Author Archives: Chip Howard
Custom Truck One Source and UTV International Announce New Sales and Service Partnership

Kansas City, Missouri, November 1, 2022 – Earlier this year, UTV International and Custom Truck One Source (Custom Truck) put the finishing touches on a brand-new partnership. Custom Truck One Source, the industry’s leading specialized truck and heavy equipment solutions provider, will welcome 6 new tracked utility vehicles from UTV International into its sales catalogue and rental fleet.

“Our most important factor [in reaching a deal] was to find a true partner,” said Tavis Renglich, Sales Manager for UTV International. “We’re a company that prides itself on being an innovator and we needed a partner who understood exactly what that means” he continued. Adding: “As leaders themselves, they understood our vision, our mission.”

“Custom Truck is happy to add UTV International tracked vehicles to our bucket, digger derrick, and material handling offerings,” said Smiley Rich, Executive Vice President, Rental Division for Custom Truck. “This partnership allows us to provide our customers with additional options when selecting equipment for their sales and rental fleet.”

With the final negotiations now in place, the UTV International / Custom Truck One Source partnership is up and running: offering broader national coverage and improved service response times in 34 states.

For more information on the partnership, or to find the nearest dealer in your area, you can contact Tavis Renglich at 1-800-985-8665 or via email at [email protected], or the Custom Truck One Source team at 1-833-553-0863 or via [email protected].

 

About Custom Truck One Source:

Custom Truck One Source (Custom Truck) is the first true single-source provider of specialized truck and heavy equipment solutions, offering a vast rental fleet, new and used equipment sales, aftermarket parts and tooling supply, world-class service, customization and remanufacturing, in-house financing solutions and reliable liquidity of aged assets through our auction. Our equipment breadth, seasoned experts, and integrated network of locations across North America together deliver superior service and unmatched efficiency to our customers. Dig in at customtruck.com and keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About UTV International:

UTV International is a manufacturer of tracked carriers, digger derricks, aerials, and personnel transports. In business for over 25 years, their innovative approach to vehicle design has provided unique, adaptable solutions to leaders in the fields of utilities (power / telecom), wildfire, mining, and most recently, the military.

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Water Truck Safety Tips

Water trucks are vital tools used to perform essential operations for many industries, such as construction, mining, and agriculture. While operating one may seem simple, it’s essential to be aware of safety best-practices. Knowing how to mitigate safety concerns will help you use the vehicle safely. With proper operation and maintenance, water trucks can be used effectively and safely. Here are some safety tips to ensure you get the best out of your equipment.

Do the Necessary Checks Before Use

Water truck operators need to perform necessary checks before using the vehicle. This must be done, even if the truck is new. Allocate time to access the overall condition of its components and parts. Ensure the breaks function optimally. There should also be enough air pressure to prevent sudden operational issues. Likewise, check all pumping units, hoses, and tanks. Do not undermine the importance of doing external vehicle checks. Always ensure the tires have sufficient tread.

Also, be aware of insurance and tax formalities before going onto the road. Failure to comply with the legal terms and conditions can lead to problems.

All Water Truck Operators Require Training

For water truck operations to run smoothly, training is necessary. The entire staff needs to undergo training.

Why is training necessary? It helps to ensure greater safety and increases the longevity of the business. It’s especially so for those who have a fleet of drivers who travel to many areas for business.

Drivers additionally need to know how to detect vehicle defects, knowing what to look for before the problem becomes a big issue.

Be Aware of the Main Dangers

Water trucks keep debris and dirt down on the floor, but mud is considered to be a slipping hazard. Use spray nozzles to avoid mud, but don’t overspray. It’s best to avoid entryways or roads when spraying.

Puddles are also an issue as they create potholes and erode the ground. To prevent puddles, avoid over-spraying of water.

Only spray water when in motion. It helps to avoid pothole creation from accelerating or braking.

Weight distribution is another safety consideration. Ensure that the water truck is 100% full or 100% empty when traveling. Otherwise, water will spatter, offsetting the balance of weight in the vehicle when turning.

Improve Situational Awareness

It’s important to adjust driving based on the road conditions. Access road conditions on-site and on the road for any issues. It’s best to avoid pothole-ridden, damaged, and old roads.

The weight of a full tank water truck needs to be printed for reference. This allows for adjusts to be made, depending on the weight limit of any crossings or bridges.

But ideally, the route needs to be planned out early to ensure the truck passes over safely. Even with modern alarms and cameras, spotters need to be trained for when the water truck needs to back up.

When transporting a water truck that is fully loaded, the weight is usually heavier. Accelerating and decelerating needs to be done correctly. Adjusting the speed will ensure that the water in the tank does not spill over tremendously. If the water surges, it can lead to hazardous road accidents as it upsets the truck’s center of gravity.

Avoid Oversaturation of the Ground

Preventing oversaturation of ground is another water truck safety tip. Most injuries happen when the surrounding area gets oversaturated with water. This can be prevented by turning on the sprays individually. The spray’s output intervals also need to be programmed well.

Winterizing Water Trucks

Water truck owners should ensure that the vehicle functions properly in extreme weather. For the truck to operate safely during cold months, it needs to be winterized. Failure to do so may cause the water remaining in the system to freeze. This can lead to cracks in the sprayers, tank, pump, and other components.

To drain water from the tank, park the truck in an incline position. This will reduce the possibility of water remaining inside the system. Then, drain any remaining water from the side spray system and water cannon.

If the truck is already frozen, do not operate the components. Instead, move the vehicle to a warmer location before winterizing it.

Choose the Best Water Truck Provider

In addition to the safety tips listed above, it’s important to work with a reputable provider known for the sale, rental, or customization of water trucks.

At Custom Truck One Source, we provide solutions for all truck-related needs. Browse through our wide range of new and used commercial trucks for sale or rental. Choose by equipment type or industry.

Contact us for information about our equipment and  maintenance services.

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Driver worker handling clipboard check list and checking tire truck as part of routine dump truck maintenance
Keep Your Dump Truck Fleet Running Smoothly – Custom Truck

Purchasing a dump truck is a significant investment. However, the investment doesn’t end there. You’ll still have to spend time and money on dump truck maintenance to keep your truck in tip-top shape.

If you don’t provide your dump truck with proper maintenance, the breakdowns and repairs will catch up with you. This begs the question, how do you maintain your dump trucks?

If you’ve been struggling with dump truck maintenance, worry not; you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll be highlighting a few dump truck maintenance tips to keep your fleet in tip-top condition.

1. Find and Read the Owner’s Manual

Before you get to the heavy lifting, the first thing you want to do for your truck’s maintenance is locate the owner’s manual. This is true for any vehicle, but especially important for specialty trucks like dump trucks. The owner’s manual will help you understand your truck and how to take care of it.

The owner’s manual will highlight all the maintenance checks your dump truck needs. With some, you can even find recommendations on what dump truck parts work best for your truck. You’ll also get a chart that helps you keep track of your maintenance history.

Find the owner’s manual to get comprehensive instructions on how to maintain your truck. Keep reviewing the manual to get your dump truck maintenance off on the right foot.

2. Check the Tires

Tires are an integral part of your dump truck and require your care and attention. Unlike other vehicle tires, dump truck tires are subject to intense loads almost daily. This means they’re more predisposed to wear and, eventually, fail.

Before your fleet hits the road, make sure you check their tires’ air pressure. Check the owner’s manual to confirm whether the tire pressure is up to par.

Most truck manufacturers recommend a PSI of between 85 and 105. Remember to compensate for temperature changes, but don’t overdo it. Next, check the tire treads for excessive signs of wear that may compromise the truck’s traction.

It’s also vital that the tires wear down evenly so they don’t misalign. Also, if the truck will remain dormant for a long time, turn the tires a quarter turn around to avoid stressing one section of the tires.

3. Check Your Trucks’ Batteries

Check the battery under the dump truck’s hood for any signs of corrosion and to ensure that all connections are tight. Also, make sure you remove the truck’s battery if you plan to leave it dormant for a long time. Ensure you do this, especially during the winter when most fleets take a break.

It’s worth noting that some dump trucks will have more than one battery. Some have two batteries, one for the truck and another for the dumping mechanism. This ensures the dumping mechanism works smoothly and has enough power to lift heavy loads.

If you want the best from your dump truck, make sure all the batteries are charged to capacity. When not in use, hook the engine battery up to a trickle charger whenever the truck is idle. This ensures the engine runs well throughout operations.

However, for the dumping body battery, you’ll want to hook it up to a charger every weekend. Don’t forget to do so because if you do, the dumping mechanism will have severe issues with its hydraulics.

4. Hydraulics

This is arguably the most complicated aspect of dump truck maintenance. That’s because not many vehicles have hydraulic systems for lifting and lowering heavy loads. However, the owner’s manual will give you a few helpful pointers for maintaining the truck’s hydraulic system.

Maintaining the hydraulic mechanism ensures that the truck lifts and lowers loads seamlessly. It also prevents the dump body from getting stuck or lying flat while being raised. If the dump body gets stuck, it’s time to check the coils and maybe arrange for a replacement.

However, if the bump body gets stuck in the middle of dumping, loosen the nuts and switch the coils. This will allow the dumper body to lower so that you can drive off to a dump truck mechanic. Switching the coils isn’t a permanent fix, so ensure that you make arrangements for further repairs.

5. Don’t Forget the Engine

The engine is the backbone of your dump truck. Without a functioning engine, your dump truck is as good as useless.  As such, you need to take proper care of your engine to get the most out of your dump truck.

How do you do so? Well, here are a couple of tips for doing just that:

  • Change the engine oil and transmission fluid frequently
  • Let the engine catch some fresh air every once in a while
  • Check the engine belts and change them if they’re too worn
  • Visually inspect the engine for any leaks
  • Remember to replace the oil filter

These are just a few engine maintenance tips for dump engines. If you want to keep your engine in pristine shape, consider hiring a reputable mechanic. Sometimes it’s good to leave heavy equipment maintenance to the pros.

6. Ensure the Truck Remains Clean

Sure, dump trucks must traverse through murky and dusty environments, but that doesn’t mean you should leave them dirty. All dump truck companies have a reputation to uphold, and having dirty trucks hurts it. Always ensure you keep your trucks spotless, including the mirrors, lights, and interior.

Dump Truck Maintenance Made Easy

The above information should make dump truck maintenance simpler for dump truck owners. Dump trucks are a vital part of your construction equipment; make sure you take good care of them. Don’t be afraid to get help from professional mechanics if necessary.

Contact us today for professional dump truck maintenance. Our Pats & Service department is happy to help!

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A dump truck with a trailing axle in order to be federal bridge law compliant for larger weights
Understanding Federal Bridge Laws

If you own a truck or a truck fleet, you must understand federal bridge laws. Nothing can stop a business in its tracks as quickly as a big fine for an overweight truck or a side-lined truck in your fleet.

Keep reading to learn how you can comply with federal bridge laws in all parts of the United States.

Federal Bridge Laws and Formulas

Federal Highway Administration and Federal Bridge Formula Weights determine the proper bridge weight formula, the weight a vehicle should be for a given bridge. The law states the amount of weight a vehicle may be depending on the number of axles and the distance between the axles.

This weight limit refers specifically to traveling on the Interstate highway system. So if you have trucks transporting heavy equipment on Interstate systems, you must understand the federal bridge laws.

To understand the bridge formula, you must first understand the terms.

  • W refers to the overall gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds.
  • N refers to the number of axles in the group under consideration
  • L refers to the distance in feet between the outer axles of any group of two or more consecutive axles
  • the Federal Bridge Formula is thus W = 500 [ LN/N-1 + 12N + 36]

Here’s how to work your way through the formula to make sure you have the right weight. Begin with the inner part of the brackets.

  1. Multiply the number of axles times the distance in feet between the outer axles of any group of two or more consecutive axles.
  2. Then subtract one from the number of axles in the group under consideration.
  3. Divide your first number by your second number.
  4. Multiple 12 times N (the number of axles)
  5. Add that number to the number from step 3.
  6. Add 36 to the number you have from step 5.
  7. Multiply this final number times 500.

This final number is the maximum gross weight allowed. This means the truck and its load may not weigh more than this final number.

How The Federal Bridge Formula Works

You need to understand three basic definitions to understand the Bridge Formula.

  1. Gross Weight: This number refers to the weight of the vehicle and its load. You may not have a vehicle with more than an 80,000-pound gross weight unless the Bridge Formula makes the weight limit lower.
  2. Single-Axle Weight: This weight number refers to the total weight on single axles not spaced more than 40 inches apart from other axles. You may not legally have more than 20,000 pounds on a single axle when traveling on the Interstate System.
  3. Tandem-Axle Weight: This refers to the total weight on consecutive axles with centers spaced between 41 and 96 inches apart. On the Interstate System, the Federal government limits your tandem-axle weight to 34,000 pounds.

The history of truck production helps best explain the Bridge formula. Post World War II, truck manufacturers began to produce heavier trucks. As a result, the federal government became concerned about the wear and tear on bridges.

Thus, the federal government adopted axle and gross weight limits on the Interstate System in 1956. Some states were allowed to “grandfather” or keep higher weight limits.

The number of axles and the distance between axles help create a formula that protects bridges and keeps trucks and drivers safer when driving on aging infrastructure.

For example, a single-axle weight limit takes the place of the Bridge Formula weight limit on axles that are less than 40 inches apart. The tandem-axle weight limit takes the place of the Bridge Formula weight limit when the axles are between 40 and 96 inches apart.

So when you have two axles that are 97 inches apart, the truck may carry 38,000 pounds.

State Specific Laws

Each state has its own weight-limit statutes as well. These have clauses which include a level of restriction on state weight limits. This way states can still receive Federal funds because they’re complying with Federal requirements.

If a state were to not follow the Federal provisions, they run the risk of losing essential Federal funds for not complying.

States comply in a few different ways. Many pay close attention to Federal law changes. Then they require their legislature or their State Department to raise limits when the Federal law changes. The states may also require the legislature or State Department to increase the weight limits if their current laws do not comply with Federal law.

Most states have two different weight limits. They have one for State highways and another for Interstate highways. Often the weight-limit laws do not state the specific limits for Interstates in the statute, though, because the Federal law makes that clear.

In Connecticut, Nebraska, Hawaii, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Wyoming, and Washington, the weight limit in the law is actually higher than the Federal Limits for Interstate travel. However, the statutes have a Federal compliance clause. This clause protects states from losing Federal funding by stating that Federal weight limits still apply to the Interstate system.

Research the state where you plan on trucking to learn its specific requirements. You are responsible for knowing and following the laws where you travel and work.

Best Practices

Ultimately, truck owners and fleet owners must make sure their trucks comply with the laws of the states they visit. You can ensure compliance by making sure your weight does not exceed the limitations of the state or the federal formula.

Measure your axles. Know your truck dimensions. Do not fib on the weight of the truck.

Then make sure you’re keeping your truck in good working order. If you’re not sure about specifics for truck inspection, hire a professional service for your truck inspection.

Federal bridge laws exist to protect roads, bridges, and the trucks that travel on them. If you know the law and follow it, you have nothing to worry about. If you skip a step and try to guess the weight of your truck, you’ll end up with a hefty fine and a sidelined truck.

As you can see, there are many factors involved in choosing the right equipment while staying compliant with federal and state laws. We have product specialists ready to assist you in finding the right products and options for your needs. Contact us to get started!

 

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Freightliner M2106 LK 2000 Gallon Water Truck
Water Trucks: 6 Useful Applications – Custom Truck

Wherever there is a need for bulk water on wheels, there are water trucks with the right capacity (from 500 to 5,000 gallons) to service it.

These specialized vehicles carry large water tanks. The tanks have controlled spray nozzles mounted on the side or front to disburse water as needed. They’re simple, one-job trucks, but when you study their applications, it is easy to see why they’re in high demand. Not just seasonally, but year round, they are extremely popular trucks to buy or rent.

# 1: Dust Control

Construction, quarrying, and mining create a lot of dust. Wherever there are large-scale earth-moving operations, dust is an inevitable byproduct that impedes work and poses health risks (such as bronchitis, eye and lung irritation, asthma, and heart disease) for crews.

Water trucks are lifesavers in such scenarios. They work alongside digging crews, spraying water on clouds of rising dust to suppress them and keep the air clear for improved visibility and breath-ability.

# 2: Soil Compaction

The second crucial role that water trucks play in digging sites is soil compaction. The presence of moisture in soil affects its density. But if an optimum balance of water and soil particles is not maintained, the ground condition can be either too dry or too wet for industrial work. By using water trucks, compaction can be achieved and controlled. Because the amount of water can be calibrated, one can create whatever soil density is required during a specific project.

# 3: Agricultural Applications

Drought is one of the worst natural disasters that impacts the agricultural sector in the United States. It can cause billions of dollars of losses when water is in short supply.

The most infamous spell of drought in the nation’s recent history occurred during 2011-2016 in the Midwest and West Coast. This first brought water trucks into the spotlight as emergency irrigation equipment. States like California, especially its central valley area which grows more than half of the country’s produce, were losing vast quantities of crop. Livestock was also dying on farmlands for lack of drinking water.

Many steps were taken at the time to fight the drought. In 2008, for example, shade balls – plastic floating balls – were dropped into reservoirs to prevent water evaporation. Cloud-seeding programs, a process of releasing chemicals into the sky to artificially mimic weather conditions that encourage rainfall, were launched. Funds were secured to tackle different aspects of the water shortage.

But what about short-term solutions?

Farmers needed some sort of water supply to irrigate their land and hydrate their cattle immediately, and water trucks fulfilled this pressing need. They could carry both potable and non-potable water into rural areas to fill tanks for agriculture and water troughs for animals. They were capable of travelling through rural areas to go wherever someone needed their services.

What people primarily considered mining equipment until that time is now a fixture in farmland applications over the past few years. Now water truck rentals are even helping farmers reduce water waste by matching tank size to their specific volume needs.

# 4: Firefighting

In rural areas, where there are no fire hydrants, local fire companies keep an inventory of known water sources. This includes natural ponds, lakes, stored water tanks, etc. so they can use fire pumpers to pull water from these sources.

But what if there are no bodies of water geographically within reach in the event of a fire?

Water trucks are the quickest and easiest source of water in such circumstances, because they are portable and can travel to the fire. They also help fire companies be proactive by dampening ground that falls in a fire’s path to stop its progress.

# 5: Emergency Services

When natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes strike, the first requirements to rehabilitate a community are safe shelter and drinking water. Those in charge routinely deploy water trucks into crisis zones on such occasions. They help emergency management workers with a ready supply of safe, drinking water.

# 6: Urban Community Services

Water trucks find various applications in urban communities, too. Filling swimming pools is a common job handled by bulk water delivery companies. Landscaping projects with decorative water installations, like fishponds and waterfalls, also use them.

Want to buy or rent a water truck? We have what you need!

Custom Truck One Source, America’s leading provider of specialized trucks, sells and rents 2,000-gallon and 4,000-gallon water trucks – the two most popular models in the market – built by Load King. Our customers can purchase or rent water trucks on a variety of chassis brands and models.

With superior technological and build advantages, like individually air-controlled spur heads, Berkeley-style pumps that perform both suction and discharge, and strategically located baffles, we offer a variety of features and add-ons that our competitors don’t.

Call us at 844-282-1838 or email us at [email protected]. We’re standing by to help you!

 

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Water Trucks for Sale and Rent
What You Need to Know About the Many Uses of Water Trucks

What are water trucks used for?

Water trucks – specialized vehicles equipped with large tanks in the rear for transporting water and controlled spray nozzles for distributing it – are a familiar sight in a variety of sectors such as civil construction, mining, farming and fire control.

The advantages they offer by transporting and disbursing both potable and recycled water can be put to a variety of uses too, and we will discuss them below so you can see how the addition of a water truck can actually improve operations in your own business.

# 1: Dust Control

Construction and mining sites kick up a lot of dust that would impede progress without water trucks with 2,000-4,000-gallon tanks that tamp down dust very efficiently by following a grading equipment that is leveling and preparing soil for work.

Dusty jobsites not only slow down work but increase health risks such as eye and lung irritation, bronchitis, asthma and heart disease, and by dampening dust, water trucks remove them from the air that miners and construction workers are breathing.

# 2: Firefighting

Water trucks are especially useful in remote, rural areas where there are no fire hydrants to help put out fires. These trucks transport water needed by firefighters to not only control fires but dampening fire-prone areas that are likely to be consumed in the blaze.

 

ICUEE 2019

 

# 3: Soil Compaction

Soil must be compacted to create a flat, even ground at construction sites so that buildings, roads, bridges etc. can be built safely. When soil is compacted with heavyweight compacting tools like rollers, rammers and vibratory plates, the air component is removed from the soil while keeping the water content intact.

Too much water will make the ground sludgy and unstable. Too little water will not let the dry soil particles adhere to each other either. Water trucks not only provide a portable and ready water source at construction sites, they also provide just the right amount of liquid to maintain good water to soil ratio to create strong and stable compaction.

# 4: Farming

The agricultural sector in the United States started using water trucks during the severe drought that was experienced throughout the Midwest and West Coast of the country between 2011-2016.

When rains fail, these trucks carry recycled water to affected farmlands so irrigation can continue, and both crops and livestock can be saved.
 
Shop Water Trucks

 

Interested in buying a water truck?

Contact us at Custom Truck One Source, the nation’s single-largest provider of specialized trucks and heavy equipment.

Check out our vast inventory by clicking HERE.

 

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Dump Truck Lineup
7 Reasons Why Custom Truck Rules the Dump Truck Market

Need a dump truck? Have a particular set of specs in mind? Want to see the widest product range? Looking for financing?

Come to Custom Truck One Source! We’re the leading single-source company for dump trucks in the United States, and both major companies and independent operators with modest fleets enjoy a variety of advantages when they choose to work with us.

# 1: We Have Multiple Locations

We’re located all over the country, so you don’t have to come to us. We come to you!

# 2: Our Inventory is Unbeatable

We have the largest inventory of dump trucks in the United States, on the ground and ready to go!

# 3: We Offer a Variety of Specs

There could be over 50 dump trucks all with different specs. We have a variety of specs to choose from on a variety of chassis.

# 4: We Are Region-Compatible

We offer region-specific options in dump trucks that will work anywhere, from California to the Northeast.

 

ICUEE 2019

 

# 5: We Offer Real Solutions

Retail sale, wholesale, rental, lease or RPO – we customize options to suit your budget and needs. We also offer in-house financing, which takes that concern off the table for you.

# 6: We Are Well-Stocked Throughout The Year

Our stock doesn’t run low in the last quarter of the year when people actually want to invest in equipment rather than pay tax.

# 7: We Sell Super Dumps

Custom Truck One Source carries the largest range of Super Dumps, so our customers never have to compromise on their choice of one.

 

Contact us about your dump truck needs today! We’ll have the right solution that will work the best for you.

 

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Super Dump - Dump Trucks
What are Super Dumps & Why They Matter! – Custom Truck

There are several kinds of dump trucks on the market, designed for different payloads and different operational needs. And spec’ing them out at the time of purchase can be a pretty complex business.

For example, you have to understand not only the maximum weight a dump truck can haul, but also its total gross weight. State laws don’t have uniform regulations about dump truck weight limits. Therefore, it’s really important to understand weight regulations in the states you’re going to operate in. That’s how to make sure you’re not breaking any law.

Federal Bridge Law

All trucks have a maximum weight they can carry. The federal bridge formula stipulates these. This calculation involves total gross weight and the weight on each axle and axle group.

Invented more than 30 years ago, Super Dumps, or super 10 dump trucks, maximize not just the gross weight they can carry, but also the payload and profitability as well. Super Dumps haul more material in the least amount of time. This means increased revenue over the lifetime of the vehicle.

How do they do this?

With a nifty addition of a load-bearing trailing axle that increases the length of the vehicle.

Weight restrictions exist to make sure our roads and bridges don’t flounder under excessive weight. To ensure this, the weight of the dump truck has to be properly spaced out according to the stresses that bridges and roads are designed to hold.

For a regular tandem dump truck, having 3 axles and spanning 22 ft, the limit for the gross weight is 52,500 lbs. If you add a pusher axle, it now has 4 axles, even though the overall span remains 22 feet. And commensurately, the allowance has also increased to 56,500 lbs.

If we add the Super Dump’s trailing axle to the back of the truck, the length automatically increases to 34 ft (instead of 22), and with 4 axles, the allowance also increases to 64,500 lbs.

The trailing axle stores above the vehicle, well out of the way when not needed, to facilitate dumping operations. And by storing it off the ground, the Super Dump truck has all the maneuverability, quickness and agility of a short-wheel based tandem truck. On command.

This is what makes Super Dumps so special.
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Additional Benefits of a Super Dump

And that’s not all!

To maximize the amount of legal gross weight, Super Dumps can be equipped with 3 pusher axles. This means there are 7 axles in total, spread out over 34 ft. This means it qualifies to carry the maximum gross weight allowed on the interstate: 80,000 lbs!

The body of the Super Dump has been rigorously engineered to dump easily and quickly with all unnecessary weight eliminated. From the shape of the bed to the shape of the tailgate, the same high-strength steel is in every component. And the precise placement of the body on the truck chassis further helps in optimum weight distribution.

IntelliTruck, an advanced on-board control system, uses robust mobile electronics and streamlined custom components, to reduce the number of wires needed (and potential failure points) by over 60%, for long-lasting, trouble-free performance and dependability. Plus the color Control Monitor makes it the easiest-to-operate system in the dump truck industry. That’s thanks to descriptive buttons, on-screen illustrations, informative notifications, status screens, and operator error prevention.

Since Super Dumps came to market in 1989, they have proven to be particularly useful for asphalt and concrete paving applications. But they’re also the most profit-boosting option for any operation that’s looking to haul and shift the most amount of material in the shortest possible time!

 

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13 Truck Safety Tips
How to Keep Your Truck Operational in Winter | Custom Truck

Winter weather is hard for any commuter trying to get from Point A to Point B, fighting slow-moving traffic, snow storms, ice and blizzard. But for trucks – and truck drivers – the winter weather-beaten roadways are even more of a challenge because their livelihood depends on it. And timely pick-up and delivery of goods is of the essence.

To keep your trucks in good working order, so you don’t have to deal with unexpected breakdowns that will only compound your problems during these cold months, here are 13 things you can do make sure your vehicle runs smoothly during extreme cold weather. These tips are particularly useful for OTR trucks that are travelling from warmer, southern parts of the country to freezing northern states:

 

Winter Tips for Drivers

 

Resource: All State Peterbilt.com

 

 

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mailto:Juergen.Hofheinz@jfcson.us
Improved Safety Features: Growth In Vocational Truck Specs

Vocational trucks represented less than 6% of new Class 8 vehicle registrations in 2017. The niche nature of the market means innovations are often slow to catch on. But that said, more and more technologies initially for on-road fleets are now migrating to vocational trucks. As an older generation of drivers is phasing out of the workforce, a younger generation is replacing them with a modern outlook that readily embraces technology to improve drivability, safety and overall job-related performance. From a fleet management point of view, adopting safety features affords long-term benefits. They reduce operational costs and retain a healthy and experienced workforce for the long term.

Safety-related specs are one of several innovations for vocational trucks and are currently a major area of interest:

ADVANCED VEHICLE SAFETY FEATURES

Working in closed urban neighborhoods and sharing busy, congested road space with an increasing number of passenger cars, safety is one of the most pressing concerns with vocational trucks these days.

As of now, over-the-road fleets definitely have an advantage over vocational ones when it comes to advanced safety specs like tire pressure management systems, active driving systems, automatic braking, human detection systems, side-looking vehicle detection systems etc.

Features such as these would make vocational trucks safer on the roads, especially for young, inexperienced operators. However, they are still not so commonplace that you can spec them easily from OEMs.

But that day is soon coming.

Vocational trucks often work in more dynamic, unpredictable and congested environments than long-haul trucks, and the more safety features they can be fortified with the better it’s going to look for a business’ bottom line with less chances of accidents, injuries, escalating healthcare and insurance costs etc.

AUTOMATIC AND AUTOMATED TRANSMISSIONS

The manual gearbox is becoming antiquated in vocational fleets. This is especially true in medium-duty applications where driving is only a part of the job.

Automated and automatic transmissions are already here. They are definitely the way of the future. As the workforce gets younger, new drivers find it easier to transition safely into the job with automatic transmission. Thanks to these two-pedal transmissions, there is one less distraction on the road. Additionally, there’s less physical fatigue that results from clutching and shifting a manual transmission.

And it isn’t just improved driver health and safety that reduces maintenance costs in the long run either.

Automatic and automated transmissions are offering application-related features that are congruent with the very specific needs of construction companies, road pavers, cement mixers and other vocations in which old-timer operators have traditionally been biased in favor of three pedals to get tasks done.

The amazing versatility of these transmissions on jobsites and on highways mean less burnt-out clutches and broken axles, improved vehicle maneuverability, fuel economy etc. – which all add up to make fleet management more robust and operationally less expensive in the long run.

 

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