Sunday, August 24th, 2008
Oshkosh Truck has always been known for producing severe duty trucks. They have been also known to produce fire trucks, ambulances, concrete mixers, trash haulers, tow trucks, and snow plow trucks. All of these vehicles have been quite popular and has been recognized to offer reliability and endurance. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the company has been commissioned by the US Marine Corps to produce military vehicles.
The company recently announced that they have been awarded by the US Marine Corps Systems Command with a $30.6 million contract. The production grant is for the assembly of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. These vehicles will be employed by the said government agency in battlefields where US troops are currently deployed.
Oshkosh Truck will be producing 100 units of the Category I1 MRAP and the first batch of which will be delivered within 120 days as per specified by the US Marine Corps. The speedy production is needed since the US Marine Corps has an urgent demand for such vehicles. Aside from this though, Oshkosh has already produced vehicles for the military and this may be one of the reasons why they have been chosen to undertake the production of the MRAP vehicles.
The MRAP vehicle program by the US Marine Corps needs more or less 4,100 Category I and Category II vehicles. The government is expected to spend more than $2 billion in the said undertaking. Aside from the production cost of the vehicles, the government is also expected to spend more in the long run since these vehicles will be constantly up armored to cope with the situation in the battlefields which can prove to be tough and really rough. The Category I vehicles that Oshkosh will be producing is the smaller of the two MRAP vehicles. These are intended for urban warfare and are referred to as the Mine Resistant Utility Vehicle.
Following the awarding of the production grant, the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Oshkosh Trucks has commented that Oshkosh is prepared to meet and exceed the critical delivery and protection requirements of the US Marine Corps and the MRAP program. The armored vehicles they have proposed are engineered to save lives in the face of today’s asymmetric warfare threats such as mines and IEDs. there production and engineering capabilities will ensure the rapid delivery of world class armored vehicles as the MRAP program continues to develop.
The MRAP program is a joint venture between the Marine Corps and the US Army. The program is under the Rapid Deployment Capability authority the aim of which is to deploy armored vehicles for the US troops in theatre or place of conflict. Oshkosh is only one of the nine companies which have been awarded a production contract under the MRAP program.
Aside from the production of these vehicles, Oshkosh will also provide long term support for the MRAP vehicles. they are also prepared to provide long term logistics support required by a deployed MRAP fleet. Oshkosh has the experience and infrastructure in place in the theater of operation to provide whatever level of support is required. they have maintained and up armored thousands of vehicles, of many makes and models, at there facilities in theater over the past four years. Service installations and field service representatives are already in place, ready to support the MRAP fleet of vehicles as soon as it is operational, unlike their/it’s counterparts FORD , GMC.
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Thursday, August 21st, 2008
Looking for a Freightliner? That’s great because group ridership is increasing and Freightliner Trucks, a member of the Freightliner Group, is the largest manufacturer of heavy duty vehicles in North America and a leading manufacturer of medium duty vehicles. If you already know all about Freightliner and just want to see the Freightliner make and model charts that show you the advantages, disadvantages, specifications and conversion.
Freightliner builds and markets a wide range of Class 3 & Class 8 vehicles including long haul highway tractors, heavy duty construction trucks, vocational trucks, midrange trucks for distribution and service, transit and school buses, fire and emergency service apparatus, and also chassis for step vans, school buses, shuttle buses, and motor homes. Freightliner, a DaimlerChrysler company, carries vast research and development capabilities, technological expertise, and global business resources of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.
Freightliner LLC was was founded more than 60 years ago. In the late 1930s, President of Consolidated Freightways (CF) in Portland, Oregon was searching for a more durable and lighter truck that could haul more payload and bring in more revenue for his company. They was faced with resistance and skepticism when they approached truck manufacturers with his idea of building truck components with aluminum instead of steel. Aluminum, at that time, was not widely used in industrial applications so hired a group of engineers and built the vehicles.
They cab over engine design trucks were not only lighter but more durable and easier to handle than other trucks of the era. Quickly, these new trucks became popular with CF’s drivers. In 1940 James helped establish Freightways Manufacturing Company in Salt Lake City to produce the trucks. In 1942, Freightway Manufacturing Company changed its name to Freightliner Corporation. With World War II, and shortages of manpower and aluminum, the operation was converted to wartime production of ship and aircraft parts. Freightliner Corporation resumed truck building operations in 1947 and opened a manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon. The postwar economy boomed, and the Hyster Company became the first private carrier to order a Freightliner. Word of this new truck quickly spread, and soon after Freightliner was making vehicles for other carriers. Production volumes grew from 116 vehicles per year in 1950 to 931 in 1960 and 6,206 in 1970.
One of the world’s premier automotive companies and world renowned builder of heavy duty commercial vehicles, purchased Freightliner from Consolidated Freightways, and vehicle sales more than doubled. Daimler Benz, with his vast technological resources, helped Freightliner reach the top of the North American heavy duty truck market.
Now, Freightliner LLC is the leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in North America. Its distinctive brands serves a variety of industries and commercial vehicle applications. There are many uses for trucks, thus people who buy a Freightliner for sale have different needs. A not so common practice but without a doubt a growing one are RV‘ers buying a truck for sale.
Freightliner has more than 350 dealer locations with many open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have eight parts distribution centers and a 24 hour hotline for roadside assistance. Customer support includes the largest dealer and service network in the industry, warranties, and financing options that account for the transportation industry. Freightliner Trucks is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with truck manufacturing facilities located in Portland and throughout the United States.
When choosing a truck to convert to a recreational vehicle, live aboard unit, or tour business, be aware of the Seven Commandments for buying any truck - read that first! These commandments of advice will save you thousands of dollars and a lifetime of headaches.
Freightliner is still manufacturing some of the greatest trucks on the road today. And with carriers and companies continuing to buy the newest models, used trucks are plentifully up for sale. So, if you are looking for a truck for sale, you are at the right place for a Freightliner.
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Thursday, August 21st, 2008
Freightliner Trucks launched the Cascadia, a revolutionary new Class 8 truck for on highway applications. Built from an entirely new platform, the Cascadia delivers significant fuel savings and is designed based on the Run Smart philosophy to be the most productive, efficient, and drivable truck on the market. Plus, with its new styling, a quieter and more comfortable cab, ergonomic controls, and exceptional handling, the Cascadia was specifically constructed with driver comfort and improved operating ratios in mind.
Member of the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management responsible for the Truck Group, said at the official presentation of the new truck in Charlotte, North Carolina With there five truck brands Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Mercedes Benz and Mitsubishi Fuso ensuring our world wide presence, they are able to leverage the global resources and expertise of the Truck Group for the benefit of each brand. The Cascadia profits in many ways from there global experience, It is the first truck that will be equipped with there new global Heavy Duty Engine Platform as well as the new common Electric/ Electronic architecture. Freightliner’s new flagship truck will be manufactured using there high level DaimlerChrysler production system.
The Cascadia was designed to easily accept EPA emission engines. Its expandable electronic platform can easily accommodate the technology. Plus, the Cascadia was built to be paired with the all new global Heavy Duty Engine Platform, the first of which will debut later this year under the Detroit Diesel engine brand.
The Cascadia offers a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy over previous models. To achieve this, more than one million engineering hours, including 2,500 hours in Freightliner’s state of the art full scale wind tunnel, went into its development. It is the first truck built and engineered using Freightliner LLC’s wind tunnel, the only testing facility in the world built specifically for Class 8 vehicles.
There customers are faced with the consequences of ever tightening emissions standards, higher fuel prices, rapidly escalating wages and benefits, and a dire shortage of maintenance technicians, said president and CEO of Freightliner LLC. Freightliner was built on solving there customers most pressing concerns, and only Freightliner has the resources and the know how to bring a completely new model to market at difficult time for the trucking and truck building industries.
Freightliner initiated an extensive study of its key customers needs and issues to evaluate product improvements that could alleviate these stresses. Numerous fleet owners and owner operators provided detailed feedback about everything from cost saving features to comfort options and aesthetic attributes.
Thus the truck also was designed to maximize payload. The aluminum cab boasts a significant weight savings over steel, and the hood, bumper and quarter fenders are lighter than comparable models. All of these improvements enable operators to haul more freight.
Features such as improved diagnostics, an HVAC system designed to reduce repair frequency, and breakaway side extenders ensure that the Cascadia stays on the road and out of the shop. Other maintenance upgrades include an easy to replace roped in windshield, extended life headlamp bulbs, and easy access to the engine and accessory components mounted to it.
When developing the Cascadia, Freightliner engineers studied the needs of drivers and how they operate their vehicles. This feedback was the basis for design features like a wider cab with automotive styling, ergonomic controls, and extensive lighting and storage space to make the cab more comfortable and livable. With all these features, the Cascadia will also boast a high resale value.
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Thursday, August 14th, 2008
A popular pastime is car customization. Everyone wants to give their cars that special something that only aftermarket parts can provide. Even if you can’t afford a sparkling new vehicle, you can use customizing to add the special touches that will give your car or truck a personal touch.
Vehicle owners are fortunate enough to be able to find lots of chevy truck parts and gmc truck parts available for sale to fans. Check on one of the popular internet search engines to locate fine new and previously owned parts to give your ride the boost it needs.
Replacing the exhaust pipe, gear shift, or floor mats are a fairly simple change that can improve the look of your car from when you purchased it. Many people choose not to remove the factory stereo system that comes with the car. Instead, they will put in a better, smaller, or more stylish model.
If you own a car or truck that bears the chevy logo, there are many chevrolet truck parts available at very inexpensive prices. Chevy truck parts are everywhere, from online stores to specialty shops. There are special deals available for regular customers through many of these shops, so you’ll save more as you buy more.
If you have a Chevy that belongs to you or if you are simply planning to Purchase it, please check out Chevy truck parts right away. By doing this you will get your dream car or your dream automobile also if ant of your friends is an expert of purchasing after markets parts feel free to take there advise. That might help you saving your time and energy to find right parts at the right prices.
Even if you can’t afford the parts for your chevy now, you can always add them some other time. Also, if you decide that you don’t want your beginning selection or selections, you can switch them at any time you like. That’s what is great about purchasing after market gmc truck parts or chevy parts. There are so many choices toward making your vehicle all things you ever wanted and unlimited time to do it in.
Vehicle owners are fortunate enough to be able to find lots of Chevy truck parts and GMC truck parts available for sale to fans. Check on one of the popular internet search engines to locate fine new and previously owned parts to give your ride the boost it needs.
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
A dump trailer is usually used for moving mulch and debris, however landscapers have turned them into multipurpose tools by loading equipment into them as well. Typically found in 7000-12000 GVW varieties, dump trailers have solid metal floors and sides suitable to carrying loose material. With the proper ramp, its also possible to load small used trucks - tractors and the occasional skid loader. Dumps are available as either deck over or low profile depending on your needs.
Dump trailers can be utilized for other practical purposes as well. Use it to take equipment and material to and from various job sites. Quaglino Roofing Company in San Luis Obispo says they use a dump trailer as a debris box in their yard. Their crews bring job site debris back to the yard at the end of each day. When the trailer is full, they just hook it up to their truck and take it to the dump.
Finally, the hitch is a matter of personal preference. Both the fifth wheel and the bumper pull are equally durable and reliable. The fifth wheel hitch is quicker to maneuver in areas where the turning radius is tight. It is also easier and more stable to tow. The driver can easily see the hitch in the truck for accurate positioning. The bumper of dump trailer pull its advantage in that the bed of the towing vehicle is unobstructed and free to haul additional supplies and equipment.
Most manufactures can customize a trailer to meet your specific needs. For instance, a trailer can be built with low sides for built- up and shingle tear-off or it can be built with higher sides to accommodate shake tear-off. Tarp rollers are a popular upgrade especially with the current law requiring all loads be tarped while transporting. Spare tire carriers, steel tool boxes, load binders and side mounted ladders can all be welded onto the trailer. Special load requirements can be addressed as well by increasing axles or using dual wheels.
After reviewing the pros and cons of the conventional methods for handling tear-off debris and comparing them with those of dump trailers, we feel confident that you will agree with the growing number of roofing contractors who have decided that the dump trailer is the best solution to keep tear-off from becoming a rip-off.
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Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
Over the past six years the manufacturers have made more than 120 significant changes to the Freightliner Argosy in terms of technical developments, product improvements and visual enhancements. They are all direct improvements made as a result of listening to the customers.
To celebrate this 80-month evolution, manufacturers have further enhanced there flagship model with the release of the Argosy Evolution. They have retained the design heritage which has made Argosy a leader in areas such as cabin ergonomics, low tare weight, driveability and occupational health and safety and they have now added the extra touches that are all about the driver. The Evolution model is a demonstration of Freightliner’s confidence in the quality of this Heavy Duty truck and the improvements that they have engineered into the Argosy over the past 80 months.
The Argosy Evolution was a direct benefit of the decision earlier this year by Freightliner LLC to concentrate Argosy production solely on export vehicles, predominantly for Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
The Argosy Evolution is confirmation that there is now even a bigger say in how the truck is designed, built and delivered. Everything about it - from the chrome to the superbly appointed cabin, says this is a truck built for the Australian truck driver.
Arguably the most stylish cab-over truck available in Australia, the Argosy Evolution has a bolder, stronger exterior and an even more driver-friendly interior. The trucks boasts a host of feature highlights including a distinctive-shaped grille, chrome mirrors, re-designed exterior grab handles, adjustable chrome leather-wrap and wood rim steering wheel, extra cabin insulation, signature trim and more.
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
Hino groups its truck models in two “families.” The manufacturer’s light-duty trucks (LDT) include models 145, 165, and 185, ranging in GVW from 14,050 to 18,000 lbs. The LDT lineup features Hino’s 5L, four-cylinder J05 engine, rated at 175 hp.
“This is a very durable, fuel-efficient engine,” said Ellis. The engine’s combined high-pressure common rail fuel injection, variable geometry turbocharger design, and cooled EGR for emission control optimizes air/fuel mixture across the entire speed range of Hino’s engines, he added.
Hino’s medium-duty truck (MDT)product line includes the 238, 258, 268, and 338 models, ranging from 23,000 to 33,000 lbs. GVW. The MDT trucks offer an 8L J08 engine. In the 200-series, the engine is rated at 220 hp, while in the 338 model, the engine produces 260 hp.
Hino’s proprietary steering gear developed by TRW enhances the trucks’ maneuverability, according to Ellis. Other Hino driveline partners include Allison and Eaton transmissions, Meritor axles and brakes, Dana driveshafts, and Hendrickson suspensions.
In addition to the three-person cab comfort, Ellis also noted the trucks’ serviceability. “The engine compartment was very roomy, and all gauges were easily accessed from the driver’s side. All maintenance and service points were accessed without difficulty for simple, straight-forward servicing and repair”.
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Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
Kenworth has always been a name synonymous with heavy duty trucking in Australia. The Kenworth K104 cab-over carries on in this tradition. It’s available in both flat roof and Aerodyne models.
Whether you’re pulling a single trailer or a B-Double or even a B-Triple, the Kenworth K104 may just meet your heavy duty trucking needs. And with specialist models such as twin steer and tri-drives also sold in Australia, particularly for the logging and mining industries, there are many options available for specialist haulers looking for the right used truck, although they may not be as easy to find.
This cab-over Kenworth model has been designed with driver comfort and safety in mind. From a safety perspective, the K104 includes four way mirrors which allow the driver to effectively see behind the trailer. Cabin visibility is assisted by the wrap-around dashboard and a deep windscreen which is available in either single or double screen styles.
Kenworth K104s could be ordered with Caterpillar, Detroit or Cummins engines of up to 620 horsepower. So you should have no real problems finding a truck with the right horsepower and your preferred powerplant.
According to a Kenworth media release “Kenworth trucks are designed and manufactured in Australia to meet the world’s toughest applications. Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Australia, is market leader in heavy duty trucks in Australia. Its trucks are also exported to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.” So, not only will you buying a truck with a strong pedigree, you’ll be buying an Aussie born and bred workhorse.
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