Steve Sturgess
Kenworth Launches New Medium-Duty Product Lineup
A box van like this 26-foot demonstrator will likely prove popular. (Kenworth Truck Co.)
PHOENIX — After a model life of nearly 30 years, Kenworth is updating its Class 5 medium-duty vehicles through Class 8, with the introduction of four all-new models: the T180, T280, T380 and T480.
April 5, 2021Kenworth Shows Off Aerodynamics of T680 Next Gen
Side view shows the tandem fairings and polished wheel covers. Remodeled steps are more stair-like. (Steve Sturgess for Transport Topics)
RENTON, Wash. — Kenworth Truck Co. spotlighted the aerodynamic and interior upgrades to its T680 Next Gen Class 8 during a small media event that began at its proving grounds here, then shifted to a 40-mile test drive during which both the day cab and highway models were on hand.
March 22, 2021Fan Drive Technology Is Evolving to Meet the Needs of Modern Engines
When exhaust-gas recirculation became the technology to meet the heavy-duty truck emissions standards, underhood temperatures skyrocketed and put extreme pressure on cooling fan drives and belts. Fleets now can spec a variety of variable-speed and electronically controlled fan drives.
April 24, 2020LEDs Represent Future of Truck Headlamps
LED headlamps have been used on American combat vehicles for many years. (Truck-Lite Co.)
The LED is the alternative to the long-established halogen-enhanced incandescent bulb and the more recent high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs that have seen some uptake by truck manufacturers.
January 24, 2020Adoption of FA-4 Engine Oils Has Been Slow, but Early Tests May Point to Future Acceptance
A technician checks an engine’s oil. (Shell Oil)
The American Petroleum Institute’s latest heavy-duty engine oil standards, designated CK-4 and FA-4, have been on the market for more than two years, but only CK-4 lubricants have by and large replaced the previous CJ-4 formulation.
April 29, 2019Tire Monitoring and Inflation Systems Can Lead to Fuel Savings, Longer Tire Life
A technician installs a tire pressure inflation unit on both tractor drive axles. (Aperia Technologies)
Tire failures remain the No. 1 reason for roadside assistance calls. And most tire-related problems come from underinflation as a result of leaks, punctures or just poor maintenance programs.
November 9, 2018Regular Realignment Is a Savings, Not a Cost
Most alignment systems require setting bar-mount laser projections. (E-Z Red Co.)
Tire wear often is blamed on a number of things, and many times, on the brand of the tire. But aggressive tire wear is a symptom that something else is wrong with a truck.
July 20, 2018Discs or Drums?
Bendix offers collision mitigation braking. (Bendix)
Not all fleets are convinced of the benefits of air disc brakes. But suppliers maintain there is a growing acceptance of them for heavy-duty trucks, driven by an increase in the deployment of active safety technology, such as collision mitigation and avoidance systems.
May 11, 2018Fuel Cells Gain Momentum as Range Extenders for Electric Trucks
Ryder System Inc.
When Nikola Motor Co. President Trevor Milton pulled the wraps off the Nikola One prototype Class 8 truck last year and announced it would have a hydrogen fuel-cell power plant, it seemed a radical approach at the time.
November 27, 2017Air Disc Brakes for Trailers Slowly Gaining Momentum in Market
Wabco Maxx22T air disc brake by Joseph Terry/Transport Topics
Adoption of air disc brakes for trailers is slowly trending upward as some fleets look beyond the tractor to improve stopping power and enhance safety, industry experts said.
October 30, 2017