Holland has unveiled its new NS Series Trailer Slider/Air Suspension System for 40,000 to 45,000 lb. applications. The NS-400 model is engineered for standard, 40,000 lb. dry freight and refrigerated van applications.

The NS 450 model is designed for 45,000 lb. higher capacity, moderate duty van applications.

Manufactured from high strength 80,000 lb. yield steel the Holland slider includes strategically placed reinforcements in the suspension that Holland claims prevent the buckling and racking problems often associated with lightweight sliders. Holland also claims the slider’s lightweight roll-formed upper rails are twice as strong as competitive models.

Other notable design features include:

-Full-height G-shape cross-members prevent slider racking and cross-member spacing permits easy service accessibility.

-Holland’s Qwik-Release system allows one person to reposition the slider and retract wedge slider pins with 20 percent less pull effort than the nearest competitor, it is claimed. Air pin puller is available as an optional feature.

-Holland Neway’s three-bushing suspension design has a high fore/aft spring rate to control axle movement and reduce vibration. The spring rate is nearly twice that of single bushing designs for better tracking, reduced axle stress and increased tire life.

-A patented 2-pin axle adapter reduces torsional axle stresses and improves trailer tracking. The pivot and adapter bushings work together to provide the most roll-stable and best riding suspension in the industry.

– A versatile welded axle connection accepts most commercially available 5″ round axles.

-The EZ-Align non-weld axle alignment technology does not require any welding nor special tools. Alignment just takes minutes.

-An optional External Dock Locking system automatically eliminates dock walk and dock squat keeping the trailer at the dock at dock height -unlike designs that only eliminate dock walk.

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International launches trucks for severe service

International Truck and Engine Corporation has introduced its 7000 Series of trucks for the severe service market, part of its High Performance Truck family.

The new trucks offer a wheel cut up to 50 degrees. Maintenance is simplified with a multiplexed electrical system that continuously monitors critical vehicle functions. Standard features include air-ride cab, a larger fan and cooling system mounted above the frame rails and wide-track front axles.

“The International 7000 Series redefines high performance for an industry that works under the toughest conditions,” said Steve Keate, president, truck group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. “These trucks deliver value in every sense by being more economical, and helping drivers and service technicians perform more productively.”

The International 7000 Series offers engine ratings from 195-340 hp for severe service applications such as construction dump and mixer, waste collection rear and side loader and government plow/dump/spreader. Several Class 8 model trucks are also available, including 4×2, 6×4 and factory built all-wheel-drive axle configurations with gross vehicle weight (GVW) ratings from 27,000 – 66,000 lb.

Kenworth dealers offering new maintenance services

Canadian Kenworth dealers are offering customers two new PremierCare Express services to help prevent problems before it’s too late.

The Kenworth Express Air Conditioning Service features a 27-point inspection, evacuation and recharge, receiver/drier replacement, five pounds of refrigerant and a compressor oil top-off. Heavy- and medium-duty trucks qualify for the service package at participating dealerships.

The second new service being offered by Kenworth dealerships is the PremierCare ExpressLube service, which includes a four-filter oil change, a complete chassis lube and a 20-point inspection. Truckers can expect to shell out $231.95 for heavy-duty trucks or $154.95 for medium-duty rigs — but the price tag jumps for Cummins Signature Series engines.

In other company news, Kenworth has developed a new dash for the T300 medium-duty conventional cab featuring a host of improvements. First production has begun at Paccar’s medium-duty manufacturing plant in Ste-Therese, Que. The new T300 standard dash includes a wrap-around instrument panel, and rotary controls for the heater/ventilation/ air conditioning (HVAC) system. The improved HVAC system includes new louvers and ducting. Split ventilation between the defrost and floor enables the driver to circulate heat up from the floor while defrosting the windows at the same time. In addition, two floor vents placed on both sides provide better heating and cooling at floor level and improve side-window defrost.

MGM releases new brake stroke indicator

MGM Brakes has rolled out a new visual brake adjustment indicator, e-stroke, enabling heavy vehicle operators or service personnel to quickly verify brake stroke status.

Pre-installed and pre-calibrated sensors convert air brake actuator shaft travel into an electronic signal monitored by a chassis communication module, which outputs wheel-specific blink codes. These reveal whether a brake chamber is experiencing normal stroke, overstroke, or is simply not functioning. Dragging brakes can also be identified with the system.

This new development will help increase truck safety on roadways, says the company, by making drivers more aware of brake status and ensuring necessary maintenance is performed in a timely manner.

Corporate Moves: Volvo selling off Xpeditor business

Volvo Trucks North America is selling its Xpeditor line to Grand Vehicle Works Holdings.

The Xpeditor truck platform is a low cab-over-engine (LCOE) heavy Class 8 truck and the deal includes the assembly and sale of both the tractors and unique aftermarket parts.

As part of the agreement, Volvo will license the Autocar truck brand name to Autocar, LLC — a newly formed subsidiary of Grand Vehicle Works Holdings.

The move was initiated to comply with an agreement Volvo entered into with the US Department of Justice to obtain antitrust clearance of Volvo’s acquisition of Renault V.I. and Mack Trucks in December 2000.

Accuride announces it’s set to expand London, Ont. plant

Accuride has announced plans to pump US$13.5 million into its London, Ont. facility within the next two years.

The company will construct a new 50,000-square-foot building to increase capacity and add a paint facility, sources tell local media.

The London expansion is part of a consolidation plan by Accuride, manufacturer of heavy-, medium- and light-duty truck rims and wheels.

Accuride has steel wheel operations in London, Henderson, Ky., Columbia, Tenn. and Monterrey, Mexico.

The company is also involved in the production and sale of aluminum wheels in Erie, Pa., and in a commercial tire and wheel assembly joint venture in Springfield, Ohio and Talbotville, near London.

In a news release, the company announced it will be closing its Columbia operation and moving production elsewhere. The company says its restructuring was spurred by a 36 percent downturn in its market due to the massive decline in truck manufacturing across North America.

Hino is bringing 9-speed flagship model to Canada

Hino is introducing a new flagship model for 2002. The 9-speed SG3325, with a gross vehicle weight of 15,000 kg (33,000 lb.) and a payload capacity of 10,363 kg (22,800 lbs.), is suited for Canadian heavy-duty applications such as vehicle transport carrier, building and construction, and reefer body.

The SG3325 comes with the new “J-Series” 6 cylinder overhead cam, turbo intercooled, heavy duty, 252-hp engine. It’s available with an optional five speed Allison MD automatic and has a wheelbase to accommodate most applicable body lengths.

The J-Series are high fuel efficiency engines. Some customers report a 20 percent fuel saving over other trucks in the same class, according to Hino. This is achieved by incorporating a new four-valve overhead cam and a newly designed turbo ch
arger to work in conjunction with the Hino micro mixing fuel systems. The engine accessories are gear driven from the flywheel, eliminating drive belts and vibration.

“Hino’s unique high volume cooling system ensures the engine is reliable in adverse conditions and the turbo intercooler aids in engine performance and fuel efficiency. As a result Hino boasts one of the lowest operating costs in the industry,” the company claims.