Four Wheelin' Waste

Bob Deierlein

American Isuzu Motors, Whittier, Calif., has introduced its NQR model, which has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 16,500 pounds (lbs.) and a body/payload capability from 10,382 lbs. to 10,592 lbs.

It is available in four wheel bases that can handle 12-foot to 24-foot bodies. The gross axle ratings are 6,830 lbs. in the front and 14,550 lbs. in the rear.

The cab is made of galvanized steel, and the chassis boasts a heavy-duty, 33.5-inch channel ladder-type frame with clean upper frame flanges. The yield strength is 44,000 pounds per square inch (psi) with a section module of 7.20 cubic inches and a resistance bending moment of 316,800 lb./foot/inch.

The NQR uses a new Isuzu 4.75 liter, 4HE1-TC turbo inter-cooled, direct-injection, 4-cylinder, overhead cam diesel engine that produces 175 gross horsepower (hp) at 2,700 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 347 pounds per foot (lbs./ft.) gross torque at 2,000 rpm.

The 4HE1-TC has a B10 durability rating of 310,000 miles and includes roller rocker arm assemblies, alloyed cast-iron cylinder liners, nitrided piston rings, a ladder-type crank case and axial oil seals.

The NQR features a hydro-boost hydraulic system with large front disc brakes and self-adjusting rear drum brakes. An exhaust brake is standard. This system uses a twin-cavity hydraulic pump so that the brake system and power-steering system operate independently.

Fleets can choose either a 4-speed overdrive Aisen 450-43LE automatic with a lock-up torque converter second through fourth or an Isuzu MBP6P 6-speed synchronized overdrive manual transmission with a heavy-duty, ceramic-lined clutch designed for the Class 5 operations. Circle 141 on reply card

Caterpillar, Peoria, Ill., has released a new engine rating for 1998: the 15.8-liter, 575-hp 3406E with 1,850 lbs./ft. of torque.

In addition, the 15.8-liter, 600-hp Cat 3406E truck engine now has a 5-year, 500,000-mile extended service program that covers all parts and labor charges for any covered failures caused by defects in materials or workmanship under normal use and service.

This coverage is offered at no charge to customers who purchase and take delivery of a 600 hp Cat 3406E truck engine before March 1, 1999. Circle 142 on reply card

Cummins Engine Co., Columbus, Ind., has introduced a new ISC diesel engine, a 24-valve, in-line, 6-cylinder turbocharged unit with power ratings from 215 hp to 300 hp. It also has released the 280- to 425-hp rated ISM engine, which replaces the M11 Plus.

In addition, an ISM with Cummins SmartTorque offers extra torque in the top two gears. SmartTorque delivers this while automatically shifting the top two gears. It is compatible with fully automated manual transmissions.

A special vocation rating feature senses when the ISM is under full load and automatically increases the hp and torque in lower gears. Once underway, VSP reverts to a lower torque mode for higher fuel economy. Two base ratings are available at 305 hp and 335 hp. Circle 143 on reply card

Eaton Corp., Cleveland, has introduced its Tire Monitor System that is designed to identify loss of air pressure and to notify drivers that air is needed before the tire becomes significantly underinflated.

There are independent Tire Monitor Systems for tractors and trailers, eliminating a need for "married" vehicle combinations.

Codes for each tire sensor programmed into the receiver assure that the system only monitors tire pressure information for the vehicle on which it is mounted.

Also new from Eaton is its four 6-speed, medium-duty transmissions for applications from 560 lbs./ft. to 860 lbs./ft. torque capacity. The new Synchro-6 family consists of two overdrive models and two direct-drive models.

The FSO-6406A and FSO-8406A feature a 0.78 overdrive top-gear ratio that allows for cruising at lower rpms and have a 7.05 first-gear ratio, providing 9.04 overall ratio coverage.

The FSO-8406A, rated at 860 lbs./ ft. torque capacity, is more than 40 lbs. lighter than the current 820 lbs./ ft. FS-8206A, which it replaces. The FSO-6406A is rated at 660 lbs./ft. torque capacity.

The direct drive models are the FS-5406A, rated at 560 lbs./ft. torque capacity, and the FS-6406A, rated at 660 lbs./ft.

Eaton also has introduced new anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for tractors and trailers. For trailers, the redesigned system simplifies diagnostic access and offers a more modular, flexible design for a variety of configurations.

The system for trailers can be configured for applications including 2S/1M, 2S/2M and 4S/2M. For tractors, it's a four-channel ABS, designed to meet the requirements of original equipment manufacturers such as Navistar, Volvo and Sterling, which are using frame-mounted ABS control units.

Finally, Eaton is offering three new additions to its Super 10, 13 and 18 low-inertia transmission family for application behind engines exceeding 500 hp. The new high-torque models are RTLO-20918B Super 18, rated at 2,050 lbs./ft. torque capacity; the RTLO-18913A Super 13, rated at 1,850 lbs./ft.; and the RTLO-18610B Super 10, rated at 1,850 lbs./ft. Circle 144 on reply card

Freightliner, Portland, Ore., introduced "SmartShift," a proprietary product for Freightliner and Sterling truck transmissions. This advance, which will be available in the first quarter of 1999, can be interfaced to transmissions such as the Meritor SureShift and the Eaton AutoShift.

Shift-by-wire transmissions electronically manipulate the engine speed and torque for the driver and move the clutches in the transmission with actuators so that a float-shift is completed without the need to use the clutch, except for starting and stopping. Circle 145 on reply card

Goodyear Tire, Akron, Ohio, has introduced its G302 Fuel Efficient Drive tire. This tandem axle tire features a 261/432-inch tread depth and shorter lug elements designed to reduce contact heel and toe wear.

The G302 retread is available in sizes 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5. The G302 is available in tread sizes 771/48 inch, 811/44 inches and 871/48 inches.

A new top belt made of monofilament polyamide in the tires acts as a barrier between the tire's tread rubber and high-tensile steel belts, stopping moisture before it can reach the belt. Once moisture penetrates a tire and works its way down to the tire's steel belts, its carcass life and retreadability decline significantly. Circle 146 on reply card

Mack Trucks, Allentown, Pa., has introduced its Bulldog Premium EO-M motor oil. The SAE15W-40 lubrication is approved for use in all Mack engines and was formulated to enhance the performance of the new 1998 model year Mack E-Tech diesel engines.

The oil has a significantly higher total base number (TBN) of 11.5 inches. The TBN ratings reflect the oil's ability to control the harmful effects of acids that are created during the combustion process. Circle 147 on reply card

Meritor Automotive, Troy, Mich., has introduced its SureShift transmission, a "shift-by-wire" system that prevents improper shifting, making it virtually impossible for drivers to make shifts that would over-rev or lug the engine.

The SureShift transmission will be available as optional equipment through all trucks' original equipment manufacturers when spec'd with any 9- or 10-speed Meritor transmission. It is compatible with any electronically controlled engine.

Meritor, formerly Rockwell Automotive, also will continue selling its Engine Synchro Shift system as a lower cost alternative to the SureShift transmission. Circle 148 on reply card

Navistar International Transportation Corp., Chicago, has unveiled the new International Eagle 9900. The model features a 120-inch bumper-to-back-of-the-cab dimension set-forward front axle and 6x4 configuration.

It is the first model from Navistar to offer engine options ranging from 11 liters to 14 liters. A choice of Rockwell, Dana and Eaton drivetrain components complements engine selections.

The model also features a long-nose design, smooth ride, a wider chrome grille, expansive hood and headlights set in chrome. Circle 149 on reply card

Peterbilt Motors, Denton, Texas, has introduced QuickCare, a system of comprehensive services that provides fast turnaround on maintenance and also allows for consistent pricing throughout the Peterbilt dealer network.

QuickLube, the program's initial offering, includes a 20-point inspection of the vehicle, an oil and primary oil filter change, chassis lubrication and inspections for the fuel, water and by-pass filters.

Pricing for the program is fixed at $139.95 for Class 8 vehicles and $89.95 for Class 7 vehicles. The dealerships will provide dedicated service bays to attend to QuickLube customers and service will begin within one hour of entering the dealership.

Peterbilt also has introduced the Peterbilt Fleet Services Card, which can be used for parts and service purchases at Peterbilt dealerships and fuel purchases at participating locations. It is available at no annual fee to customers operating five or more vehicles. Circle 150 on reply card

Following its 1997 acquisition of the heavy-duty Ford truck line, Freightliner has rolled out its new subsidiary, Sterling Truck Corp., Willoughby, Ohio, and a full lineup of trucks.

Sterling has two lines of conventional vehicles, the A-line and L-line, and the Class 7 to 8 Cargo low cabover truck and tractor. The L-Line ranges from Class 6 to 8 and covers vocational markets spanning mid-range and premium diesel applications.

The A-Line consists of on-highway tractors with premium diesel power. All Sterling trucks and tractors are available with single or tandem axles.

The L7500 is available in single- and tandem-axle truck and tractor configurations ranging from Classes 6 to 8. Wheel bases range from 141 inches to 261 inches with cab-to-axle measurements ranging from 72 inches to 192 inches.

Truck ratings go up to 64,000 lbs., and tractor ratings go up to 80,000 lbs. Power ratings range from 175 hp to 300 hp, offering the Cummins ISB in ratings from 175 hp to 250 hp, the Cummins ISC from 215 hp to 300 hp, and the Caterpillar 3126 from 175 hp to 300 hp. The 215 hp Cummins ISC is standard.

The chassis has frame options running from 50,000 psi to 120,000 psi, with nine front axles' capacities ranging from 7,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs., with single, rear axles rated at 21,000 lbs. and 23,000 lbs. and tandem axles rated at 34,000 lbs. and 40,000 lbs.

The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual. Options include 6-, 9- and 10-speed manuals, as well as 4- and 5-speed mechanical automatics and 5- and 6-speed electronically controlled Allison automatics.

Two models of the Cargo, a Class 7 to 8 low cab-forward model, which were acquired as part of last year's sale, are available: * the SC7000 that has a GVWR from 25,000 lbs. to 35,000 lbs. and

* the SC8000 that starts at 33,000 lbs. GVWR to 52,000 lbs. with the tandem axle configuration.

The Cargo comes with Cummins' new ISB 6-cylinder turbocharged and electronically controlled diesel. Power ranges from 175 hp to 210 hp in the SC7000. Power in the SC8000 starts at 215 hp.

Transmission choices include 5-, 6- and 9-speed direct manual transmissions, plus 4- and 5-speed mechanical automatics and 5- and 6-speed electronically controlled Allison automatics. Circle 151 on reply card

Volvo, Greensboro, N.C., has introduced a new 6-cylinder electronically controlled, in-line pump diesel engine. The Volvo Vocational Engine is a 7.3 liter engine that can be spec'd with Volvo Trucks' vocational vehicles - the VNM, WG and Xpeditor.

Weighing in at 1,709 lbs. dry, the engine is available in power ratings of 250 hp, 275 hp and 300 hp at 2,200 rpm. It is backed by a 24-month, 250,000-mile, 6,250-hour base warranty with 100 percent parts/labor and a major component warranty of 5 years/500,000 miles/10,000 hrs.