (Diesel)

STANDARD SAFETY & SECURITY
  • AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™)
  • Airbags – Driver and right-front-passenger front
  • Airbags – Front-seat side
  • Airbags – Safety Canopy® System with roll-fold side-curtain airbags
  • Brakes – 4-wheel vented disc with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
  • Passenger airbag deactivation switch (Regular Cab and SuperCab)
  • SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System
  • SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Trailer sway control

AVAILABLE FEATURES
  • 5th-wheel and gooseneck hitch kits
  • 110V/400W power outlet
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support (LARIAT, KING RANCH, PLATINUM, LIMITED)
  • Adaptive Steering (LARIAT, KING RANCH, PLATINUM, LIMITED)
  • BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage
  • BoxLink™ with 4 premium locking cleats
  • Dual alternators (diesel engine)
  • Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF)
  • 4-Wheel-Drive System with manual locking hubs
  • Engine – 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel (F-250, F-350)
  • Engine block heater
  • FordPass™ Connect
  • Hill start assist
  • LED box lighting
  • LED roof clearance lights
  • LED headlights and taillights (LARIAT, KING RANCH, PLATINUM, LIMITED)
  • LED sideview mirror spotlights
  • Medium-duty battery (gas engines only)
  • Mirrors – PowerScope® trailer tow
  • Operator Commanded Regeneration (with diesel engine)
  • Power Deployable running boards (LARIAT, KING RANCH, PLATINUM, LIMITED)
  • Premium Vinyl floors (LARIAT, KING RANCH, PLATINUM, LIMITED)
  • Rear CHMSL camera
  • Reverse Sensing System
  • SYNC 3 with voice-activated navigation
  • Stowable loading ramps
  • Telematics Modem

AVAILABLE FEATURES
  • Tough Bed® spray-in bedliner
  • Trailer brake controller with Smart Trailer Tow Connector
  • Transfer case and fuel tank skid plates (4x4)
  • Transmission – TorqShift® Heavy-Duty 6-speed SelectShift® automatic (F-250 gas)
  • Transmission – Mobile and stationary mode power takeoff (PTO) provision
  • Twin panel panoramic moonroof (LARIAT, KING RANCH, PLATINUM, LIMITED)
  • Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System
  • Upfitter switches (6)

AVAILABLE PACKAGES
  • 5th-wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Tow Prep Package
  • 6.2L CNG/Propane Gaseous Engine Prep Package
  • 9,900-lb. GVWR Package (F-250)
  • 10,000-lb. GVWR Package (F-350 SRW)
  • 11,400-lb. GVWR Package (F-350 SRW)
  • 13,000-lb. GVWR Package
  • Camper Package
  • F-250 High-Capacity Trailer Tow Package
  • FX4 Off-Road Package
  • Heavy-Service Front Suspension Package
  • Heavy-Service Package for Pickup Box Delete (F-250, F-350 SRW)
  • Lariat Sport Package
  • Pickup Box Delete
  • Power Equipment Group (XL)
  • Rear View Camera and Prep Kit
  • Snow Plow Prep Package
  • STX Appearance Package
  • Tow Technology Package
  • XL Value Package
  • XLT Premium Package
  • XLT Value Package

Monday, October 1, 2018

BOLT Receiver Lock



Featuring BOLT's Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology, the BOLT Receiver Lock works with your vehicle key! Available for Class I, II, III, IV, & V hitches!

For more information visit http://www.BOLTLock.com