OEM News & Notes

Air-Weigh, Vulcan Integrate Scale Systems — Air-Weigh and Stress-Tek, the Seattle-based manufacturer and distributor of Vulcan on-board scales, have integrated hardware and software to allow Vulcan’s load cells and transducers to communicate with Air-Weigh-equipped trucks and tractors. The initial product from the companies is a steer axle transducer option for the Air-Weigh Truck Scale line that directly senses changes in steer axle weights. The product is designed for trucks with leaf spring steer axle and air suspension drive axles, and tractors that carry payload over the steer axle. Additionally, Vulcan will market an integrated, private label trailer scale for those mixed-fleet applications that have both air and mechanical trailer suspensions that must communicate with Air-Weigh equipped trucks and tractors. These include container chassis, heavy haul, bulk, and some truckload van operations.

Allison Extends Drains — Allison Transmission has extended drain intervals for its TranSynd synthetic automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and has started to use the fluid as “factory fill” for its AT, MT, HT, MD HD, B, and MH Series transmissions. Drain intervals for TranSynd in most WT models has been stretched to 75,000 miles for severe duty applications and 150,000 miles for general-duty application. Previously, the fluid was rated for 50,000 severe duty and 100,000 for general duty. As part of the drain interval extension, Allison has also begun using high-performance “Gold Series” oil filters on all its WT products.

Pete Expands TruckCare — Peterbilt introduced two new TruckCare Preventive maintenance options. The first, the Customize Preventive Maintenance program, is designed for customers who have their own maintenance facilities but still need to outsource some service. The second option, TruckCare Managed Preventive Maintenance, is a full fleet maintenance management program, using the dealer in a consultant role. The dealer helps to spec new vehicles, optimize maintenance intervals, and track warranty coverages.

ArvinMeritor Simplifies Drivetrain Warranties — ArvinMeritor has simplified warranty categories for its DriveTrain Plus components starting with model-year 2003 trucks with an in-service date of Oct. 1, 2002. ArvinMeritor will offer four warranty vocations: linehaul, general service, heavy service, and severe service. DriveTrain Plus encompasses axles, transmissions, braking systems, drivelines, clutches, and suspensions. The extended service packages will cover steer and drive axles and clutches.

Detroit Diesel to Support Mercedes Benz Engines — Detroit Diesel and its distributors will work with Freightliner dealers to provide sales, parts, and service to Mercedes-Benz MBE 900 (above) and MBE 4000 engines. Detroit Diesel will handle application engineering, ordering, initial parts distribution, factory service support, and warranty administration of the engines, used by Freightliner in medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks. Freightliner, Detroit Diesel, and Mercedes Benz are controlled by divisions of DaimlerChrysler AG.

Coronado On the Line — Freightliner Trucks will ramp up production of its Coronado class-8 owner-operator truck in June, resuming production that was suspended when truck sales plummeted. The Coronado, introduced in 2000, will be built at Freightliner’s Portland, Ore., truck plant.

With its long hood, set-forward front axle, dual cab-mounted stacks, and bolt-on fenders, the Coronado has a traditional feel. However, its 132-inch BBC — too long in many provinces — will limit its appeal in Canada. Freightliner will continue to produce its Classic and Classic XL models, as well as the DX version of its Columbia truck.

Gray Milestone — Shop equipment supplier Gray has published its 50th anniversary catalog, listing a complete line of portable pneumatic and hydraulic jacks, lifts, and support stands for a variety of truck maintenance jobs. Phone 816/233-6121 or on the Web visit www.grayusa.com.