Cummins Boosts ISM Diesel Engine Rating
Cummins Engine Co Inc has announced a new rating for its ISM diesel engine-the 425 VSP-to deliver 2100 rpm to the high-horsepower vocational truck market. This new rating delivers dual-torque-curve technology for faster acceleration off the line. It automatically switches to a higher torque setting when starting under load and adds 100 ft-lb of torque in all gears, to get a vehicle up to speed faster. Once the vehicle reaches highway speeds, the ISM reverts to the lower torque mode. Also included with this rating is the patented "burn-only" Centinel Advanced Engine Oil Management System, which essentially eliminates the need for oil changes during vehicle ownership.
The ISM 425 VSP also provides fuel economy. An average truck logging 50,000 miles (80,467 km) a year will save about 450 gallons of fuel. For more details, contact Cummins, Box 3005, Columbus IN 47202-3005.
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Holland Neway Unveils NL Series Suspensions Holland Neway International has introduced the new NL series nonsteer auxiliary lift axle suspension for heavy-duty vocational applications, including construction, mixer, refuse, tanker, and platform trucks. Weighing only 408 pounds (450 pounds without shocks), the NL series suspension is lighter than auxiliary models at the 20,000-lb rating. The suspension is available with or without axle for quick delivery and is suitable for both tag and pusher installations.
The compact design provides 10" of axle travel for off-highway clearance. The NL features dual lift bags positioned just inside the frame rails, providing access to the bags while allowing clearance for the driveline. This design eliminates access problems and unwanted dirt and debris build-up caused by the lift bags being mounted within the frame brackets.
For more information, contact Holland Neway, 1950 Industrial Blvd, PO Box 425, Muskegon MI 49443-0425.
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AccuTrac System Logs Temperature Data Thermo King Corp's new temperature monitoring system, AccuTrac, can be used from the convenience of a truck cab. AccuTrac is suitable for trucks or vans with in-city operation and frequent door openings. It has a built-in, integrated printer for on-the-spot reporting. Drivers can immediately present a "delivery ticket" that will give customers an accurate report of cargo temperature conditions.
AccuTrac monitors up to four different cargo compartments, tracking fresh, frozen, and the outside ambient temperature. An in-cab display continually monitors each temperature zone and allows drivers to check temperatures of various compartments by pushing a scroll button. AccuTrac fits into the standard DIN radio slot of most trucks and vans or can be mounted on the dash with an optional mounting bracket. Setting or changing recording parameters can be done with the four-button keypad or a PC. For more details, contact Thermo King, 314 W 90th St, Minneapolis MN 55420.
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Carrier Safety Administration Inaugurated Transportation Secretary Rodney E Slater has formally inaugurated the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Slater called on the newest agency of the Department of Transportation to continue to improve motor carrier safety, save lives, and guide the United States to reduce by 50 percent truck- and bus-related fatalities by 2010.
The secretary said President Clinton, Vice-President Gore, US Sens John McCain and Ernest F Hollings, and US Reps Bud Shuster and James L Oberstar were instrumental in achieving passage of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999, which created the FMCSA. He added that US Rep Frank Wolf also helped focus attention on enhancing motor carrier safety. The secretary thanked the safety community, organized labor, law enforcement representatives, and the truck and bus industries for helping to shape the new agency.
Slater also provided a copy of the new agency's organizational chart, an update on progress made toward achieving the stretch goals established in May 1999, and information on additional steps and actions that will be taken to improve carrier safety.
These steps include: making improvements to the commercial driver license program to identify problem drivers more effectively, taking remedial action and getting high-risk drivers off the road, ensuring safety fitness of newly formed motor carrier companies, levying strong sanctions on foreign carriers that operate illegally in the United States, denying entry to carriers not properly registered, and imposing stiff penalties on violators.
New financing under the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act will provide resources to help states conduct more inspections of vehicles, drivers, and carriers. Also financed will be a study of crash causes as well as a new system for collecting crash data. The FMCSA's web site is www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.