Marketwatch (January 01, 2004)

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Bandag

Bandag’s two new tread products are expected to increase tread life by as much as 20%, says the company. The BDM (Bandag Drive Mixed) and BRM (Bandag All-Position Mixed) treads were developed for refuse and construction applications. BDM is for drive positions of vehicles driven in mud and snow in severe climates, while the BRM tire is appropriate for all-position use in on/off-road and P&D applications in milder climates.

Both treads fit most tire sizes used on construction and waste vehicles, including 11R22.5, 11R24.5 and 3415/80R22.5.

www.bandag.com

BF Goodrich

BF Goodrich Commercial Truck Tires’ DR424 regional drive tire includes an aggressive, open-shoulder tread design with tread compounds tailored for regional service. It is available in 10R22.5, 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 275/80R22.5 and 275/80R24.5 sizes, all in Load Range G.

The company also has two new on/off road tires. The ST576 On/Off road all-position tire has a four-belt construction for added protection against road hazards and improved retreadability. It is available in 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 sizes, both in Load Range H. The DR675 tire has enhanced construction to hold up under the tough conditions experienced in construction, mining, sanitation and logging. Available in 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 sizes in Load Range H, the new tire has four tough steel belts to provide added protection against road hazards and shocks while improving retreadability.

www.bfgoodrichtrucktires.com

Bridgestone

Bridgestone has introduced a new deep-tread steer tire for regional, shorthaul and pickup & delivery applications. The R260F has a 22/32 in., 20% deeper tread depth than standard steer radials, says the company. An Equalizer Rib structure combats irregular tread wear. Smaller ribs, constructed next to the larger tire ribs, absorb irregular wear forces, says Bridgestone. Thicker ribs along the tire sidewall offer resistance to curbing. The R260F is available in standard and low profile sizes, with G and H load ratings for 22.5 and 24.5 in. wheels.

The company also has a new steer-axle radial for long-distance and regional haul.

Bridgestone’s R280 tire has a footprint shape that optimizes itself during early stages of wear to increase the effectiveness of the company’s patented Equalizer Rib design. Stress relief siping along every rib, special sipe contouring, straight-sided ribs, and use of Bridgestone’s Defense Groove are other incorporated designs which aim to stop the start and spread of irregular wear.

The R280 is available in 22.5- and 24.5- in. low-profile sizes with a “G” load rating with standard profile versions to also be rolled out.

www.trucktires.com

Firestone

Firestone’s 29/32-in. deep drive-axle radial, the FD690 PLUS, is aimed at long-distance linehaulers, and has one of the deepest treads of any drive radial available, says the company, along with a continuous shoulder design engineered to cut down irregular wear.

An aggressive block/lug design on the tire’s tread has numerous angled edges to cut through water and road films. Center lugs are linked by tie bars to add stability and fight heel and toe wear. A continuous shoulder design helps prevent the start and spread of irregular wear without sacrificing wet traction, says Firestone. The tire comes in a “G” load rating in both standard and low-profile sizes for 22.5- and 24.5-in. wheels.

www.trucktires.com

Goodyear

Goodyear has introduced an entirely new commercial long-haul steer tire, the G395. The G395 was also designed to be a “tire within a tire.” As the original tread wears down, the edge blades, barrel shape and 5-rib design distribute pressure evenly throughout the ribs and tread, which results in uniform wear and more miles to removal, says the company. The G395 LHS design has lateral sipes and slots on the three main ribs to provide traction and handling.

www.goodyear.com

Michelin

Michelin’s XDN 2 drive tire with Matrix multi-dimensional siping has individual tread blocks working together as a solid rib to deliver long, even wear, says the tire maker. Matrix siping also allows the tread blocks to function independently when needed, incorporating 1,300 biting edges for increased wet traction and performance on hard packed snow and icy surfaces.

The 27/32-in tread-depth tire is available in 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 275/80R22.5, 275/80R24.5 and 12R22.5 sizes.

Michelin’s XDY(r)3 line of drive tires is designed for traction and wear in mixed and severe on/off road service. Designed with a 31/32nd tread depth for longer life and a non-directional tread design, the XDY(r)3 boasts a 12% increase in tread volume, compared to the XDY-2, for increased mileage and improved durability. This additional volume of rubber is represented by increases of 5 % in tread width, 4 % in tread depth and 4 % in net contact area. Size coverage includes 11R22.5 in load ranges G and H and both 11R24.5 and 12R24.5 sizes in load range H.

www.michelin.com

Toyo Tires

Toyo Tires has introduced the new M-143 tire for local haul commercial trucks; and the M-1430 for low platform, high-load, high-cube trailers.

These two new all-position, all-steel radials’ wide-belt construction provides maximum stability on the road, says the company.

Designed to protect against heat and stress and steel corrosion, Toyo says the tires have increased durability. Five deep longitudinal ribs with a zigzag tread pattern minimize damage from stones.

The M-143 is available in 215/ 75R17.5; 245/70R19.5; 265/70R19.5; and 285/70R19.5. The M-1430, for trailer axles, is offered in a 215/75R17.5 size.

www.toyo.com

Yokohama Tire

Yokohama’s new regional-haul truck tire, the RY567, is a regional rib tire that include sidewall armour, built-in stone ejectors and a cut- and chip-resistant compound.

A deep 22/32-inch tread contributes to extended mileage and traction, while a five-rib tread design enhances mileage, traction and handling. A stress-wear control groove also contributes to long tire life and reduces irregular step-down shoulder wear.

The RY567 is available in both 22.5-inch and 24.5-inch sizes.

Yokohama’s TY577 tire, meanwhile, is designed for long haul trucking. The TY577 is equipped with a combination of STEM-2 (Strain Energy Minimization) and MC2 compounding technologies.

STEM-2 technology redirects normally destructive internal strain, reinforcing the casing to allow multiple retreads, while MC2 compounding technology generates less heat, allowing longer casing life and decreased rolling resistance. The TY577 is available in four sizes: 295/75R22.5, 11R22.5, 285/75R24.5 and 11R24.5.

www.yokohamatire.ca

Lubes lineup meets latest engine spec’s

The CI-4 group of motor oils, officially released in October 2002, was formulated to meet the demands of the new 2004 EGR engines.

Two of the latest engine spec’s, from Mack and Caterpillar, were developed to test diesel engine oil performance for, among other things, soot dispersion, severe shear stability, wear control and piston deposit control. Here’s a look at the tests and the oils that have recently met the spec’s.

The new Mack EO-N Premium Plus ’03 specification was developed to ensure optimum life and performance of Mack ASET AC and AI 2002/2003 EGR diesel engines. Mack issued the new specification guidelines on September 16, 2003.

The new specification was designed to address concerns related to higher soot loading found in engines with EGR technology. To receive EO-N Premium Plus ’03 approval, oils must meet stringent requirements for shear stability and also pass the new Mack T-11 test, with six % soot load. They must also demonstrate used oil pumpability at high soot load.

Caterpillar ECF-1:The Caterpillar ECF-1 (Engine Crankcase Fluid – 1) spec was created to help Caterpillar’s ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology) engines meet 2002 emissions regulations. It went into effect June 1, 2003. ECF-1 is an engine oil that provides excellent soot control, acid neutralization capability, maximum thermal stability and wear control while minimizing diesel engine piston deposits, according to the manufacturer. Lubricants for ECF-1 specifications must provide excellent soot dispersion, wear control and piston deposit control. They must have API CI-4 or CH-4 certification and pass a Caterpillar 1P SCOTE test (ASTM D6681).

The Oils

Petro-Canada

Petro-Canada’s DURON 15W-40 and DURON XL Synthetic Blend 15W-40 heavy duty engine oils have added Mack’s EO-N Premium Plus 03 specification to their list of OEM and global credentials. DURON has been through more than four years of field trials, bench tests and customer use in tough conditions, and provides soot-fighting capabilities and wear protection, says Jim Abram, category manager, Heavy Duty Engine Oils and Commercial Products, with Petro-Canada.

Both DURON 15W-40 and DURON XL Synthetic Blend 15W-40 are formulated from Petro-Canada’s patented HT purity process which produces 99.9% pure, crystal-clear base oils.

DURON 15W-40 and DURON XL Synthetic Blend 15W-40 are formulated for use in a wide variety of heavy duty engines and have the global credentials to make them suitable for use where HDEO is being consolidated for cost savings. In addition to Mack EO-N Premium Plus 03, DURON’s credentials also include API CI-4, Global DHD-1, JASO DH-1, ACEA E5 E3, VDS-2 and VDS-3, MB228.3, Cummins 20078, MTU Type II (MTL 5044), & DDC series 2000/4000.

DURON and DURON XL Synthetic Blend have also met the Caterpillar ACERT and new EGR engine test, says Petro-Canada.

Abram says Petro-Canada’s plan is to formulate lubricants that meet the specifications of all modern four-stroke diesel engines, regardless of the emission control strategies being used. Petro-Canada says it has never used the high ash technology that makes many API CI-4 oils unsuitable for Caterpillar ACERT engines.

For 2004, Petro-Canada will be working towards achieving the latest credentials for DURON. It will be focused on attaining the CI-4+, otherwise referred to as PC-9 .5, API license upgrade scheduled to be effective in September 2004. This is an enhancement to the current API CI-4 category and a step on the way to the June 2006 PC-10 designation. The improvements involved with the PC-9.5 designation include greater shear stability; the addition of a MACK T-11 test for soot and oil viscosity; replacement of the Cummins M11 test with the ISM test focusing on soot and EGR valve-train wear; and replacement of CAT IR test with CAT C13 for piston deposits, oil control and blow by, says Abram.

Chevron-Texaco

Chevron’s Delo 400 Multigrade SAE 15W-40, Chevron RPM Heavy Duty Motor Oil SAE 15W-40, Texaco Ursa Premium TDX SAE 15W-40 and Texaco Ursa Super Plus SAE 15W-40 oils have all also met the new Mack EO-N Premium Plus 03 Engine Oil Spec.

Chevron-Texaco’s Global Lubricants conducted tests and worked with Mack during the development of the new specification, says the company.

ChevronTexaco’s Global Lubricants’ North America heavy-duty engine oils are also compliant with Caterpillar’s ECF-1 spec’, says the company. And ChevronTexaco is moving towards ECF-1 formulations worldwide to meet Caterpillar’s new specification. Diesel engine oils meeting ECF-1 are intended for use in all Caterpillar diesel engines worldwide (with the exception of 3500 Series and MAK) including new low emissions engines currently being produced.

Castrol

Castrol’s Elixion 5W-30 is a CI-4 oil that’s blended with synthetic-based oils and a high performance additive package to provide a number of benefits, says the company. With an SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade, Elixion also provides protection against the wear, oxidation, soot and piston deposits in today’s diesel engines. Castrol Elixion outperformed many of the API CI-4 bench tests, including scoring 24 % lower on crosshead wear and 20% lower on top ring wear than the test limits. It also has a low pour point for cold weather starts (-62 F) and maintains viscosity better than conventional mineral oils while reducing oil consumption by 30 % or more, claims Castrol.

Two other heavy-duty diesel engine oils from Castrol, the Hypuron S and Castrol Tection Extra – have met the requirements of Mack EO-N Premium Plus ’03 specification, says the company. Introduced in February 2002, Castrol Hypuron S (formerly known as Enduron S) and Castrol Tection Extra exceed current specifications for API CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, SL, Cummins CES 20078, 20076 and Caterpillar ECF-1. Castrol says its formulation approach for these oils was based on a dual strategy to provide the best performance and protection for the new Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) engines, while at the same time providing for enhanced performance in new and older non-EGR engines, including Mack’s. Castrol says that Hypuron S and Castrol Tection Extra, with TBN levels of 14 and 12, respectively, were developed to take into account the requirements of engines that require added soot management and acid neutralization. At the same time, says the company, they provide superior deposit control with sulfated ash levels of only 1.1% for Castrol Hypuron S and 1.2% for Castrol Tection Extra.

ExxonMobil

Three diesel engine oils from ExxonMobil, Exxon XD-3, Exxon XD-3 Elite and Mobil Delvac 1300 Super, have met Caterpillar’s ECF-1 spec’s, providing excellent soot dispersion, wear control and piston deposit control, says the company.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil’s Mobil Delvac 1300 Super (15W-40) and Mobil Delvac 1 (5W-40) have met the Mack EO-N Premium Plus ’03 specification.

Shell

Two of Shell Lubricants’ heavy-duty motor oils have successfully met the new Mack EO-N Premium Plus 03 specification, says the company.

“Mack approved the two premium motor oils for both cooled and internal EGR Mack engines, as well as for the earlier Mack engines without EGR systems, says Dan Arcy, market product manager for Shell.

Shell Rotella T 15W-40 is a multigrade motor oil used in diesel or gasoline engines. It meets the warranty and service requirements of all major equipment manufacturers for on-road and off-road applications such as trucking, agriculture and construction. Rotella T meets or exceeds API CI-4, Caterpillar ECF-1, Cummins 20078, Mack EO-N Premium Plus ’03, MB 228.3 and Volvo VDS-3 performance requirements, says the company.

ROTELLA T 15W-40 also meets Caterpillar’s ECF-1 specification criteria.

ROTELLA T also meets the warranty requirements of all major diesel engine manufacturers, including Mack, Volvo, Detroit Diesel, Cummins, International, Mercedes-Benz and others.

Pennzoil

Pennzoil Long-Life Heavy Duty Engine Oil, developed with 100 % Purebase base oil, is designed for diesel and gasoline engines that require the use of a premium heavy duty engine oil. Long-Life meets or exceeds the performance requirements of the API CI-4 classification, Caterpillar ECF-1, Cummins CES 20078, and has also received Mack EO-N Premium Plus ’03 approval. Pennzoil Long-Life Heavy Duty Engine Oil provides protection in diesel engines for both on- and off-highway applications, including EGR diesel engines manufactured after October 2002.

While fleet and independent truck operators should be able to extend drain intervals somewhat with the new CI-4 oils, real world experience with the new engines and careful analysis of used oil over more time will give better indications. In the meantime, most engine and oil manufacturers are advising caution about extending drain intervals too long, since EGR engines do generate more acids and more soot.

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