Ford Customer Solutions now offers access to unprecedented data and options for fleet managers looking to optimize their business. Ford Telematics™ is a simple, yet powerful tool that delivers manufacturer-grade information, insights and solutions right to your fingertips. The easy-to-use interface enables you to manage your fleet in real-time and quickly assess where you need to take action.
6/28/19
Ford Telematics: The Power of Choice | Ford
Ford Customer Solutions now offers access to unprecedented data and options for fleet managers looking to optimize their business. Ford Telematics™ is a simple, yet powerful tool that delivers manufacturer-grade information, insights and solutions right to your fingertips. The easy-to-use interface enables you to manage your fleet in real-time and quickly assess where you need to take action.
6/25/19
As trucks get more complex, so does fleet maintenance
Technicians are turning to new tools and technologies to overcome these challenges and reaping dividends through predictive maintenance and less vehicle downtime.
The growing complexity of modern trucks is driving changes at maintenance shops and for the workers who have to navigate this increasingly digital world.
“Electronics allow vehicles to have a better conversation with technicians than ever before,” said Kristy LaPage, business manager of the commercial vehicle group at Mitchell 1. “In the transition from mechanical to electronic control systems, there has also been a shift from technicians to diagnosticians. Vehicle electronics are the source of information that can become actionable, so shop solutions are evolving with this change.”
“The digital shop is not only changing inspection and maintenance practices,” said Jeff Sweet, solutions engineer at Decisiv, a provider of a service relationship management (SRM) platform. “Advancements in sensors and monitoring continue to improve fault condition filtering and help prioritize work based on fault severity.”
Photo: Noregon
A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is now essential as an intake tool for technicians.
Also constantly under development are the tools technicians need to service advanced electronic systems.
“A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is now essential as an intake tool,” stated Tim Bigwood, CEO at Noregon Systems, a provider of JPRO commercial vehicle diagnostic and monitoring solutions. “And those tools have evolved because while previously there were limited fault trees to consider based on symptoms, today’s vehicles are more complex, so the aid of a diagnostic and repair solution is a necessity.”
The increase in electronics on vehicles is allowing for real-time access to the equipment’s operating conditions and fault data, noted Renaldo Adler, industrial principal, asset maintenance, at Trimble Transportation Enterprise.
“Fleets now have access to a vast amount of diagnostic data needed to repair assets faster,” he said. “Inspections can also be improved with the use of electronic diagnostic tools, which analyze the equipment’s condition and any active faults, so maintenance departments are able to be proactive.”
Remote diagnostics
All of the original equipment manufacturers offer systems on their new trucks that provide diagnostic data. These sensor-based and telematics-driven solutions can improve maintenance efficiency and vehicle uptime.
Kenworth dealers, for example, use diagnostic data from TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics.
“We have found it can cut the time a unit is in our shop by 30%,” said Josh Hayes, branch manager at NorCal Kenworth – San Leandro. “We’ve also found that among trucks with TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics, we’re seeing about a 15% reduction in the number of trucks that must be towed because remote diagnostics allow us to monitor fault codes and diagnose issues to determine if a truck can be driven into the shop.”
Photo: Mack Trucks
For OEMs, part of the value of remote diagnostics systems is that the vehicle is effectively reporting its own status.
Sanjiv Khurana, general manager of digital vehicle solutions at Daimler Trucks North America, said with the Detroit “virtual technician” system, maintenance managers get real-time alerts and a plan for critical faults. When the truck arrives at the service location, the diagnostic information and fault history allow the technician to get a jump-start on the repair process.
At Peterbilt, SmartLinq remote diagnostics have been integrated with reasoning engine technology to enable more precise diagnostic information, fault code collection, and enhanced analysis by linking cascading faults.
Volvo, Mack, and Navistar also offer their own systems, aimed at reducing downtime and allowing for over-the-air software updates.
“With the increase in electronics on commercial vehicles, fleets have a better understanding of vehicle health,” said Brian Mulshine, director of customer experience for Navistar’s OnCommand Connection.
In short, the value in all of these remote diagnostics systems is that the vehicle is effectively reporting its own status to a maintenance operation.
“The key for truck fleets is to apply electronics to enable a proactive system that adds value and not cost,” said Wally Stegall, technical fellow, director at Morey Corp.
Robert Braswell, executive director of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), noted that greater vehicle complexity makes preventive maintenance more of a challenge. “Until enough fleet data in the field is gathered, it makes it more difficult to optimize service and inspection schedules for new electronic systems,” he explained. “But increasing complexity can bring with it sensor-based maintenance strategies that can help with self-diagnostics.”
Source: https://www.fleetowner.com/maintenance/trucks-get-more-complex-so-does-fleet-maintenance?NL=FO-02&Issue=FO-02_20190321_FO-02_446&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPENT000004488230&utm_campaign=23847&utm_medium=email&elq2=5bd8750c9eba4791abe0019c109758f6
The growing complexity of modern trucks is driving changes at maintenance shops and for the workers who have to navigate this increasingly digital world.
“Electronics allow vehicles to have a better conversation with technicians than ever before,” said Kristy LaPage, business manager of the commercial vehicle group at Mitchell 1. “In the transition from mechanical to electronic control systems, there has also been a shift from technicians to diagnosticians. Vehicle electronics are the source of information that can become actionable, so shop solutions are evolving with this change.”
“The digital shop is not only changing inspection and maintenance practices,” said Jeff Sweet, solutions engineer at Decisiv, a provider of a service relationship management (SRM) platform. “Advancements in sensors and monitoring continue to improve fault condition filtering and help prioritize work based on fault severity.”
Photo: Noregon
A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is now essential as an intake tool for technicians.
Also constantly under development are the tools technicians need to service advanced electronic systems.
“A solution that simultaneously diagnoses all components is now essential as an intake tool,” stated Tim Bigwood, CEO at Noregon Systems, a provider of JPRO commercial vehicle diagnostic and monitoring solutions. “And those tools have evolved because while previously there were limited fault trees to consider based on symptoms, today’s vehicles are more complex, so the aid of a diagnostic and repair solution is a necessity.”
The increase in electronics on vehicles is allowing for real-time access to the equipment’s operating conditions and fault data, noted Renaldo Adler, industrial principal, asset maintenance, at Trimble Transportation Enterprise.
“Fleets now have access to a vast amount of diagnostic data needed to repair assets faster,” he said. “Inspections can also be improved with the use of electronic diagnostic tools, which analyze the equipment’s condition and any active faults, so maintenance departments are able to be proactive.”
Remote diagnostics
All of the original equipment manufacturers offer systems on their new trucks that provide diagnostic data. These sensor-based and telematics-driven solutions can improve maintenance efficiency and vehicle uptime.
Kenworth dealers, for example, use diagnostic data from TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics.
“We have found it can cut the time a unit is in our shop by 30%,” said Josh Hayes, branch manager at NorCal Kenworth – San Leandro. “We’ve also found that among trucks with TruckTech+ Remote Diagnostics, we’re seeing about a 15% reduction in the number of trucks that must be towed because remote diagnostics allow us to monitor fault codes and diagnose issues to determine if a truck can be driven into the shop.”
Photo: Mack Trucks
For OEMs, part of the value of remote diagnostics systems is that the vehicle is effectively reporting its own status.
Sanjiv Khurana, general manager of digital vehicle solutions at Daimler Trucks North America, said with the Detroit “virtual technician” system, maintenance managers get real-time alerts and a plan for critical faults. When the truck arrives at the service location, the diagnostic information and fault history allow the technician to get a jump-start on the repair process.
At Peterbilt, SmartLinq remote diagnostics have been integrated with reasoning engine technology to enable more precise diagnostic information, fault code collection, and enhanced analysis by linking cascading faults.
Volvo, Mack, and Navistar also offer their own systems, aimed at reducing downtime and allowing for over-the-air software updates.
“With the increase in electronics on commercial vehicles, fleets have a better understanding of vehicle health,” said Brian Mulshine, director of customer experience for Navistar’s OnCommand Connection.
In short, the value in all of these remote diagnostics systems is that the vehicle is effectively reporting its own status to a maintenance operation.
“The key for truck fleets is to apply electronics to enable a proactive system that adds value and not cost,” said Wally Stegall, technical fellow, director at Morey Corp.
Robert Braswell, executive director of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), noted that greater vehicle complexity makes preventive maintenance more of a challenge. “Until enough fleet data in the field is gathered, it makes it more difficult to optimize service and inspection schedules for new electronic systems,” he explained. “But increasing complexity can bring with it sensor-based maintenance strategies that can help with self-diagnostics.”
Source: https://www.fleetowner.com/maintenance/trucks-get-more-complex-so-does-fleet-maintenance?NL=FO-02&Issue=FO-02_20190321_FO-02_446&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPENT000004488230&utm_campaign=23847&utm_medium=email&elq2=5bd8750c9eba4791abe0019c109758f6
6/22/19
Tongue Weight Safety Demonstration
Proper trailer tongue weight improves the vehicle and trailer towing experience by improving performance. Not enough tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball causes an increase in trailer sway from side to side, making it difficult to control. Conversely, too much tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball could overload the rear tires of the towing vehicle, pushing the rear end of the vehicle around. This could also negatively affect the vehicle handling. Performance is impaired as you might not be able to go around corners and curves properly, and your vehicle may not stop quickly enough when you press the brake pedal. The Weigh Safe Drop Hitch effectively measures the tongue weight of your towing load, improving the vehicle tow load balance and performance.
Learn more at: https://www.weigh-safe.com/
6/19/19
How to Properly Load a Trailer - CURT
This short video will teach you how to properly load a trailer. The most important thing to consider is how the weight of your cargo is distributed onto your trailer. The ideal distribution is to have 60% of the weight in front of the trailer axle, and 40% behind. Its also very important to make sure your cargo is secured properly. Always practice safe towing.
6/16/19
Goodyear DuraTrac Review
This is my first impressions of the Goodyear DuraTracs 275/65R18 tires on my 2015 GMC Sierra Z71
6/13/19
Ford Service Advice: Do I Need an Oil Change? | Service Advice | Ford
This helpful video will explain why it’s important to keep up with regular oil changes to help ensure your vehicle lasts a long time.
6/10/19
Ford Service Advice: Do I Need New Tires? | Service Advice | Ford
This video will explain the importance of having proper tread on your tires to ensure safety, performance, and handling, how to check tread depth, as well as key signs that you may need to replace your tires. Learn more about Ford Service Advice here: http://ford.to/FordOwner
6/07/19
NBTC Repairs Liftgates- 3 Widely Used Liftgate Parts
Here are 3 common parts described in an ezine article byReena White:
There are many parts available today that can be used on liftgates to make it more durable, function more efficiently or to protect it from any mechanical faults or damage.
Today's article will focus on 3 such common Liftgate parts that can be used on trucks. Truck and trailer owners or people interested in adding a liftgate to their existing heavy duty vehicles will find this information quite useful.
1. Master Disconnect Switch
The master disconnect switch is very important liftgate part. It essentially acts as a fail-safe to prevent the liftgate from getting damaged or causing more damage. Liftgates have to carry a lot of weight. They are primarily designed for heavy duty work load provided certain weight restrictions as observed. The master disconnect switch is a secondary switch that acts as over ride and releases the pressure of the liftgate and brings it down to its original starting position. This comes in handy should the liftgate gets jammed and stops moving up or down.
2. Liftgate Motor
Arguably this is a vital part of the liftgate. Every liftgate has it and it is needed to ensure that it works flawlessly. The liftgate motor is responsible for horizontal and vertical movement of the lift gate. It is essentially its brain and can be compared to the engine of the car. It controls all maneuverability functions. It is commonly located underneath the chassis near the liftgate.
3. Cables and Plugs
Another very crucial liftgate, the cables and the plugs complete the connection between the motor and the actual liftgate itself. Proper cabling ensures that the horizontal and vertical motions of the liftgate remains flawless and without interruption. Plug in are needed throughout the installation to ensure that the motor, cabling and the liftgate are tightly secured and that there are no immediate obstacles in their way that might come in the way of their functionality.
These are just three common examples of liftgate parts currently available. There are many more different types of parts on the market each offering versatility and diversity. However the above three are standard liftgate parts in addition to the liftgate itself. Other modifications are available and depend mainly on the requirements and total cost. To determine what would be best for your trailer or truck, look up your local trailer dealer or Liftgate parts dealer. They will be able to determine what modifications should be added to the ATV.
By Reena White |
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reena_White
6/04/19
How to perform a Class A CDL Pre-Trip inspection.
Jeff from Apex CDL Institute demonstrates how to perform a proper pre-trip inspection on a Class A tractor trailer. Remember, your states examiners might require a slightly different procedure. The process we use is good for both Kansas and Missouri and will pass easily in most states.
6/01/19
5 Tips to Increase Fuel Economy
When budgeting for expenses, there are a lot of things that fall outside of your control. For the most part, fuel can be one of those things that’s generally “just a cost of doing business.” However, there are a lot of things you can consider to reduce, or mitigate as much as possible, fuel costs on the job. Check out these five things to consider.
Idle Time
Idling your work truck on the jobsite has become a fairly common practice, and sometimes it’s necessary. At times, things like inverters, power takeoffs, air compressors, and more require the engine to be cranking in order to work. However, don’t let the necessity to idle for those functions become a common occurrence of convenience when it isn’t needed. You’d be surprised how quickly cutting those idle minutes can add up over the span of months or years.Vehicle Maintenance
For a glut of reasons, you should be properly maintaining your work trucks. But one added benefit to regular maintenance is increased fuel economy. Regular fluid changes, changing filters, and routine engine tune-ups keep your truck’s powerplant optimally efficient. In addition to maintaining the powertrain, properly worn and inflated tires can make a big difference in fuel efficiency.Slim down
Do you really need to carry everything and the kitchen sink from jobsite to jobsite? You don’t, and your truck will thank you for not doing so. Loading your truck with only the tools for the job at hand reduces weight, and reduced weight is a major factor in fuel economy.Lose the Leadfoot
Your driving habits may be the number one factor in fuel efficiency. When you drive with the intention of efficiency, it shows. While it might be a slow and steady ride, your wallet will thank you later for taking it easy on the gas pedal. Planning service calls in an efficient manner can help you save time and miles. Make sure you’re not driving cross-town multiple times when a little planning could have gone a lot further.Right Truck, Right Job
This isn’t something you can change on the fly, but our last suggestion is the make sure you’ve got a fleet that’s appropriate for your line of work. If you’re over-specing your vehicles, you’re wasting fuel. If you’re under-specing your trucks, you’re also wasting fuel. It’s vital that you put a lot of thought into having the right class of truck, truck body, and work, trailers that allow you to do your job, and do it most efficiently.Source: https://www.knapheide.com/news/blog/2019/01/5-tips-to-increase-fuel-economy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)