24 Crucial Things to Know About Running Natural Gas Trucks

24 Crucial Things to Know About Running Natural Gas Trucks
Posted: Oct 4, 2013 05:27 PM | Last Updated: Oct 5, 2013 02:39 PM

TORONTO — Attendees on day one of Canada's first Natural Gas Vehicle Conference scored some clutch advice from two of Canada's most well-known fleets.

In back-to-back presentations, Bison's VP, Western Operations Trevor Fridfinnson and Robert Transport's Engineering Manager Yves Maurais, gave back to the Canadian truckers by sharing — quite openly — their challenges with implementing natural gas tractors into their respective operations.

It was, without a doubt, a refreshingly honest and sobering account of the challenges early-adopter fleets have been facing with natural gas.

Both fleets have experienced their share of hard lessons — hard lessons that, if you're about to start running natural gas powered trucks, you'll experience too.

But maybe, thanks to Bison and Robert, you can avoid a few of them.

Eyes Wide Open

1. Know that this will be a resource draw, said Fridfinnson. "It takes a lot of time, energy and money to make this a reality. From a technical side of things, anybody here in this room that has run trucks for the last number of years has been a part of the technology changes meant to increase environmental efficiency of our tractors. Sometime the effects are not as desired — you might have lost fuel economy, you might have increased downtime — we had to consider all that and be satisfied we could deal with those."

This Fuel is a Different Animal

2. "Handling this fuel is different than diesel," said Fridfinnson off the top. "It needs to be actively managed. When you talk liquefied natural gas, it needs to be maintained at temperature. With diesel you can plug it into a tank and you use it when you use it — natural gas is a different animal."

3. There are two types of LNG, explained Maurais. "There is cold and warm LNG. Warm LNG is basically LNG that is maintained at its saturation point — the point where it turns from liquid to vapor. That's what you're going to find in the smaller LNG engines, like the Cummins 8.9L and the bus and city trucks. They don't need a pump to get it out — it just turns to vapor by itself. You have to remember that the natural gas engine always uses vapor. When you use cold LNG, it's always in liquid form; it's pumped out of the tank, warmed up, and turned to vapor. So, depending on what kind of spec you use in your LNG engine, you're using either cold or warm LNG. If you use cold LNG into a warm LNG system, you might have some problems. So make sure you know the difference between both systems."

4. Bison expected a fuel degradation of 10 percent when going from diesel to a first generation natural gas truck. "Right now, today, we're tracking just around 5 miles per gallon on the LNG tractor, and we're around 6 miles per gallon on our comparative diesel. So we've got a difference there we still haven't been able to make up — about 17 to 18 percent."

5. By taking a closer look at the fuel side of the equation, they're improving that number: "LNG has to be actively managed — when you fuel, how long it sits in the tank, what kind of pressure is in the tank — all those things are being metered and monitored and we're seeing incremental gains to close that gap.

6. Bison originally forecasted a fuel range of 550 miles for their LNG fueled LCVs, "but realistically we're around 450."

7. "We're figuring out that the break-in period for these engines is a lot longer than diesel engines," Maurais shared. "It can be up to 200,000 km before we get optimal fuel consumption."

Spec'ing Heads Up

8. When you're spec'ing, "what you have to remember is that the [Westport 15L] GX engine is based on the 2007Cummins ISX engine — not the 2010 or 2012 engine so when you want to do a comparison you want to do it to the same type of engine — that's very important," said Maurais.

Bison went with model 386 Peterbilt's and Westport's 15L GX. In general, there are some particular nuances with natural gas trucks, Fridfinnson cautioned.

But the big nuance?

9. "You need more tank space. We had to extend our wheelbase and when you do that, you get a bigger trailer gap and that affects the aerodynamic — a heads up for anybody spec'ing these trucks."

Maurais said that "In our specs, we found out it's nearly impossible to get the truck shorter than a 220-inch wheelbase with LNG trucks if you want to use the 120 US gallons tanks, so it makes for a very long truck."

10. Watch your weight, too, Maurais stressed. They went overweight by U.S. regs on the steer axle when they first got started.

11. Robert had electrical issues, as well. Methane detectors drained power, and they had to bring in more batteries. (Creatively, they added solar panels to the roof to power those detectors, A/C systems, microwaves, and computers.)

Anticipating Cost Per Mile

Bison tapped their LNG project onto their LCVs that run in between Calgary and Edmonton. "We took a look at that and said that's a prime opportunity for us — how can we convert that and be able to anchor our natural gas solution?

12. Fridfinnson said that an LCV truck tracks around 3-4 cents per mile in maintenance cost in the first year of its operation. "These trucks, right now, have put us double that — around 7-8 cents per mile."

13. Some of that added cost was anticipated, he said. They didn't convert their shop to maintain the LNG tractors, "so we knew there was an outside factor, and the service intervals on today's natural gas trucks are more complex than diesels so that's not a fair comparison." They knew that going in, he said. "But there was some downtime related to the fact that they are gas trucks — fuel sensors, fuel gauges, and software related to those pieces not being right — and some are related to the fact that it’s a truck trying to make a bunch of pinpoints work together."

Bison's LNG tractors have been put through their paces; next month, they'll hit the one million mile mark.

14. Which is the point with these trucks: work 'em. "The more your LNG truck is on the road, the more it will save you money," Maurais pointed out. "So try to get them going as much as possible. If you want to give them double-shifts, LNG trucks are perfect for that, especially if you're running a daily operation or local deliveries — run a few shifts and you're going to save a lot of fuel."

Return On Investment?

15. Not yet. Bison had originally targeted two years to make up the incremental cost for a natural gas tractor. "We wanted to be aggressive about it," Fridfinnson said. But given what they've experienced so far, that isn't going to happen. Where it ends up remains to be seen but suffice it to say, it's become an extended timeframe."

And as to any further commitment and investment in LNG, well, Bison isn't shopping for the proverbial wedding ring just yet.

16. Still, they are dedicated to making it work. But, warned Fridfinnson, "Everyone looks at the commodity of natural gas — its 30 percent cheaper, 50 percent cheaper; commodity prices are one thing but how that translates into an operating and working model and returns at the early stage are much, much different."

Drivers: An Extremely Fantastically Important Component

17. Both Fridfinnson and Maurais stressed the importance of keeping their drivers in the LNG loop. If you don't, the whole project can die on the vine, Fridfinnson said.

18. "Have some individuals at the driver level that are experts in what this is, how it works, how it plays out at the business," advised Fridfinnson. "And have those guys participate in the breaking-in of the trucks, and in the ride-alongs before the driver is assigned a truck."

19. Bison held forums to create a dialogue with drivers on natural gas. "It's important to understand the basic presumption that's out there in the workforce." Presumptions like: harder and longer to fill, has less power, and that they run out of fuel unexpectedly.

"How we dealt with that is that one of the members of the driver advisory board — one of the mentors that had had been driving the truck for three months and coaching others — took over and related his personal experience."

That driver told the others that it was safe, that their were methane detectors in the truck, "has more power than my diesel truck and the difference is probably ten minutes in fuelling when it comes down to it, and it runs quieter."

20. Also, if you give them a bigger engine that runs quieter, plus add in the fuel range aspect, Bison's drivers needed some training on how to use that power effectively.

21. Train your technicians and train your people at the operatins level, Maurais said. You don't want your ops people sending these trucks all over the place to pick up your loads. "They need to know that LNG trucks are different than diesel trucks."

Work Closely with OEMs and Suppliers

22. Much of Bison's component issues has improved over time, Fridfinnison said. "I will give props to our suppliers for their attentiveness and partnership in making sure we're not in here on our own trying to deal with these things."

Maurais seconded him: "Work with your OEMs and the dealership. We've had — I won't say how many — but many issues, especially on the quality side of the trucks. We basically ran prototype trucks for two years and our downtime is at 20 percent with these trucks.

23. "You should expect that downtime."

24. "But I'll put onus on the people here and those in our industry," Fridfinnson said at the end of his presentation, "if we don't participate in it and create a market and a need for it, we can't expect a whole lot of development coming from the equipment manufacturers and fuel suppliers — there's got to be a collective push that moves this thing."

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Tips For Selling Trucks For Sale on the Internet

The internet has become one of the most effective ways for companies to reach customers. More people than ever have access to computers and the internet, and a company that can take advantage of the world wide web has a much greater chance of succeeding in today's world than a company that cannot. This is true in all areas of sales and marketing, including when it comes to selling trucks. However, it takes more than creating a web site that advertises trucks for sale. For an online vendor of trucks to succeed, there are a number of fundamentals that need to be in place. This article will detail some of the most useful tips for selling trucks online to increase a company's chances of reaching the right customers and making as many sales as possible.

The first and perhaps most important task to complete when selling trucks is to take plenty of pictures. An effective web site that lists trucks for sale will include several pictures of both the exterior and interior of each vehicle to be sold. This is because seeing is believing, and when a customer cannot physically touch, view, and drive a truck in person, the next best thing is to be able to see as many pictures of it as possible.

Well lit pictures from a variety of angles indicate to the customer that the company has nothing to hide regarding their trucks. Good pictures from multiple angles also allow the customers to gain more confidence regarding their potential purchase. Furthermore, customers can easily answer many of their own questions without needing to consult with the company once they can look into the vehicles through the pictures.

However, pictures are not the only element to keep in mind when advertising trucks for sale. Another key component of selling trucks is to provide as much written information as possible regarding the specifications of the truck and any work that has been done to the truck. Specifications and clear and accurate maintenance histories are essential because they inform the customers about the trucks they are considering.

Information regarding manufacturer details and specifications also saves the company time because customers will not have to call or email to ask questions that could easily have been answered ahead of time through a detailed listing of which features are and are not included with a particular truck.

Similarly, maintenance histories are essential because they alert customers to potential repairs that may need to be made in the near or distant future. They also answer a number of questions regarding the history of the truck in question, especially if the truck is one with hundreds of thousands of miles on the chassis.

A related element to providing detailed information on truck specifications and maintenance histories is the inclusion of a written description of the truck's exterior and interior. Once again, details are key, as they head off customer questions and inspire customer confidence.

Details such as the condition of the cabin, dashboard, and seats are details that companies are likely to take for granted, as they are thoroughly familiar with the interiors of their trucks. However, customers who have no experience with the trucks will want to know about such details, as they may have significant impacts on the daily driving experiences of the customers once they take ownership of the trucks.

Finally, information about exteriors can be used by customers in concert with pictures to evaluate whether or not a particular truck may meet their needs. In conclusion, selling trucks on the internet can be a straight forward procedure as long as companies keep the provision of details at the forefront of their design and marketing efforts.

Jim McCormack, editor for Trucker To Trucker which offers trucks for sale, trailers, and parts too. Buy and sell trucks, trailers, and parts.

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What Are Outriggers and Their Impact on Bucket Trucks?

Using bucket trucks is very common in many aerial professions such as construction workers and electrical workers, and this useful piece of equipment is capable of lifting workers to high heights. One of the greatest contributions to many industries by these powerful and complex machines is making any aerial task easier.

These machines should be treated with respect because if they are poorly handled, it may put its operators in tremendous amounts of dangers. The operator's prime responsibility in any aerial application is ensuring that the best safety practices are implemented. For this reason, it is important for operators to be well-versed in the different truck parts, including ground supports.

This part is a leg-type device attached to the piece of equipment for added support during a lift. This truck part can be manipulated by a control knob or other release control mechanism, and they should be laid on solid and stable ground. The operator must make sure that the ground is not muddy, and that the pads can be laid on the ground for added stability.

Pads

Pads should be laid on flat surfaces especially if the piece of equipment has smaller support legs. These pads are helpful to distribute the weight load of the whole vehicle, and when using several pads of different sizes, ensure that the smaller pad is on top of the larger pad. There is a wide range of especially designed pads available that are made durably with tested load capacity of up to 24,000 lbs per pad.

Tip-Over

Tip-over is one of the most dangerous potential hazards that all operators face when operating a bucket truck. In order to prevent such situations from happening, the bucket should only be raised when the supports are laid on the ground. In addition, fall protection such as a lanyard or safety harness should be worn at all times, workers should not surpass the bucket lifting capacity, and operators should avoid lifting operations when high winds are present at the work site.

Proper Support Placement

When this tool is not set right or properly placed, it can be a threat to the operator's safety. These tools should be properly placed on the ground. To remain safe while the process of lowering down occurs, the worker should make sure that the higher one is let down first and then the lower one. This will help to protect the worker, especially if they are not paying close attention to the process and accidentally pull up the lower one first while forgetting that the higher one is already jacked out. This can result in the breaking of the lower one or possibly cause the truck to tip-over. By letting down the higher support leg first, the equipment is ensured not to tip over if the lower one is mistakenly raised first.

Safety Practices

In addition to employing well-trained personnel to complete any projects where bucket trucks are needed, it is essential that the operator upholds safety practices as well. Accidents can happen if an operator is lazy, or wrongfully uses the piece of equipment. Safety practices start even before going out on the road for a task. Make sure that outriggers are working properly by checking the controls. When an operator senses that there's something wrong with the control functions, or any signs of physical damage to the outriggers, these must be reported to the company's technician for immediate repairs.

Finally, outriggers are another bucket truck part that is essential in supporting the vehicle during a lift. This very useful tool should be well taken care of and properly operated, especially during the deployment of its support mechanism, to make sure the stability of the whole equipment is maximized.

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Trucks.

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Vacuum Trucks Clean Up After a Flood!

Flooding is sometimes inevitable after a heavy rain storm, particularly when debris and silt collect and block the flow of water in storm sewers and drainage systems. If not fixed, the blockage will cause this excess run-off to linger, affecting both motorists and pedestrians. Thankfully, there is equipment specifically designed to provide relief from this kind of problem called vacuum trucks.

Flooding Dangers

Flooding is more than just an inconvenience to pedestrians and commuters. Submerged roads are dangerous to drive on since water reduces traction between the wheels and the road. The situation can become even more dangerous during the winter when melted snow can re-freeze into a layer of ice on the road which could cause vehicles to skid dangerously out of control.

Role of Storm Drains

Storm drains are conduit systems designed specifically to get rid of liquid run-off caused by precipitation and melting snow; they prevent rainstorms from flooding roads and the surrounding area. Storm sewers are an important infrastructure, especially in urban areas. Unlike rural areas where much of the rain is absorbed by the soil, urban locations and especially large cities have much of the ground covered in cement which does not absorb any liquid at all. Without a properly installed drainage system, rain water will simply collect and could result in flooding.

A storm system is a large infrastructure that runs beneath cities and is solely dedicated to removing this liquid run-off. The location of storm drains, as well as the size of the pipes used, are carefully planned to accommodate large volumes of water without overflowing.

A storm system has three major parts:

Inlet- The inlet is an opening usually found on the side of the road. The inlet is grated in order to keep large debris from entering and blocking the pipes. Smaller debris that goes through the inlet grating is collected in the catch basin.
Pipes- The pipes direct the run-off out of the city. The diameter of the pipes varies depending upon the volume of liquid collected. The smallest pipes are the ones directly connected to the drainage inlet. The pipes get larger as several smaller ones merge to compensate for the increased volume. Water run-off systems also have other features such as falls, stairways, balconies and pits for catching debris.
Outlet- All the pipes, as well as the run-off, lead to massive outlets. In most cases, the rain water drains to natural bodies of water such as oceans, rivers, lakes, or canals, where it can be safely discharged.

Flooding Causes

Despite the fact that cities have floodwater removal plans, flooding still occurs. There are two reasons for this: first, the volume of precipitation is too much for the drainage system to handle; and second, the catch basins on the drainage system are clogged with so much debris that they restrict the flow of water.

Vacuum Trucks Role

If the flooding is caused by a clogged catch basin in the drainage system, help can be provided by vacuum trucks. The catch basin is specifically designed to catch debris and prevent it from entering the pipes; however, the debris can collect over a period of time and cause a clog. It is the role of the vacuum truck to regularly clean out catch basins and prevent clogging. Despite this regular activity, catch basins can still swell easily during heavy rain and the end result can be flooding. During this type of crisis, vacuum trucks can be called in to perform their extracting service and relieve the clog.

Flood sewer systems are designed to prevent an excess of precipitation from gathering in a particular area; however, they do require regular maintenance in order for them to effectively perform their duty which is where the role of vacuum trucks is so vital. The drainage system and vacuum trucks work in tandem to prevent an inundation. When catastrophic flooding events do occur, vacuum trucks are there to clean up after a deluge!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Vacuum Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.vacuumtrucksales.net/home.

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Is It a Good Idea to Rent Used Bucket Trucks?

Many industries that rely regularly on bucket trucks choose to purchase their own fleet of these vehicles. For example, electric companies own a number of them because their business relies on them on a daily basis. On the other hand, there are industries that also require their use but only on an occasional basis. For example, orchard farms use these vehicles only during certain seasons and therefore turn to renting, rather than purchasing this equipment. So, a company may wonder if it is a good idea to lease used bucket trucks.

Rental Options

There are many companies that offer bucket trucks for rent. In most cases, the equipment being offered was previously part of a fleet and has since been replaced by their first owners. These vehicles are then reconditioned before they are made available to eliminate any defects or damage so the customers who use them can trust that they are safe to use.

Companies that offer used bucket trucks for rent have various lending terms so their clients can easily find a vehicle that suits their needs. The terms offered by most lending companies are daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly rates. For contract terms that reach a year, most lending companies offer flexible and lower rates to their clients. Some lending companies even offer borrow-to-own equipment. With these terms, the lessee will own the vehicle after borrowing it on contract for a certain period of time.

Rental Positives

Renting a bucket truck has advantages and disadvantages depending upon the nature of the business and how the equipment will be used. One of the biggest advantages of leasing is that it gives a company the option to use a bucket truck without having to purchase one. This set-up is ideal for a business that only requires the use of this equipment occasionally, since buying and maintaining a vehicle would be impractical if it is only used once or twice a year.

Renting is also good for businesses that are just beginning to use this type of equipment. By leasing, they can experiment with the ways this equipment could optimize their necessary work. A company that is planning to purchase a bucket truck can determine the type that is best for them by leasing various models with different specifications and using them to see which ones are right for their needs.

Renting makes this equipment available to smaller businesses that cannot afford the high cost of purchasing a brand new or used bucket truck. By leasing, terms can be chosen that will fit the way the equipment is used.

Rental Negatives

While leasing a bucket truck has its advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to this type of arrangement. Since borrowed bucket trucks are used by various renters, it would not be surprising to borrow a vehicle that has defects. Any previous user could have damaged the vehicle and it could have gone unnoticed by the leasing company. The defective vehicle could compromise the safety of the operator of the equipment. When leasing a used bucket truck, always choose a company that is known for conducting a thorough inspection of their fleet and has an excellent maintenance program. If the equipment will be used near live wires, it should be dielectrically tested at least once a year to test the effectiveness of its insulation.

Any company that plans on expanding should also consider purchasing this vehicle rather than leasing. Unless the term is rent-to-own, the cost of leasing will eventually supersede the cost of purchasing the equipment, which makes leasing impractical in the long run. In addition, when a business owns the equipment, it creates a positive business image and conveys stability.

Leasing is a great option for bucket truck users that only require the equipment on an occasional basis; however, purchasing this equipment should still be the top consideration of users that plan on expanding or using the equipment on a daily basis. Make sure that the company that leases this equipment follows a strict maintenance and inspection regimen to ensure that the vehicle being rented does not have any defects, and renting can be a great idea!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Used Bucket Trucks.

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Heavy Duty Projects Completed Easily by Altec Bucket Trucks!

When the world is in demand of projects that require the use of heavy-duty machinery, such as: highly engineered facilities; building infrastructures; repairs for electric and telecommunication services; repair and installation of business signs; restoration of damaged street lights after storms; and the installation of power line transformers, nothing can beat the power of an Altec bucket truck. This type of vehicle is largely recognized for its maneuverability, versatility, safety, reliability, functionality and capacity to complete heavy-duty projects quickly.

Basic Use

This aerial equipment is used to lift workers to various heights and is used in place of a ladder to reduce the hazards that are associated with that device, such as shakiness, tripping, collapsing, and falls to the ground. Everyday the bucket truck is used to meet the needs of many industries. Common uses include servicing electric and telecommunication lines, building construction, painting, pruning, hanging decorations, and fire rescue operations. All of these projects can be completed easily and safely through the use of the extremely functional bucket truck.

Important Information

Altec is a brand that is recognized for the development of a highly advanced, durable, and functional aerial lift device. They have been in the business for more than seven decades, producing distinguished aerial lifts. They offer various models that are manufactured with remarkable quality and exceptional designs. One of their innovative designs is the storage compartment in the bucket which facilitates the ease of carrying necessary tools when elevated to the work site. They continuously produce smarter and safer bucket trucks for every consumer. All of their vehicles are efficient, dependable, innovative, and productive.

Electric and Telecommunication Maintenance

Each day electric and telecommunication companies must ensure that their consumers have access to the services supplied to them. In order to respond to the need, workers must be immediately sent to any area where damage to electrical wires have caused a disruption in the services provided to their customers. Since this work requires a quick response and elevation, these industries utilize bucket trucks to safely repair any damage.

Rescue Operation

Bucket trucks are used by fire departments across the United States to efficiently put out fires in tall building infrastructures and to safely rescue people who may be trapped inside the building. Firemen can easily reach desired heights without having to exert as much effort as they would if they had to climb a ladder to rescue any victims.

Building Construction

The bucket truck is an indispensable construction vehicle. When performing any building projects, such as making houses and new roads, the ability to reach certain heights is important and this heavy-duty equipment is the ultimate solution. These vehicles can quickly carry construction equipment to a five-story building. Bucket trucks can also help by lifting workers and their tools to various heights to install signs for businesses as well as those by public and private streets. Whatever heavy-duty project must be done related to building construction, this mighty vehicle is always ready to go.

Industries such as energy and telecommunications demand the use of aerial lifting devices due to the nature of their jobs. Ladders are the conventional method for climbing tall utility poles; however, due to the risks involving the inability of ladders to reach tall heights and the length of time it takes to climb ladders, they have become an inefficient tool and very dangerous to use.

To solve this problem, utility services have turned to the bucket truck, which is a heavy-duty machine that is able to quickly lift workers to the desired height and thereby increase productivity. Many industries use aerial lift equipment because of its high performance ability. These companies make sure that they purchase an Altec bucket truck because of its reliability, functionality, high quality, safety, versatility, and speed, all of which allows heavy-duty projects to be completed easily and quickly!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Altec Bucket Trucks.

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Heavy Trucks in India - A Glimpse

The Indian automobile industry has been growing by leaps and bounds in the last couple of years; especially the small-car segment has witnessed spectacular growth. The de-regulation and liberalization of the Indian economy is one among the multitudes of reason for the change of fortune of this hitherto decaying sector of the economy. Add to it the growing population of the Indian middle-class with a discretionary income and what we have is a conducive and nurturing environment for economic growth.

The rate of growth has been stupendously above 30 percent for the small car segment. Even during the financial crisis of 2008 the sector remained upbeat and resilient. The growth of the sector has been a major draw for various multinationals to open their manufacturing plants in the country. Even the Truck manufacturers are having a good run at the market. The heavy trucks manufacturers are riding on the wave of rapid technological up gradation and production processes.

Over the last decade, the Indian market has been witness to many new heavy trucks on the roads. The demand for industrial trucks and heavy trucks has been on the higher side due to the rapid growth of the Indian economy.

This would not come as a surprise to many, as the growth of the economy has a direct relation to the growth in the heavy automobile sector. These kinds of vehicles become the carrier of growth by way of transporting raw materials and finished goods to the production points and at the market place. Hence, it can be safely asserted that as long as the Indian economy shows sign of growth, the heavy automobile manufacturing segment can also be expected to be on a growing path.

Trucks in the Indian context are major commercial vehicles with regards to the transportation of goods around the country. Trucks in India are rightly considered to be the lifeline of all commerce and trade activities. Precisely for this reason, India has been ranked eighth in the world in term of production of commercial vehicles. In the year 2010 alone, India produced a staggering 14.82 million motor vehicles.

The new entrants in the Indian automobile segment along with their established Indian counterparts are expanding their production capacities in order to fulfill the growing demand. Companies undergoing expansion include Hyundai, GM, Toyota, Honda,Tata Motors, VW Group, and Maruti-Suzuki. Tractors which are also a distinct part of the automobile industry has not been left behind in this growth story. India produced 1/3rd of the global output of tractors i.e. 3, 70,000 in the year 2009-2010.

All in all, the Indian automobile industry shows a positive sign of growth in the near future and will continue to attract foreign heavy trucks manufacturers to the Indian shores.

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How to Go About Buying Used Fire Trucks

Used fire trucks are sold in the same way as used cars. There are many honest and hardworking dealers that deal with this type of sale, but some few unethical dealers damage the reputation of every dealer in the industry. Therefore it is up to the buyer to identify the honest dealers and do business with them.

When fire departments want to update a fleet of fire trucks, they are normally faced with the dilemma of choosing between buying from a dealer or a broker. This is because both sellers are capable of providing similar services at different levels. Therefore it is important for one to know the pros and cons of each seller so as to decide on which one to work with.

The first thing you should know is that these sellers share a common goal, which is to provide a unit for their buyer. So, sometimes brokers might advertise themselves as having hundreds of units in their inventory. However, this is not always the case. Most of the times they do not even have a single truck with them. They list apparatus that other truck dealers have and charge a commission for every sale they make.

Therefore, brokers are less concerned about what unit you buy, all they are interested in is the number of units they sell. So, it is advisable that you shop for your truck directly from a dealer and avoid working with brokers.

One advantage of working with dealers is that you are assured of getting quality for your money. This is because the dealers acquire their units straight from the fire department. They also sell their units at a fair price since there is no middleman involved. Dealers are also concerned with the condition of their units more than the number of units they have, thus stock on the latest and best models for their customers.

It is important to ask the dealer what they check and repair when they do a full inspection of your truck. Some of the common parts they should go over include the filters and fluids, lighting systems and warning devices, the pump, aerial certification, brakes, tires, steering and other vehicle safety systems.

You might notice that listing services have a wider variety of vehicles as compared to the dealers, but that is not true. All listing services do is pass your order to the dealer that has the specific brand you want. They then earn some money for making that sale. This fee is included in the cost of the trucks which makes it more expensive. So that is another reason why you should avoid working with them.

There are several ways of knowing if the person or company you are dealing with is a certified dealer. First thing you should do is check whether the company buys their own inventory. You should also see if they offer warranties on their apparatus and engine.

Next check where the lettering is done. If the lettering has to be done somewhere else, know that that is not a genuine dealer. Also it is good to note that certified dealers normally deliver the trucks to the customer personally and do not charge any extra fees for that service. Finally, it is important to check if the seller insures the used fire trucks until delivery. You can then go on to buy the units you want, after ascertaining that you are dealing with a certified dealer.

Whether you are looking for new or used fire trucks and tankers, we will work with you to ensure your needs are fulfilled and satisfied. Visit us online ( http://www.oscotankandtrucksales.com/ )

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The Facts You Need To Know About Mud Bogging Trucks

If you are a fun off-road sports fan and you find it thrilling to have a good time, you can have a great experience by riding mud bogging trucks. These vehicles are popular particularly in Canada and the United States. Riding them is a very exhilarating experience. The mud bogging sport combines the thrill of racing, the fun that comes from off-road racing, the love of performance vehicles and the love that little boys have of playing in the mud, which many adults still have.

This sport was introduced in the 1970s when lovers of off-road racing started competing against each other in muddy, boggy and dirty areas that they could find and this was mostly in swampy areas of North Carolina. Mud bogging is now an organized competition since organizers of motorsports shows picked up on it. They started including large pits filled with mud for racing in their shows and the sport became popular for both racers and spectators. This popular event is usually arranged on a monthly or yearly basis and at certain places, the competitions are held on a weekly basis. These events are great for a weekend out with your friends or your family.

The goal of the mud bogging sport is to try your best to drive through huge mud puddles. The person who is able to drive all the way through a huge mud puddle becomes the winner. If a number of drivers make their way through, the driver who took the shortest time is considered to be the winner. These trucks are usually four wheel drive since it is not possible for two wheel drives to make it through the huge mud puddles.

Mud bogging trucks also have a strong engine that is able to provide the needed power to take them through the puddles. They usually have special modifications such as very large wheels so that they can be more efficient in accomplishing the task. The mud bogging sport continues to grow each year and competitors engage in interesting actions to ensure that they become winners. For example, they modify the body of the vehicles and some even alter the tires in certain ways.

Most competitors attach lift kits on their trucks, which serve the purpose of giving the vehicles the needed elevation that allows them to clear off the mud. The other common alteration made in these trucks is the installation of larger tires that have deeper tracks. They give the vehicles more traction and enhance the chances of a driver becoming a winner in the sport. These vehicles are also turbo charged and have nitrous injections. They are like monster trucks on steroids.

The trucks are usually very attractive since they usually have shiny and sleek bodies that are in the best conditions. They then battle out in the filthy mud and come out covered in it and even if one does not become the winner, the entertainment offered is great. Bog tracks can be of various kinds; some are open, others hilly and others flat. The length of these tracks can be up to 300 feet and this is usually determined by the amount of space that the arena allows.

Nowadays, mud bogging competitions are usually held along with events that feature the driving of monster trucks since the trucks are highly similar. Equipping mud bogging trucks with the right accessories is essential in ensuring that the trucks will be able to navigate through sticky mud puddles. You can start off with the tires by ensuring you get the tires that are able to handle deep holes filled with muck.

The best tires are those that contain aggressive treads. Spaced out tread patterns allow the truck to be able to throw out the mud better. Another helpful idea is to get larger and wider tires since the rig will be able to hold on to more ground. The other thing that you should do is to seal up the electrical system. You can use vulcanizing silicone to seal up exposed areas like the distributor and other engine parts that will fail to work if they come into contact with water.

The other component that mud bogging trucks should contain for increased efficiency is a bigger gear box. It will be able to push the tires better and you can choose to get after market gear box packages. After installing bigger gear boxes, you should ensure that you grease them well in order to prevent damage. You should also consider modifying the intake system so that it will not suck in water. One way to do this is through the installation of a snorkel system, which will make it possible for the intake system to breathe in fresh air.

The other modification that you can do to a mud bogging truck is to secure the radiator. You can move it to the back of the truck so that its chances of getting damaged are reduced. In order to keep it from getting overheated, you can connect an electric fan to it. To increase traction, you can get a set of locking hubs that will allow the transmission to turn the front wheels as they turn the back wheels. This will give the truck more power to move through obstacles.

When they first came up with mud bogging trucks this had to be what they had in mind. The deep mud and the roar of engines, that's the way to spend the weekend. S W Allen

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Cabotage Laws Allow Mexican Trucks Full U.S. Travel

Cross Border Trucking

Many in the trucking industry continue to state that according to the cabotage laws, that trucks from Mexico will only be able to deliver their freight from Mexico to the assigned U.S. destination and can only pick up another load from that destination or close by, and must head back straight to Mexico.

We have been stating that this is incorrect and that Mexican trucks will be able to move freely through-out the United States, even when deadheading to pick up another shipment.

We have confirmed this through correspondence with an official at the U. S. Department of Transportation.

We posed this question through the Trucking Solutions Group:

“If a Mexico based truck delivers a load to Idaho, can the driver legally drive from Idaho to Missouri to pick up a load going back to Mexico?   It is 1,617 miles from Boise, Idaho to St. Louis, Missouri,  so can this driver travel any number of miles in the United States  once he or she  is empty, to pick up a load going back to Mexico?  Is this correct?”

Answer:

“Yes, you are correct.  The distance isn’t the answer but rather defining and understanding the movement.” (Dolores Macias, U.S. DOT)

Therefore, we now know with certainty, that due to the way the cabotage laws are written, Mexican trucks and their drivers will have full access to U. S. travel.  Here is the big problem that will most likely be coming . . .

Although the driver can deadhead for the load heading straight back to Mexico, because of the way the cabotage laws are written, it will offer opportunity for U. S. interstate freight to be moved by Mexican nationals for American companies,  (whether they be domiciled in Mexico or the U. S.) at cheaper wages;  even though the law states they may not pick up and deliver within the United States.

Keep in mind that American companies can hire Mexican nationals as long as they are moving freight to and from Mexico.  However, if these drivers can travel through-out the U. S. to pick up another shipment  in order to return to Mexico, the temptation to pick up and deliver another load “along the way” is great.  From what we understand, there have been Canadian drivers who are already doing this and have been for many years.  It only takes a few “changes” on the shipping papers to make it happen.

Because the cross border opening just happens to fall right in line with the enactment of the CSA and the renewal of NAFTA, it is all about moving the freight at the exploitation of the Mexican drivers at a lower wage.  Furthermore, American drivers will continue to remain at their stagnate pay scale due to the influx of a low-pay group of drivers . . . the main objective of the cross border action.   Both Mexican and American truck drivers will be the pawns used in the cross border trucking exploitation.

Even if the Mexican drivers and the U. S. trucking companies adhere to the cabotage laws and do not allow the transporting of goods within the United States before returning to Mexico, I contend that eventually, the companies and trucking organizations will call for this ban to be lifted, citing the excuse of a truck driver shortage.

© 2011, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: cabotage laws, cross border, CSA, mexico, NAFTA, trucking

Tagged with: cabotage laws • cross border • CSA • mexico • NAFTA • trucking

Filed under: DOT • Politics • Safety • otr trucking • trucking • trucking companies • trucking life

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Projects Made Easier Using Vacuum Trucks!

With all the cleaning machines available, vacuum trucks have become one of the most versatile and useful pieces of equipment that succeeds in keeping safety at the forefront of every job. Whatever wet or dry, toxic or non-toxic, cleaning or transporting job a corporation might need handled, the versatility that these trucks offer will simplify any situation without threatening the environment or the safety of the crew or general public.

There are four factors that contribute to the effectiveness of vacuum trucks ability to complete their jobs. These include: safety features; level of power and performance; ease of operation; and durability. All of these aspects are vital issues to keep in mind when doing the following jobs.
Street Sweeping - Street sweeping in urban areas has been manually performed by a person for centuries. A broom and hand shovel is used to remove debris and trash that have accumulated on the streets and in the gutters. Manual street sweeping can be very tiresome and time-consuming since the sweeper spends the majority of their time working outside in many different kinds of weather. Modern street sweepers are known as vacuum trucks and are equipped with hydro-jets and mechanical brooms to collect debris into the tank on the vehicle. Street sweeping is rapidly and efficiently completed with the help of vacuum trucks as compared to manual labor.
Sewer Cleaning - Manual sewer cleaning usually takes several days to finish and can endanger the lives of the workers performing this dirty job. Many advantages exist if this same job is performed by a vacuum truck. These efficient vehicles are equipped with pressure washers and a powerful vacuum system that is effective in cleaning sewer lines. Municipalities can cost effectively remove debris in sewer lines with excellent operating efficiency and reliability.
Septic Pumping - Caring for a septic system is vital in maintaining a normal level of performance. If a septic tank problem should arise, it may have been caused by water back-up or a clog in the drain lines. Whatever the cause of the failure, there are certain things that a homeowner can do to fix this problem; however, the process is very messy and requires some knowledge of exactly how the system works. With the help of a septic removal professional, a homeowner can arrange for their septic tank to be pumped using a vacuum truck to remove excess sludge which will effectively lengthen the service life of the tank.
Hydro-excavating - When cave-ins occur, the rescue workers have a hard time breaking up any surrounding soil in order to remove the trapped victim. The emergency responders have to act immediately and must work as a team with other agencies to successfully unearth and rescue the victim. Hydro-excavating is the safest method to remove the soil in a trench rescue operation using pressurized water and a high-level vacuum. This procedure permits the rapid conveyance of materials and less labor output as compared to conventional digging equipment.

Whatever applications may be needed from cleaning to rescuing, the effectiveness of a vacuum truck will always be impressive. The versatility of this piece of equipment increases its ability to do many projects safely, productively and easily!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Vacuum Trucks For Sale, go to the main website at: http://www.vacuumtrucksales.net/home.

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Learn How Grapple Trucks Work in the Forest!

Although called various names, grapple trucks or log loaders are trucks that have a clamping tool that can effectively grab whole pieces of timber and load them to be delivered to a processing plant. The type of grapple that is commonly used for log loading is the claw-type clamp, which resembles forks that bypass each other when used to pick up the wood. This device is usually mounted to hydraulic knuckle booms to perform the job efficiently. In this way, it becomes a multi-tasking machine that can handle timber at most distances within reach. Just like any other forestry equipment, these trucks must follow certain steps when being used in the forest.

Operational Steps:

1. Prior to Job

Before hauling timber in a logging truck, the owner's manual should be read and understanding should be complete regarding the safe and proper use of the grapple attachment.Operators should be well-trained and appropriately licensed to handle these vehicles.All handlers should be aware of the lifting capacity of the vehicle.

2. Prior Inspection

Before turning on the machine, the job site should be closely examined to ensure that there are no workers near the area where the logs will be moved.Ensure that the vehicle operator has good visibility of the landing and deck area.Confirm that all hydraulic rigs are in place to stabilize the equipment so that there is a strong foundation during the log loading.Trees that block the movement of the grapple should be removed when loading timber.Avoid usage near power lines. A 100-foot parameter should be used to avoid electrocution hazards.

3. Grasping

Be sure that the hydraulic grapple grabs the logs completely to avoid dropping. Pinching is not recommended in moving logs as this creates a high risk for side-slipping.

4. Loading

Do not load the trailer if the driver is inside the unit. The transport truck driver should not remain in the cab if the unit has no cab guard.No workers should be on the blind side or near the log loader while it is being operated.No cut trees should be moved near or over another pile of cut trees in order to avoid unexpected movement.The gripped logs should be slowly moved onto the trailer bed until the vehicle is fully loaded with the lumber to be transported to its final destination.Transport trailers should not be overloaded. Loaded lumber should be uniform in height and fastened in place to avoid shifting during transit that could lead to transport vehicle tip-over.

5. After Completion

When the job is complete and the vehicle is no longer in operation, the knuckle boom should be folded and put back into place to prevent unnecessary accidents.

The technological advancement of hydraulic knuckle booms has paved the way to the versatility of grapple trucks. This modern technology is very effective and productive not only in bulk trash collection, landscaping and excavation but also in log lifting operations. Similar to other forestry trucks, grapple trucks have their own method of functioning and accompanying safety warnings. The information provided above should supply enough information for an overall view of how these vehicles work in the forest and the necessary safety measures to consider when operating these machines!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Grapple Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.firstfleettrucksales.com/home.

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Why Would You Need Vacuum Trucks?

With the increasing demand of complex but also cheap transportation solutions, the demand for Vacuum Trucks grew in the last few years. If you look at the major industries where the vacuum trucks are needed it will be easy to determine if it is worth it to open this kind of business in your locality or not.

Wastewater
You might have seen those big trucks pumping water out of the sewers immediately after a storm or after a natural disaster such as an inundation and heavy rains. In this case, you will have to consider two aspects of your Vacuum Trucks: their power, and their capacity. The power is important so you could empty the water from drains and sewage lines fast, and the capacity has to be sufficient to fill it with large quantities of water in a short period.

Excavators
Sometimes the common excavator is not going to be enough for the kind of work you are planning. Depending upon the terrain you can think about using the common excavator if it is plain and the area is fast, but for small surfaces when you need to dig vertically, not horizontally, your only option are the Vacuum Trucks. In this case, the most important characteristic of the truck is its power, as sometimes you will have to dig trough rough terrain and even rocky surfaces.

Public Works
Your local authorities are using the Vacuum Trucks often. Whether we are talking about pumping the water from a sewer or about cleaning the streets, a truck of this kind is surely very much in demand. However, the truck has several other utilities. If you have contract with the municipal authorities allowing collaboration for cleaning or maintenance of sewers than a vacuum truck must not be missing from your auto park.

State DOT's
The DOT's are special works where you will need to dig vertically. In this case you will need to dig a deep hole of a small diameter, and the vacuum truck is the only machine which comes handy for this kind of job. It is important to have a powerful truck if you want to dig the hole quickly and efficiently.

Oil business
The oil field machineries are complex, and they should be able to extract the oil efficiently. However, some of the machineries might break from time to time because of the rugged nature of work. Instead of waiting for the repair which could be very costly, oil companies might prefer your vacuum truck to extract the oil in this case. It is not likely to be as efficient as oil drilling machineries but it will allow the oil company to continue the production till their machinery is repaired.

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Bucket Trucks and Rust - Don't Let It Happen!

One of the great challenges that most fleet companies are facing is the issue of vehicle corrosion. Heavy duty equipment such as bucket trucks are not exempt to this particular issue. Rust can result in severe body rot as well as wiring harness and parts failure. Trucks and their parts that are poorly protected from corrosion can be hazardous. Staying at the forefront of this particular issue will greatly benefit the company. Preventing rust means extending the life of the equipment, projecting a professional and rust-free company image to consumers, and lowering overall costs and equipment downtime.

There are three types of products available on the market that can be applied to the equipment in order to control corrosion: cathodic protection; wax and tar; and oil:
Cathodic Protection- This type of protection will bring metal closer to its immune state thus protecting the metal by reducing the rate of corrosion and reducing such potential. This type of protection is commonly applied to metal structures, pipelines, and water vessels. Some people have tested and tried this type of protection applied to equipment but in a different type of environment. These types of protection are not applicable with equipment on which de-icers are the primary cause of corrosion. De-icers usually initiate the chemical reaction on the equipment's metal parts which produces rust.
Wax and Tar- These rust control products dominated the market during the mid 1980's. Although wax and tar have been seen as great applications that could eliminate and protect metal from corrosion, they cannot be readily used on areas that are not easily accessible. Furthermore, they can also allow salt and other rust-causing moisture to get trapped because the product's essential features usually dry out and crack easily and corrosion is accelerated on exposed metal surfaces. In addition, it is not recommended and actually it is ineffective to reapply these products yearly because wax and tar do not penetrate and actually leave prior applications exposed to cracks. Wax and tar will sit on water, so it is recommended that prior to the application of this type of product, be sure that the metal surface is dry in order to prevent rust acceleration.
Oil- These products had been widely used by the industry to prevent rust for many years. Oiling can be done yearly or can be done as recommended by the equipment's manufacturer. One of the major advantages of oil product application is it can easily penetrate areas that are hard-to-reach and neutralize the harmful rusting effects to metals. In fact, when oil products are applied to a rusty vehicle, it can actually halt the corrosion process. They can be thinner (less viscous) or heavier (more viscous). Thinner oil versions are best for areas that are hard-to reach since it has the ability of better penetration, while heavier oil versions are best for prolonged protection of the metal areas being treated. For instance, thinner oil products are best for fenders, doors, hoods and areas under fuel tank and engine compartments; heavier oil products are best for areas such as frame rails, underside and wheel wells.

Finally, bucket trucks should be properly maintained and fleet managers must see to it that these trucks are free from rust in order to use them more effectively and safely during every bucket truck application. By preventing corrosion to any of the bucket trucks, managers are sparing the company from spending for costly parts repair or replacement. So that's the story - don't let rust happen to bucket trucks!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Trucks for Sale in Canada.

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Used Bucket Trucks and DOT's New Safety Rules!

For companies that purchase used bucket trucks for their aerial needs, it is imperative to stay current with the new Department of Transportation (DOT) safety rules.

Fleet owners, as well as individual drivers, need to be well-informed about the safety rules in order to comply with those regulations that have been issued by the governmental agency charged with enforcing safety, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), under which is the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program. A driver's primary responsibility is to closely monitor the bucket truck and address any safety concerns of the vehicle.

Guidelines

It is important to be aware of the scope of the rules spelled out by FMCSA. One of their most recent standards declares that any equipment with flagged safety defects must be taken out of service until necessary repairs have been completed. During the time period that the equipment is flagged as defective and in the process of being repaired, it is important to ensure that drivers as well as dispatchers maintain and keep the records of the required restorations. If repairing the flagged defects is somehow delayed and the company fails to comply with the standard set forth by the FMCSA, it can result in prolonged downtime of the bucket truck. As a result, this can affect the company's profitability and delay project deadlines.

Furthermore, the new CSA requirements for record-keeping of safety and repair activities are strictly imposed. If a company fails to abide by such guidelines, it may become overwhelmed with the necessity to complete all necessary paperwork. For this reason, businesses must have a system that better assimilates drivers, dispatchers and the repair shop.

Fleet Maintenance Software

Technological advances have brought much convenience to businesses, especially with the present maintenance and repair scheduling challenges. There are computerized software systems available on the market that can be installed in existing vehicles. These systems can help keep up with maintenance and repair record-keeping in order to keep the bucket truck up-to-date with the record requirements of the CSA.

There are software systems available that allow companies to easily track problems on the road or at the work site and schedule repairs before the bucket truck even returns to the company's home area. These programs allow the driver to fill out an electronic inspection report form regarding the bucket truck. The system also prompts the driver to ensure the entire checklist has been filled out completely as required by CSA.

This information is then delivered electronically to the central maintenance system which will automatically generate a notice of repair for the specific equipment if there are any safety-related issues. With this automation, worries can be eliminated and companies can be assured that there are no miscommunications between drivers, dispatchers and technicians. Also, all the paperwork of the repair requirements is secure, which eliminates the risk of losing it in the process.

Keeping up with the new DOT safety rules and using the technological advancements designed for bucket trucks is very useful. It may be helpful to check with the repair shop used by the business to discuss with them how to work together with the business to abide by the FMCSA and DOT guidelines!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Used Bucket Trucks.

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Bucket Truck Reconditioning - Making Used Trucks A Match For New Ones

If you are all set to purchase a used bucket truck to make your business more efficient than ever before, you should opt for a truck that's been fully reconditioned. This saves you from visiting the local repair shop every now and then to get your truck fixed.

When purchasing used bucket trucks, there are several aspects that require your attention. A bucket truck is a huge investment, even a used one, so it's imperative that you get your money's worth. From getting the best deals to financing the investment, everything must be mapped out prior to making a purchase. Getting specifications of the used truck and inspecting it, are all essential. However, there are several other important things that most people miss, such as checking the credibility of the company and making sure that the used truck has been through the reconditioning process.

Reconditioning of used bucket trucks is a restoration process that fixes up any problems found in the truck. Since the truck has already been used, chances are that it's in a not-so-perfect condition. Nevertheless, a used truck can be refurbished making it look as good as new. Corroded metal and dirt buildup removed followed by undercoating and paint. Only a few companies recondition used bucket trucks. Since each part of the truck is fixed in this process, you won't have to get the parts replaced or fixed after your purchase.

The reconditioning process starts with a thorough inspection of a truck, as soon as it reaches the company's inventory. After making sure of the parts that need restoration, the mechanics remove the corroded parts like cabinets, grills and accessories to be repaired or replaced, depending on the their condition. Once it's disassembled, the truck is degreased to loosen the grime. Right after that, it's power washed to clean it from top to bottom. The next step is sandblasting of front bumper, wheels, wheel wells, fuel tanks, frames, rear tail shaft and other exposed metal. Even the inside of the utility body goes through a sandblasting process.

Afterward, a 320 grit sandpaper is used to sand down the truck and a gray 2K urethane coating is used for priming. This undercoating makes the truck corrosion resistant and durable. For further shielding the truck, LINE-X is sprayed on its walkways and bed. LINE-X comes with a high 'shoreD' hardness rating which provides optimum tensile strength and high resistance to both impact and abrasion. Furthermore, it is known to extend the life expectancy of the vehicle. This water tight coating provides an impeccable finish.

The bucket truck is then reassembled with the interior cleaned, broken parts replaced and the exterior waxed with hand glaze. After it is cosmetically refurbished, the mechanics examine the truck using a 77-point mechanical inspection. The boom of the truck is screened using the 177-point boom inspection. In addition to making the used truck appear like a brand new one, these companies customize the truck with extra cabinets, additional strobe lights, hitches and more.

Once you are well versed with the reconditioning process, you can make a deal with the company that gives a new look to the used bucket truck utilizing this process. However, you need to ensure that the bucket truck sales company makes use of the appropriate machine and dielectric testing. This makes the used truck to comply with the Federal and DOT guidelines. Give the go-ahead to a truck purchase only when you are certain it's been fully reconditioned.

This article has been written by an expert associated with I-80 Equipment, a well-known company that offers an exclusive range of fully reconditioned used bucket truck for sale at affordable prices for various businesses.

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Super Effort With Super Dump Trucks!

Super dump trucks have a heavy, powerful equipment design for industries that need more capacity to accomplish their work. For example, the ore mining industry hauls big rocks from their open-pit mining operations to the processing point. As with any other truck, super dump trucks are relatively simple to operate.

Despite the fact that they are a massive piece of equipment, there is no age or gender restriction in order to drive this type of vehicle. It is not considered difficult for a person to secure a position operating this type of vehicle because a commercial driver's license (CDL) is not required.

Overview

These vehicles are impressive; they are huge pieces of machinery. They are commonly used in the mining industry, specifically in open-pit mining. For instance, the WABCO Model 3200 B Electric Haulpack Truck was built in 1974 and has a load capacity of 235 tons. It is roughly 20 feet high and 54 feet long with a 2,500 horsepower engine. It is extremely heavy as well, weighing 422 tons. Due to its immense size, when it is delivered to the mining site, it is in pieces and must be reassembled at the job location. Because these trucks are so heavy, they are only allowed to operate on the actual job site.

There are other super dump trucks that are just as powerful yet can carry legal payload capacities and are able to be driven on state and federal highways. These trucks have four to seven axles and can carry a load equivalent to its trailers, ranging from 19 to 32 tons. They come with the same features as their heavier counterparts such as a quick turnaround and relatively easy maneuverability, which are very common traits for a standard dump truck.

Most business owners see the profitability of these strong and massive pieces of equipment for businesses involving concrete or asphalt paving, spreading, wind rowing operations and stockpiling. Their payloads are spread out over the entire dump body in order to maintain the weight requirements of the federal bridge laws.

Maintenance

Maintenance plays an important role in achieving the full working capacity of these powerful and massive pieces of equipment. Following are some items to be considered daily:

Tires - The tire pressure should be checked daily. The tire pressure on each side should be maintained equally, as this is very significant with the heavy loads these vehicles carry.Suspension - The suspension system should be checked when the vehicle is loaded to ensure that it is strong enough for the load capacity.Bushings - Regularly check the bushings and lubricating pins.Hoist Cylinders - Hoist cylinders should also be checked regularly and any worn cylinders must be replaced with the same operation pressure rating.

Safety

Because these super vehicles are powerful and huge, they can also cause enormous problems if safety procedures are not carefully followed. Only operators that are properly trained should be allowed to drive and operate this massive piece of machinery. A trained operator is capable of recognizing the hazards that are prone to this type of operation. In addition, other workers such as spotters and surveyors should be cautious when working near the vehicle when it is being operated.

Super dump trucks come with two strong hydraulic arms and are built with the latest safety features. This equipment is considered safer because there are brakes on every axle. There is also a secondary lateral suspension system that has been added to make the vehicle more stable. In the case of a flat tire, this super vehicle has a system that releases the pressure on the axles to maintain safety when handling payloads even with low air pressure.

Most business owners in the mining and construction industries have seen the profitability of these vehicles. With their built-in strength, hauling capacity and safety features, the work performed by these dump trucks may be the next profitable business investment for a company to consider!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Dump Truck Sales, go to the main website at: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.

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The Different Types of Trucks

If you've ever been on the road for more than about ten minutes, you know that there are a LOT of different types of trucks out there. Not including the consumer trucks that you see on the road and can buy at your local dealership, the number and variety of commercial trucks and trailers on the road at any given moment is actually a little bit staggering. Here's a look at just some of the various types of trucks you can encounter when out on the road.

Flatbed Truck

As the name implies, these trucks have a bed without any sides or top, allowing for the carrying of cargo that isn't vulnerable to the elements, most notably construction equipment. Flatbed trucks are also useful for carrying loads that are an unusual size or shape that wouldn't fit into a trailer with sides or a top and are extra helpful as they can be loaded and unloaded from any angle.

Box Truck

If you've ever moved yourself using a Uhaul or like service you've been behind the wheel of a Box Truck. While typically on the body of a publicly available truck, some of the larger ones can be built on more commercially driven vehicles. These trucks are great as they allow people to move large items or a high volume of items that a normal car, truck, or van couldn't normally support and are available to rent for personal use for various amounts of time.

Refrigerator Truck

When perishable items need to be moved they're stored in a refrigerator truck. Unlike a simple insulated or ventilated truck, refrigerated trucks have an active cooling device in the trailer to maintain a safe temperature for the items inside. Cooling devices can be anything from a portable AC unit or dry ice to some combination thereof. The key part of a refrigerated truck is their ability to maintain a temperature that will prevent whatever perishable cargo is inside from spoiling.

Lowboy Trailer

These truck trailers are unique because they have two step-downs in height. While resembling a flatbed truck, the lower section of the trailer allows lowboys to carry loads that are taller than the usual restrictions since they sit lower to the ground. These are commonly used to transport commercial construction equipment when the required path will require going under overpasses or through tunnels that a normal truck wouldn't be able to pass underneath.

Tanker Truck

Usually sporting the name of some gas or oil company on the side, these trucks are easy to spot with their large, typically rounded tanks used to transport fuel sources for delivery to gas stations and other commercial establishments that require high volumes of fuel.

Steve Falco is a trucker that specializes in heavy haul transport services and LTL shipping services. To learn more about shipping visit: AccessAmericaTransport.com.

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Knuckleboom Trucks Vs Crane Trucks - Which Performs Better?

There are a growing number of business owners and contractors who understand and enjoy the benefits of knuckleboom trucks and as a result, the demand for this vehicle has steadily increased. On the flip side of the coin are those who still do not place a lot of value in the articulating technology of this vehicle because of an incorrect perception that the lifting and weight capacity of a crane will be compromised if a knuckleboom truck is used. The truth of the matter is that knuckleboom trucks simply outperform cranes!

Benefits

In other markets such as Europe and Canada, this piece of equipment is widely used because of its versatility and reliability, attributes that offer a great contribution towards increased productivity for any company. Following are some important advantages that any buyer will discover if one of these vehicles becomes a part of their business development.
Reach and Capacity - Experts suggest that buyers must know two key factors about a knuckleboom - its reach and its capacity. With the many models available on the market today that offer features such as increased reach and additional weight capacity, this vehicle has clearly demonstrated that it can handle these tasks while maintaining ease in maneuverability which makes this equipment even more impressive. When a buyer is considering the purchase of a knuckleboom truck, they need to determine the weight capacity required during usual operations as well as the distance and height at which most materials are unloaded. Dealers can then offer their best recommendation for the right model that is best suited for that company's needs.
Versatility - This vehicle can be used in accomplishing many different applications such as construction and a variety of hauling jobs. By installing the right type of accessories, a knuckleboom truck can become a specialized instrument capable of handling many different types of materials and tasks such as trimming trees, placing decorations, and clean-up to name a few.
Precise Control- These vehicles have become more popular for the transportation of many types of material because of the improved capability that is being offered by its technology. When precise placement and control is mandatory, the maneuverability of the knuckleboom truck gets the job done more efficiently than any other version of crane or bucket truck. For those companies in the utility industry, this equipment enables them to accomplish their required tasks of loading power lines, giant spools or other components such as transformers with much greater ease and efficiency.
Operation Control Options - There are four control options which are currently available for knuckleboom trucks: stand up; ground; wireless radio remote; and top-seat. Usually, operators who have had experience with video games using joysticks can easily manipulate these controls using the same functionality as the joysticks used on their video games. Of course, the important safety features of this type of control must be known to understand the full capability of the equipment and its ease of operation.
Overload Protection - With the integration of an overload protection system on these trucks, it is possible to avoid the danger of breaking the boom arm due to overload. This system halts the crane operation when it detects heavy material that exceeds its stated weight capacity. It allows the operator to retract the boom arm safely and reposition the arm at a better operating angle. The technology allows the integrated system to communicate with the computer. Once the computer receives the information about the overload, it bypasses the system and automatically shuts down the entire machine.

The knuckleboom truck is a very reliable piece of equipment that can handle almost any task and can certainly be used by many industries to increase business productivity. The features presented above clearly show the many advantages of this vehicle. Hopefully, more businesses will discover the many ways in which knuckleboom trucks outperform crane trucks!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Knuckleboom Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.

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Best Used Trucks To Purchase In The Market Today

What are the best used trucks to buy? A customer asked me this question and I thought that sharing my answer with you would help you also.

Below I have listed some used trucks that will provide you with long lasting service.

For a lighter truck, the Honda Ridgeline scored high in reliability, style with road performance and a smooth comfortable ride. For innovation, the lockable trunk that is under the watertight trunk bed and dual action tailgate rated extremely high.

If you're a truck lover the Nissan Frontier, a lighter truck that was brought to us fifteen years ago, rated very high for it's dependability and performance. This truck, made for work and play really grabs an interest to truck buyers because of the spray on bed liner that is factory installed and cleats that are adjustable for the security of cargo hauling.

A mid-sized truck, the Toyota Tacoma, is available in eighteen different styles: long or short bed, double or regular cab or extended cab style just to name a few. The Tacoma compares highly to the look, performance, and reliability of the competition. You can choose from a two or four wheel drive, and they have a variety of V-6 or 4 cylinder horse power engines for the truck lovers desire of "on and off road" performance. These trucks have a resale value that is out performing most other trucks in this particular class.

If you're looking to buy a full size truck, the Ford F-150 is a popular choice for truck buyers. For over 30 years this is the #1 selling truck, it dominates this class of trucks. This extremely popular truck is known for its dependability, performance, style and is easy to use on or off road. Whether you choose a V-6 or V-8 engine you will experience the extraordinary capacity for towing. Because of the dependability and satisfactory performance this truck provides, truck buyers are drawn to this line. I have had friends and family members that have owned Ford trucks and never heard them complain of any major repair's with them.

The Nisan Titan has a very competitive, full size truck that is giving Ford some tough competition. These two trucks are almost equal in many categories. The Titan got a slim edge in the towing power and capacity from their V-8 5.6 liter engine. Nissan is chasing after Ford's market with increased performance of their power train ingenuity and muscle of their trucks.

If you're looking for a dependable truck to help with your business, make work life a little simpler, or if you just enjoy driving a truck, then you could be looking to purchase a reliable used truck. Whatever your desires are, there are quality, good used trucks with great service and reliability in the market place today.

By the way, do you want to learn more about how I teach my clients to save money on their vehicles?

If so, download my free eBook: How to Buy Smart and Stop Getting Ripped Off On Your Vehicles.

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