Diesel Progress North American Edition articles from April 2003

Diesel Progress North American Edition archives from April 2003

From the front lines. (Top Dead Center).
April 1, 2003... Thank you for attending this briefing. At the outset, let me say that any statements that express, or involve discussions as to expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance are not historical facts and...

How the portable air compressor market has been gassed. (Trendlines).
April 1, 2003... Over a five--year period, the portable air compressor market in North America literally has gone down the drain. The companies making these machines have watched in horror as the spigot has been turned off, leaving only a trickle of business....

Komatsu Ltd. (International Report).(and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Komatsu Ltd. and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. are expanding their efforts in China with the production of small excavators and mini-excavators. Both Komatsu and Hitachi Construction Machinery produce 20-ton excavators in China, but are...

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (International Report).(and Caterpillar Inc. joing venture)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) and Caterpillar Inc. have agreed to expand the operations of their Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. (SCM) joint venture. SCM is a nearly 40-year-old joint venture company in Tokyo, Japan, equally owned by...

Volvo Trucks Corp. (International Report).(in Russia)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Volvo Trucks Corp. has begun assembling trucks in Zelenograd, Russia, the first Western truck maker to establish its own production facility for heavy trucks there, in a joint venture with Russian financial group AFK Sistema. Volvo Trucks plans...

ArvinMeritor's Commercial Vehicle Systems. (International Report).(agreement with Hyundai Motor Co.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... ArvinMeritor's Commercial Vehicle Systems business has signed an agreement with Hyundai Motor Co. to supply shock absorbers for its medium- and heavy-duty trucks, effective immediately The shock absorbers will be manufactured at the company's...

Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. (International Report).(and Catalytic Solutions Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Japan's Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. (AGC) and Oxnard, Calif-based Catalytic Solutions Inc. (CSI) have announced an agreement to develop catalyzed diesel particulate filters based upon AGC's silicon nitride (Si3N4) substrate technology and CSI's...

Volvo Penta. (International Report).(contract with Bavaria)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Volvo Penta has signed an agreement with German boat builder Bavaria to deliver diesel and gasoline engines during the next four years. With an annual production of some 3000 boats, Bavaria is one of Europe's largest builders of leisure craft....

AVL. (International Report).(acquires Dr. Schrick GmbH)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... AVL, Graz, Austria, acquired the engine developer Dr. Schrick in Remscheid, Germany. Following the recent acquisitions of Grundig AG's automotive instrumentation division and the majority interest in Pierburg Instruments GmbH, with facilities...

Kommersiella Fordon AB (KFAB). (International Report).(Bilia AB spinoff)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Sweden's AB Volvo announced intentions to make a public offer for the truck and construction equipment operations of Bilia AB. Bilia plans to spin its truck and equipment operations out into a separate company, to be known as Kommersiella...

Environmental Protection Department. (International Report).(of Hong Kong)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Environmental Protection Department of the government of Hong Kong has chosen the FinnKat D diesel exhaust gas purification and silencer system developed in Finland by FimiKatalyt Ltd. for the purification of exhaust from diesel engines in...

Hot issue: how EGR diesels are facing more heat. (Street Smarts).
April 1, 2003... As most engine users now know, many '02 truck diesels are using exhaust gas recirculation (FOR) for the first time in trucking applications. Cummins, Detroit Diesel and Mack are using cooled FOR as the technology of choice to help knock down...

CARB certifies two ford engines. (Industry News).(California Air Resources Board)
April 1, 2003... Ford Motor Co. said it has received 4 emissions certifications for all fuels in two of its most popular industrial engines. The California Air Re- sources Board (CARB) has certified Ford's 2.5 L and 4.2 L engines meet 2003 emissions standards...

Four for the farm: case IH launches four new or updated utility and row crop tractor lines; putting a focus on productivity. (Ag Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Case IH has seen many changes over the years, including its landmark merger with New Holland to form CNH Global. Over the last several months, the company has also staged a global rollout of entirely new tractors lines, along with upgrades for...

A10VO variable-displacement pump.
April 1, 2003... With one of the world's most complete offerings of medium-duty, open-loop piston pumps, the Rexroth A10VO line offers proven performance over a wide range of applications--with 9 displacements from 10 cc to 140 cc with continuous pressure...

SB23LS load-sensing valve.
April 1, 2003... The SB23LS load-sensing directional valve can be directly controlled via CANbus. Besides mechanical and electro-hydraulic operation, full integration into the bus network is easy. The control valve has integrated leak-free check valves for each...

RC2-2 next-generation controller.
April 1, 2003... Using the most recent automotive technology, the RC2-2 controller is the latest generation of the proven controller family. Along with our trusted electronic components, software modules, and application know-how, RG controllers are used for...

It's on the table: cat introduces acert; blending old and new technology, ACERT is cat's long-term engine bet; HEUI, MEUI and series turbocharging. (Industry News).(Caterpillar Inc.)
April 1, 2003... In what Vice President James J. Parker called the largest product development program in the company's history including equipment, Caterpillar Inc. has introduced its much-discussed ACERT technology for on-highway truck and bus engines. Full...

Flow and pressure controls. (Hydraulic Systems Trends).
April 1, 2003... Part III In earlier discussions on flow and pressure controls, we have looked at valve control of flow rates and methods of valve control, as well as flow dividers and pump control of flow rates. Now we'll close the loop by looking...

Deere expands top and bottom of turf mower range. (Turf Equipment).
April 1, 2003... John Deere's Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division recently expanded the upper and lower ends of two product lines with the introduction of three new turf mowers. The company's mid-mount, zero-turn radius lineup is expanded with...

Innovative new hydraulic controls: our Engineers have been working overtime to bring you.
April 1, 2003... New Bi-Directional Proportional Flow Valves Can Reduce Circuit Size and Cost ZL Series proportional flow control valves are internally pressure-compensated. They operate bi-directionally with identical flow characteristics in either...

All metal components are not created equal! Isn't it time you looked at the cost and performance advantages offered by Powder Metal Components and considered converting to P/M???
April 1, 2003... Across industries, a growing number of original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers are discovering significant cost efficiencies and performance advantages in powder metal components from GKN Sinter Metals. Produced in net or...

Briggs & Stratton sharpens commercial engine focus. (Industry News).
April 1, 2003... For a number of years, Briggs & Stratton Corp. has sold engines into the commercial and industrial engine markets. And while it isn't quite accurate to say that the commercial engine business was an afterthought, it's clear that from a...

Making radiators, remaking a company: Young Touchstone's launch of DS1 radiators signals new era for manufacturer; "building to order". (Cooling Technology).
April 1, 2003... Bringing new products to market is a significant event for any manufacturer. But Young Touchstone's launch of its newest range of radiators for power generation applications is a little more than just another product launch. That's because...

Engine and oil heaters. (Literature Library).
April 1, 2003... Kim Hotstart has published a catalog featuring information on the company's diverse product line, including engine and oil heaters, controls and accessories. The catalog provides separate sections that each highlight the company's products and...

New compact tractors from Kubota. (AG Equipment).(Kubota Tractor Corp.)
April 1, 2003... Kubota Tractor Corp. (KTC) has introduced two compact tractors designed for ag and utility equipment applications. The B7800HSD compact tractor is built on the platform of the established, top-of-the-line B2910 tractor, while the M4800SU is...

Getting it covered: MetoKote develops customized systems for applying high tech coatings; "more than just painting a part". (Materials Technology).
April 1, 2003... One of the eternal challenges equipment and component manufacturers--indeed all manufacturers--regularly face can be summed up in three words: make or buy? That decision can be complex, as it touches on matters of economics and core...

New General Manager for ITL. (Newsmakers).(Nigel Harding)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Nigel Harding has been appointed general manager of U.K-based International Transmissions Ltd. He will head up the company's worldwide axle, transmission and integrated drive-line with engine package operations. Harding has stated his aim is to...

MetoKote Corp. (Newsmakers).(names Brad Graber)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Brad Graber -- to sales account manager with MetoKote Corp. Graber will handle the company's primary Illinois and Iowa sales markets and also will work with customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri, specializing in program management with...

Tecumseh Products Co. (Newsmakers).(names Stephen Ditter)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Stephen Ditter -- to director of product development at Tecumseh Products Co. Ditter has global responsibility for the planning, deployment and market placement of new and existing products for Tecumseh's Engine and Transmission Group. Ditter...

Multiplexing System. (Products).
April 1, 2003... Vansco has released its electronics multiplexing system, the VMM 1210. The 1210 module features 12 programmable inputs and 10 outputs rated at 10 amps each. The VMM 1210 can be used with other Vansco multiplexing modules to form part of a mixed...

High current module. (Products).
April 1, 2003... HED has introduced the CL-300, a module that provides eight high current outputs in a single location. The module fits within mobile equipment to power a variety of devices such as starter and valve solenoids and is able to store configuration...

High-pressure motor seals. (Products).
April 1, 2003... Geartek has developed a high-pressure shaft seal for its motors to eliminate the need for case drain lines back to the reservoir. Geartek is offering this new seal design in all three series of their gear motors. The MCH series will cover...

Mechanical powertrain component report.
April 1, 2003... Welcome to the 2003 Mechanical Powertrain Component Report Index, a reference of suppliers of powertrain components and systems ALLISON Allison Transmission P.O. Box 894 Indianapolis, IN 46206 Phone: (317) 242-5000 ...

A matter of focus: AxleTech formed after acquisition of ArvinMeritor segments; off-highway, specialty vehicles becomes core business. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... In just about any endeavor, the simpler the goal, the more likely you are to reach it. And that essentially explains the guiding principle behind AxleTech International. AxleTech International is a new company that consists of off-highway...

Electronic management of driveline systems. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Transmissions and axles, especially those installed in heavy vehicles such as dump trucks, carry very heavy loads. A critical element of proper vehicle performance is the ability to transfer power as effectively as possible to the drive wheels....

Automated park emergency brake. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... A fully-automated FCP park/emergency brake is now available from Carlisle Industrial Brake and Friction. This new full circle disc brake is activated immediately upon shifting the vehicle into "park" and is designed to serve larger GVW and GCW...

New Dana axles, transmission. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... The Off-Highway Systems group of Dana Corp. has developed a range of new products over the last few months. The newest addition to the Spicer axle line is a suspended front-drive steer axle designed to improve performance for off-highway...

Wheel mount brake systems. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Ausco Products has introduced a new wheel-mount brake with increased holding power for better performance, as well as solid construction and design for low maintenance and long life. The larger of the two spring-applied, hydraulically released,...

Planetary drive line expanded. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Fairfield Manufacturing has expanded an addition to its Torque-Hub product line of final drive systems. The new Torque-Hub 7000 series incorporates a family of compact, highly efficient wheel drives, specifically engineered for a wide range of...

New hydraulic PTO system. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Twin Disc recently introduced a new hydraulic power take-off. The self-adjusting hydraulically actuated clutch incorporates much of the same established technology used in the Twin Disc Transmission line, the company said, and is targeted...

Super wide axles for forestry machines. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... John Deere Power Systems' Funk Mfg. group has added a new wider, extreme-duty model to its 1400 series of off-highway axles. New to the 1400 series is the SWEDA (super wide extreme-duty axle) developed for use in forestry equipment applications...

New components for brake, throttle systems. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... MICO Inc. has released of a new line of electrohydraulic components designed for use in electrohydraulic braking and/or electronic throttle control applications. The company can now offer a complete electrohydraulic package, including a variety...

Clutch line expanded. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... The general purpose clutch line from Ogura has recently been updated to accommodate more engine shaft sizes. Originally the general purpose clutches were made with a 1 in. or 1-1/8th in. bore. This series has now been expanded to accommodate...

Hydraulic PTO range expanded. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... PT Tech said it will expand its HPTO range of hydraulically actuated wet clutch systems for diesel-powered equipment applications. In the fall, the company will release the HPTO 20, which is rated from 800 to 1200 hp. As with the other HPTO...

Cast iron power take-offs. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Now available from PTO Ltd. is a range of cast iron power take-offs designed to fit both domestic and imported vehicles and equipment. The PTOs are sourced from Bezares, a Spanish manufacturer of mechanical and hydraulic components. PTO Ltd. is...

Clamp-lock couplings. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Hayes Manufacturing has developed a new clamping technology for its range of flexible couplings used for engine drive of hydraulic pumps. The new Clamp-Lock couplings are designed to provide superior clamping on splined and keyed shaft...

Diagnostic software for transmissions. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Allison Transmission has developed several diagnostic software application supporting control systems for its range of MD/HD products and 1000/2000/ 2400 series transmissions. The Allison DOC (Diagnostic Optimized Connection) for PC Version 2.0...

Overhung load adaptors improve performance, service life in cold planer. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Repaving asphalt streets and highways requires heavy equipment including cold planers, which cut large swaths from existing asphalt surfaces. These machines work at speeds up to 4 fpm, cutting, granulating and conveying the loose asphalt into...

Splitting machine vibration problems: appropriate polyurethane formulations key to capabilities of split-in-half couplings. (Mechanical Powertrain Component Report).
April 1, 2003... Advances in polyurethane chemistry and manufacturing technologies together make it possible to produce coupling products that transmit high levels of torque in shear while at the same time providing unparalleled vibration dampening...

Steering down its own road: minnesota manufacturer focuses on steering columns, components for mobile equipment; custom is the standard. (Component Technology).
April 1, 2003... There are some component suppliers that seek to work only with large global customers. Yet there are others that prosper quite nicely by serving the needs of small- and medium-sized equipment manufacturers. A good example of that is Burnsville...

The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA). (Alternatives).(biodiesel standards)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) has published a technical position statement on the use of biodiesel fuel in compression-ignition engines. The statement was prepared as a resource for potential biodiesel fuel users, government, and...

Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). (Alternatives).
April 1, 2003... Plug Power and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) have installed a fuel cell to partially power a Long Island, N.Y., McDonald's. The McDonald's fuel cell was installed by LIPA as part of its alternative energy technologies research and...

U.S. EPA. (Alternatives).(certifies Honda FCX)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The U.S. EPA has issued the first certification for fuel economy and emissions of a hydrogen fuel cell zero-emission vehicle to the 2003 Honda FCX. EPA'S Ann Arbor laboratory is the first federal facility capable of testing and certifying a...

Transit Windsor. (Alternatives).
April 1, 2003... Transit Windsor, the municipal bus operator for Windsor, Canada, will initiate a three year pilot study to road test the FreedomAir low emission engine technology developed by Rotec Design Ltd., Brisbane, Australia. Researchers from the...

Nissan Industrial Engines. (Alternatives).
April 1, 2003... Nissan Industrial Engines, Zenith Fuel Systems and DCL International announced that ongoing durability data has shown that Nissan's 2.5 L industrial engine with the ZEEMS electronic management system and a DCL catalyst gives equipment...

Clean Diesel Technologies Inc (CDT). (Alternatives).(order)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. (CDT) announced it has received an order for its Platinum Plus fuel borne catalyst (FBC) and automatic dosing equipment for use with diesel particulate filters (DPF) on 30 diesel-powered units in underground...

Cummins Westport Inc. (Alternatives).(engines orders)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Cummins Westport Inc. said it has received two orders for a total of 40 low-emissions C Gas Plus natural gas engines for airport shuttle buses. Baltimore Washington International Airport has ordered 25 Cummins Westport 8.3 L C Gas Plus engines...

Caterpillar Inc. (Business Notes).(alliance with Blount International Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Caterpillar Inc. announced worldwide marketing and supply agreements with Blount International Inc. that will bring Cat a line of purpose-built forestry equipment. Cat said the multiyear alliance will expand the Timberking brand of track...

General Motors Corp. (Business Notes).(restructuring)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... General Motors Corp. said that it will combine its Allison Transmission and GM Powertrain divisions, effective immediately, to cut costs and improve its competitiveness. GM said the combination of the transmission and engine units will not...

AGCO. (Business Notes).(production consolidation)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... AGCO said manufacturing of its MT 700 and 800 Challenger track tractor series will be at its Jackson, Minn., AGCO Jackson Operations. AGCO is moving the assembly of the Challenger line from the DeKalb, Ill., site, which was acquired from...

Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. (Business Notes).(with Steyr Motors GmbH)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. and Steyr Motors GmbH have teamed together to introduce Steyr's marine diesel engines in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Steyr's line of marine diesels features 11 electronically controlled models ranging from 48...

Buhler Industries Inc. (Business Notes).(marketing agreement with Landini S.p.A.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Buhler Industries Inc. has announced a marketing agreement between Buhler's tractor operation, Buhler Versatile Inc., and Landini Spa of Italy. In accordance with the agreement, Buhler will build its Genesis series tractors for Landini, which...

ASV Inc. (Business Notes).(sales alliance with Jacobsen Textron)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... ASV Inc. and Textron's Jacobsen business unit have announced a strategic sales alliance. Jacobsen direct dealers will market the diesel-powered ASV RC-30 and RC-50 Turf Edition all-surface loaders designed for the golf and sports turf markets....

Caterpillar Inc. and BHP Billiton Ltd. (Business Notes).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Caterpillar Inc. and BHP Billiton Ltd. have signed a five-year alliance during which Caterpillar will supply $1.5 billion in mining equipment and support to BHP Billiton's diversified global resources operations. Australian mining company BHP...

Komatsu America Corp. (Business Notes).(shuts plant)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Komatsu America Corp. (KAC) said it will close its Peoria, Ill., manufacturing plant in mid-April. KAC said the plant, which has about 350 employees, will be shut down for at least three months "while further analysis of the worldwide mining...