Diesel Progress North American Edition articles from July 2008

Diesel Progress North American Edition archives from July 2008

One way out.(TOP DEAD CENTER)
July 1, 2008... If you had stood up anytime in the last decade and said, "By the end of 2009 Caterpillar will be out of the truck engine business!" you would have been hooted down and chased from the room in shame and embarrassment. Maybe a few of the...

Periods of hot weather are no time to be idle.(STREET SMARTS)
July 1, 2008... We all like our personal vehicles cool on a hot day. And sometimes to keep our cool, we idle our engines. Now translate this to trucking and the scope of the problem becomes evident. And if you are a trucking fleet or owner-operator, what is...

Sensing technologies go green/save green.(SENSORS)(Column)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Going "green" is like the old Rodney Dangerfield story: "When I was a kid I got no respect. I was lost on the beach and the cop helped me look for my parents, I said, 'Do you think we'll find them?' He said, 'I don't...

Dateline.(Calendar)
July 1, 2008... AUGUST * Aug 4-7 Diesel Engine-Efficiency & Emissions Research (DEER) Conference-Hyatt Regency Dearborn Hotel Dearborn, MI U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Tel: (800) 608 7141 E-mail: deer2008@doeevents.com Web:...

Rental equipment facing some tough times ahead.(TREND LINES)
July 1, 2008... A year ago, I talked about the rental equipment industry and made various observations concerning the maturity of the industry since 2003 and how business looked for the next few years. While I was aware of the bad housing situation then, I had...

An ending--and a new beginning: Caterpillar-Navistar truck alliance effectively closes down Cat's truck engine business, but will result in new line of Cat-branded work trucks.(INDUSTRY NEWS & ANALYSIS)(Cover story)(Company overview)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] June 12, 2008, will go down in history as the day an era ended for Caterpillar. And also as the day another one began. On that day, following months of speculation and rumor, Caterpillar and Navistar signed a...

Cat-Navistar FAQ.
July 1, 2008... What does the announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Caterpillar and Navistar mean? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions. Q. Does this announcement mean Caterpillar is out of the on-highway...

For the record ... Significant statements concerning the alliance between Caterpillar and Navistar from some of the principle involved.(INDUSTRY NEWS & ANALYSIS)(Correction notice)
July 1, 2008... "We are pleased to be matching the formidable talents and technology leadership of two industry leaders to serve an expanding base of engine, truck and equipment customers worldwide. As the world leader in construction equipment and diesel...

Changes in Columbus: Loughrey's retirement announcement sparks executive changes at Cummins.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The changing of the guard has begun for Cummins Inc. The Columbus, Ind., company, which is coming off four consecutive years of record sales and revenues, recently announced several changes to its management...

Cummins, Navistar extend engine supply agreement.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2008... In the shadow of the Cat, Navistar announcement; Cummins and Navistar have announced that they have extended their engine supply agreement for Class 8 on-highway diesel engines through 2013. The agreement provides for the ongoing supply of...

Mack "Titans" its grip on heavy haul markets: featuring the new 16 L diesel, Titan is most powerful truck in company's storied history.(TRUCKS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In an impressive double launch, Mack Trucks has introduced the most powerful truck in its long history, and it is, not surprisingly, equipped with the most powerful engine the company has ever offered. The...

Fuel prices upping the ante: skyrocketing diesel costs, new CARB regulations fueling the drive to adopt anti-idling technologies.(IDLING UPDATE)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Initially the drive to reduce idling in the on-highway trucking industry was spurred by the desire to reduce petroleum dependence and limit exhaust emissions, especially in air quality non-attainment areas. Now, with...

Poclain moves into on-highway hydraulics.(MOBILE HYDRAULICS)
July 1, 2008... Known primarily for its off-highway mobile hydraulics, Poclain is now venturing into the North America on-highway markets with two new hydraulic products targeted primarily for vocational truck applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

A new natural in trucking: Sterling's first natural gas-powered Class 7/8 truck; savings up to $6000 in fuel and operating costs annually.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In recent months the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach have enacted stricter emissions requirements on trucks entering and leaving the ports. Local municipalities are also trending toward lower emissions...

New CEO For JCB.(DIESEL HR)
July 1, 2008... JCB has announced that John Patterson is to be succeeded as CEO by Chief Operating Officer Matthew Taylor. Patterson continues as chairman and CEO of JCB Inc., based in Savannah, Ga., and will focus on JCB's American business. He will remain on...

President retires from Doosan Infracore Portable Power.(DIESEL HR)(retirement of Lawrence Silber)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... After 30 years of service, Lawrence Silber, president of Doosan Infracore Portable Power, announced his retirement. Silber began his career with Ingersoll Rand as a sales trainee in the professional tools group. From there, he moved into...

New CFO at Deutz.(DIESEL HR)
July 1, 2008... Christian Krupp was appointed as chief financial officer and executive vice president of Deutz Corp. His predecessor, Michael Letson, was appointed as the general manager and executive vice president for the new Deutz Xchange Center in...

Nielsen named president, Terex Materials Processing & Mining.(DIESEL HR)
July 1, 2008... Eric A. Nielsen has been named president, Terex Materials Processing & Mining. He reports to Terex President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas J. Riordan. Nielsen, 48, joins Terex from Volvo Construction Equipment, where he served as president...

Harco: Dr. Juan G. Andrade.(DIESEL HR)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... HARCO: Dr. Juan G. Andrade to Harco Manufacturing sales and marketing team. Andrade's responsibility will be to develop the Latin American market and the technical development of new products in exhaust emissions controls. He has had more than...

Stone: Larry Strickler.(DIESEL HR)
July 1, 2008... STONE: Larry Strickler has been named district manager of Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii for Stone Construction Equipment Inc. He will be responsible for serving the needs of equipment dealers and rental houses in those states. He was...

Genie: Alan Lofurno.(DIESEL HR)(Genie Industries)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... GENIE: Alan Lofurno to the new position of global general manager for the Genie boom line. Lofurno's responsibilities will include setting priorities and strategies for aerial booms globally. He will also be responsible for assessing customer...

Providing material benefits: silicon carbide filter structure critical to performance of Notox diesel particulate filter.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Treatment of diesel engine exhaust is becoming an increasingly important issue in the industry, and the performance and lifetime behavior of such systems is under strict focus. Together with N[O.sub.x] abatement...

BASF Catalysts.(POWERLINES)
July 1, 2008... BASF Catalysts was honored as a Diamond Supplier for 2007 by Navistar International Corp. According to BASF, the Diamond Supplier award is given to less than 2% of Navistar's supply base each year for exceeding the company's expectation for...

Bridgestone Firestone Off Road Tire Co.(POWERLINES)
July 1, 2008... Bridgestone Firestone Off Road Tire Co. (BFOR), a division of Bridgestone Firestone North America, has received the Supplier Quality Excellence award from Caterpillar Inc. Caterpillar annually awards suppliers that meet the highest standards of...

National Truck Equipment Association.(POWERLINES)
July 1, 2008... The National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) is offering convention conference session recordings from the NTEA Annual Convention to association members and industry professionals. Members can purchase the recordings for $149 and nonmembers...

ZF Marine.(POWERLINES)
July 1, 2008... Propulsion systems manufacturer ZF Marine was chosen as one of Mercury Marine's suppliers of the year. Mercury Marine selects 12 suppliers every year from a pool of more than 1500 to receive the award. Points are based on product quality and...

Correction.(POWERLINES)(Correction notice)
July 1, 2008... In the June issue of Diesel Progress, PSI--Power Solutions Inc.'s LPG engine range was inadvertently left out from the Engine Yearbook. PSI produces a range of LPG-powered LSI GM industrialized engines rated 23 to 264 hp. The Woodale,...

ASCO and Numatics, both business units of Emerson Industrial Automation, have merged operations in North America to form ASCO Numatics.(POWERLINES)
July 1, 2008... ASCO and Numatics, both business units of Emerson Industrial Automation, have merged operations in North America to form ASCO Numatics. The new company will combine ASCO's and Numatic's product lines to offer a range of fluid control and...

Volvo Construction Equipment and Services.(POWERLINES)
July 1, 2008... The Seattle and Spokane, Wash., Volvo Construction Equipment and Services (VCES) branches will now include Volvo Constructions Equipment's line of compact wheel loaders, excavators, skid-steer loaders and backhoe loaders. The two Washington...

Hybrid Vs. hybrid: demonstration program seeks to compare hydraulic hybrid to diesel-electric in refuse vehicle application.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Refuse trucks make thousands of stops-and-starts on their routes everyday. This is the perfect duty cycle for hybrid-electric and hydraulic hybrid technologies. Hybrid refuse trucks can yield 30 to 50% reductions in...

Microturbines for hybrid buses.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Transit buses have proven an ideal application for hybrid electric power plants. To date, most have been series hybrids with a diesel engine powering a generator that extends range by keeping batteries charged while...

DesignLine solar bus.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
July 1, 2008... DesignLine International in New Zealand has built one of the first solar-powered electric buses for service in Adelaide, Australia. Called Tindo--the Kaurna aboriginal word for sun--the bus is the first in the world to be recharged with 100%...

Engine forecast.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rhein Associates is offering the NAFTA Diesel Engine Production Five Year Forecast in print and database forms. It includes a five-year history and five-year forecast along with economic indicators, market trends,...

Heat exchangers.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] API Heat Transfer has information available on its line of plate heat exchangers for applications requiring high thermal efficiency and compact dimensions. The gasket-less, all-welded design is targeted toward...

Turbocharger matrix.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Turbocharger Troubleshooting Matrix for turbocharged diesel engines from BorgWarner Turbo and Emissions Systems has been updated. It includes descriptions of problems along with possible causes and a graphic...

Biodiesel analysis.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Aspectrics Inc., a manufacturer of the Encoded Photomatic Near Infrared spectroscopy technology has produced a CD-ROM available for biodiesel analysis. The CD complements Aspectrics' BQA 1000 biodiesel quality...

L.A.'s Port goes electric.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Everyday, hundreds of hostlers and terminal tractors move thousands of containers on the docks and in the terminals at the Port of Los Angeles. Most are diesel powered and a few use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as...

Luber-finer.(DIESEL HR)
July 1, 2008... LUBER-FINER: Hugo Morales has been appointed international sales manager for the Luber-finer aftermarket sales team. In his new role, Morales will be responsible for the management of filtration sales worldwide. A division of Champion...

Active Power.(DIESEL HR)(appointment of Martin Olsen)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... ACTIVE POWER: Martin Olsen has been appointed vice president of business development after having previously served as director of product management and development for Active Power, a supplier of critical power systems and uninterruptible...

Case Construction Equipment.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
July 1, 2008... Case Construction Equipment announced the approval of B20 biodiesel blend for use in more than 85% of its construction equipment. The biodiesel approved for use must comply with the North American Standard ASTM D6751, said the company....

UTC Power.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
July 1, 2008... AC Transit, Oakland, Calif., will be purchasing a minimum of eight 120 kW Pure-Motion Model 120 fuel cell systems from UTC Power, South Windsor, Conn. AC Transit has the option to purchase an additional 13 units for its hybrid-electric, fuel...

Johnson Controls and Saft, a French battery manufacturer, are joining to supply Ford Motor Co. with advanced batteries to test in a fleet of Escape plug-in hybrids.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
July 1, 2008... Johnson Controls and Saft, a French battery manufacturer, are joining to supply Ford Motor Co. with advanced batteries to test in a fleet of Escape plug-in hybrids. The lithium-ion batteries will power 20 demonstration vehicles. The plug-in...

CleanAIR Systems.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
July 1, 2008... Caterpillar Inc. has named CleanAIR Systems, Santa Fe, N.M., as its strategic alliance partner for retrofit emissions products. Within the alliance, CleanAIR will provide proprietary technology, custom engineering and flexible manufacturing of...

BQ-9000.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
July 1, 2008... The BQ-9000 biodiesel quality program, a voluntary quality assurance program, has certified three new biodiesel businesses according to ASTM 6751 standards and its accepted quality management systems. Archer Daniels Midland, Velva, N.D.,...

Kinsley Coach Inc.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Kinsley Coach Inc., a manufacturer of custom, luxury recreation and special-use coaches, is offering an optional ProFlow Fuel System hydrogen injection system from PTA Holdings Inc., an offering intended to combat rising fuel prices. The system...

Eaton Corp.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
July 1, 2008... Eaton Corp. received the CALSTART 2008 Blue Sky Award for innovation and advancement in sustainable transportation technology. The annual award recognizes outstanding marketplace contributions to clean air, energy efficiency and the clean...

Minnesota.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has signed a bill that will increase the state's current 2% biodiesel mandate to 20% by 2015. According to the legislation, the current 2% biodiesel mandate will increase to 5% on May 1,2009; to 10% on May...

Pulling ahead of aerodynamic drag.(ON-HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGY)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As diesel prices spiral out of sight, truck fleets and truckers are looking for ways to cut fuel costs. While a 1 or 2% improvement might seem tiny, it can save $700 to $1600 when you drive 100,000 miles annually at...

Thumbwheel, pushbutton controls.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)(Elobau Sensor Technology Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Elobau Sensor Technology Inc. has introduced a larger thumbwheel control with the Model 151DT01 as well as the new Model 145MA micro pushbutton, a Hall Effect control with linear analog output. Both new components...

Hydraulic test equipment.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)(Flo-tech)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Flo-tech, a division of the Racine Flow Meter Group, has introduced the Flo-Check USB Hydraulic System Analyzer, designed to measure flow, pressure, temperature and power simultaneously. It can be used as a stationary or portable instrument and...

Vehicle monitoring.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new Performax vehicle monitoring system from Isspro is engineered to monitor up to 17 vehicle systems at once. It includes stepper motor gauges, an electronic signal processor and sensors. It's designed with...

Truck and bus tires.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Kelly Armorsteel KRH regional tires for pickup and delivery trucks and school buses has been introduced by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. The rib tire was developed for uniform and long-lasting wear. It's available...

Engine brake.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)(Banks Power )(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Banks Power has released the Banks Brake for mid-2004 to 2007 Cummins-equipped Dodge diesel pickups. Banks said the new brake is designed to slow the vehicle at a faster rate with a smoother feel and is maintenance...

Pneumatic wrenches.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)(Norbar Torque Tools Inc.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Norbar Torque Tools Inc. has introduced a new gearbox design to its family of Pneutorque pneumatic torque wrenches. New torque ranges for the PTM-92 models are 398 to 1992 lb.ft. and 516 to 2582 lb.ft. The larger...

Metal hoses and braids.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)(Hose Corp.)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Metal hoses and braids, with diameters ranging from 0.25 to 12 in., are available from U.S. Hose Corp., a manufacturer of flexible metallic hose and braid, thermoplastic composite hose and smooth bore and convoluted...

Low voltage disconnect modules.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
July 1, 2008... InPower has introduced the VCM-06 low-voltage disconnect module. It is designed to disconnect the loads when the battery voltage drops to prevent excessive battery discharge and then reconnect when the battery is charged. Two load disconnect...

From Rhode Island to China: ACS supplies growing Chinese market with knitted wire mesh exhaust products and airbag inflator filters from Shanghai facility.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With 2008 marking China's move into the Euro 3 emissions standards for heavy-duty on-highway vehicles, ACS Industries Inc., Lincoln, R.I., has ramped up production of its knitted wire mesh exhaust products for the...

Considerations for flow and pressure controls.(HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS TRENDS)
July 1, 2008... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] In past discussions, we have looked at energy input (pumps), energy output (motors and cylinders) and energy control (directional control valves) as representative of the hardware necessary to implement the three...

Cummins invests in VGT line.(TURBOCHARGERS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Strong demand for its turbochargers has prompted a major investment by Cummins Turbo Technologies. The company, which makes turbochargers for medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines, has expanded operations at its...

A billion dollars in U.S. manufacturing: Caterpillar announces major restructuring; big changes at Mossville; new engine plant?(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Concurrent with--and maybe somewhat lost in the announcement of Caterpillar's departure from the truck engine business, as well as its alliance with Navistar to build Cat-branded severe service trucks--was the news...

Cat adds another Reman company.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
July 1, 2008... Capping a very busy week, Caterpillar Inc.'s ever expanding remanufacturing business has grown again with the announcement that it will acquire certain assets of Gremada Industries, West Fargo, N.D. Gremada remanufactures and reclaims metal...

Deere & Co.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
July 1, 2008... Deere & Co. said it will invest approximately $35 million to increase combine harvesting manufacturing capacity by 30% at the John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, III. The investment will include machine tooling and fixtures, improved...

Kobelco Construction Machinery America LLC.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
July 1, 2008... Kobelco Construction Machinery America LLC, a manufacturer of compact, midsize and full-size excavators, announced that it is investing approximately $10.5 million in its Calhoun, Ga., operations. The company said $5 million has been...

Briggs & Stratton Corp.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
July 1, 2008... Briggs & Stratton Corp. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Victa Lawncare Pty. Ltd. of Sydney, Australia, from GUD Holdings Ltd. The acquisition totaled $22 million in cash, subject to adjustments. Victa Lawncare is a designer,...

Deere & Co.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
July 1, 2008... Deere & Co. has been busy on the agricultural irrigation front. First it completed the acquisition of T-Systems International Inc., San Diego, Calif., a manufacturer of products for agricultural, nursery, landscape, mining and greenhouse...

Alamo Group Inc.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)(Rivard Developpement)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Alamo Group Inc., Seguin, Texas, said that it has completed the acquisition of Rivard Developpement, Daumeray, France, a manufacturer of vacuum trucks, high-pressure cleaning systems and trenchers. The purchase price was approximately $22.4...

Doosan.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)(Doosan Infracore Portable Power )(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Doosan said its Infracore Portable Power facility in Statesville, N.C., is now officially operational with the first portable light tower rolling off the assembly line in mid-May. The lighting product line was the first to move into the new...

Parker Hannifin Corp.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
July 1, 2008... Parker Hannifin Corp. has acquired Titan Industries, a manufacturer of industrial rubber, custom-made and composite hoses for fluid and material transfer. Titan will join Parker's Industrial Hose Products Division of its Fluid Connectors Group....