MHT delivers product news right from the road

June 1, 2010
Among the nearly two dozen products and services showcased by the members companies of Marmon Highway Technologies (MHT) last week during a special stop of its “Ideas in Motion” travelling trade show tour for the media, several were all-new products that had not been previously introduced

Among the nearly two dozen products and services showcased by the members companies of Marmon Highway Technologies (MHT) last week during a special stop of its “Ideas in Motion” travelling trade show tour for the media, several were all-new products that had not been previously introduced.

“While other companies pulled back to try to wait out the latest cyclical downturn in the trucking industry, we’ve used our financial strength and stability to invest in the future for our customers,” said MHT president Kelly Dier, at the show, which was held under a tent at the Boyd Bros. Transportation terminal in Birmingham, AL.

Triangle Suspension Systems, Inc. announced the start of vehicle testing of its new, lightweight Mack camelback leaf spring. According to Triangle president Rick Kempski, the new unit is a lightweight replacement spring for the popular Mack camelback suspension. “This spring has been developed in our new Mount Olive, NC taper spring plant and allows weight-sensitive fleets to save over 225 lbs per vehicle without sacrificing performance. Initial results have been very positive and we expect the field-testing to continue through the summer months. We expect these new springs will be available later this year.”

Jack Griffin, Triangle’s director of engineering pointed out that the new spring uses “specially alloyed materials and the latest manufacturing process to improve durability and reduce variation from spring to spring. Preliminary laboratory tests show that the predicted durability of the new spring is significantly higher than conventional springs. The new spring was also designed to mate with all existing components and only a shorter u-bolt is required.”

Kempski also announced that all leaf springs produced by Triangle will now include a label with the proper u-bolt torque specifications. “Properly torquing u-bolts is one of the most important and often overlooked activities associated with a leaf spring repairr,” he remarked. “Given the importance of this activity, we want everyone to know the proper torque specification when they are using a Triangle spring. We will also be adding this information to our packaged u-bolts in the near future.”

Griffin noted that “the initial torquing and the retorquing of u- bolts after a few hundred miles of service can eliminate most of the premature failures of leaf springs between the u-bolts. Most of the new springs that fail shortly after replacement, break in or near the center bolt-- which indicates a loose u-bolt and loss of the required clamp load. Following the recommended torque specifications can dramatically reduce failures.”

Fontaine Spray Suppression revealed several new products, starting with the FlexWedge mudflap hanger made of lightweight composite materials and designed to allow up to 90 degrees of movement forward or back to help prevent damage. The composite material cuts the weight back by up to 6 lbs. The hanger secures either rubber or poly flaps in both standard or anti-spray styles.

Fontaine Spray Suppression also introduced:

  • A new heavy-duty 26-in construction fender made of 3/16-in stainless steel diamond plate to protect from dings and dents
  • A new fender of heavy-duty 5-ply fiberglass that can be customized by color and comes predrilled for rear lighting. It is offered in a 54-in spread configuration
  • New Hogebuilt brand 20-in wide fenders for wide-based tire fenders made of durable 14-gauge 304 stainless steel and polished to a Hogebuilt #8 mirror finish. These are offered in single axle, half and full tandem axle sizes.

Webb Transit introduced its new W43 friction material for the heavy-duty transit and coach markets. Webb said W43 was developed “to provide both exceptional performance and value to transit and coach customers with high durability, low brake drum wear, and quiet operation.”

The asbestos-free formulation features a unique blend of multiple cross-linked fibers coupled with a special high temperature capability resin, said Webb. It was developed via extensive dynamometer and transit bus testing. Available now, it will be sold as axle sets, on new lined brake shoes, and in Webb Transit’s Super Kits - complete axle kits consisting of two (2) Webb brake drums, four (4) new lined brake shoes and two (2) hardware kits.

Webb W43 friction is designed to restore OE performance, when used with genuine Webb Transit brake drums and OE or OE equivalent replacement air and foundation brake system parts, the company added.

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