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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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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