SKF Automotive Division has developed a wheel-end monitor designed to detect early stage wheel bearing damage in heavy-duty trucks and trailers. The device is mounted on the outboard side of the wheel where it monitors vibration changes and alerts the driver of an impending bearing failure via a flashing red warning signal. The SKF Wheel End Monitor attaches to the wheel’s studs and the driver or maintenance manager can read the results by holding a magnet that comes with the system to the monitor which activates a blinking signal that informs the user of the bearing’s status, the company says. For more info, visit www.skf.com.

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Michelin Retread Technologies (MRT) is now offering retreads for Michelin’s X One XZU S tire commonly used in refuse and urban applications. MRT has introduced the Michelin X One XZU S Pre-Mold Retread aimed at refuse and urban fleets operating in high-scrub conditions. MRT’s newest retread is available in a 390/430 tread size. The retreader says it uses Co-EX technology -a two-layer compound designed to minimize casing temperature for longer casing life -and features a wing tread design for added shoulder protection. The retread is designed for all-weather traction and extra protection against stone drilling.

Components

With winter arriving, Paccar Parts is promoting its Roadleveler brakes which it says are resistant to the corrosive properties found in road de-icing agents such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride. The Roadleveler brand of new and remanufactured brakes are marketed as all-make replacement parts including shoes and hardware kits for medium-and heavy-duty trucks. All products meet or exceed federal requirements. They feature an anticorrosion hydraplex enamel coating that protects surfaces from exposure to contaminants such as chemical de-icers while also preventing rustjacking, according to the company. For more details, visit a Kenworth or Peterbilt dealer.

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Ridewell has come out with a 20K steerable trailer axle designed to Canadian SPIF standards. The Ridewell RSS-232T-20K is a self-steering, liftable auxiliary axle suspension system with a capacity rating of 20,000 lbs. It’s available in ride heights ranging from eight to 21 inches and includes a lightweight, fully-integrated axle. The new offering also uses Kaiser King Pins for reduced maintenance and up to four times longer life, Ridewell claims. Other features include: 12.5″ of total axle travel; seven inches of up travel at 15-inch ride height; long-life urethane bushings; high tensile steel construction; two degrees of wheel cut; it’s 135 lbs lighter than traditional self-steer combinations; and perhaps most importantly it’s approved for use on SPIF trailers, the company says. For more info, call 800-641-4122 or visit www.ridewellcorp.com.

Accessories

he 2010 Wowtrucks Calendar is now available for order. Created by professional photographer and truck enthusiast David Benjatschek, the calendar features some of the nicest show trucks in Canada. Each of them won their way into the calendar through competitions at various Canadian show’n’shines. The calendar can be purchased for $15 at www.wowtrucks.com, including shipping.

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The Ontario Trucking Association has partnered with Pandemic 101 to provide fleets with the tools needed to develop a pandemic plan. The endorsement comes after a pilot involving three OTA fleets that used and evaluated Pandemic 101’s Webbased toolkit. MSM Transportation, Challenger Motor Freight and Tibbs Transport all found the toolkit to be useful in developing a pandemic plan. OTA members qualify for a 10% rebate from Pandemic 101 by signing up via the OTA Web site at www.ontruck.org. The association notes many government agencies and business are now requiring proof of pandemic and emergency preparedness from their service providers. For more info, e-mail joanne.benac@ontruck.org.

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Vigillo, an online risk management solutions provider, has created a CSA 2010 Preview Scorecard which will allow fleets to preview their rating under the FMCSA’s new safety ratings system months before the program takes effect. The CSA 2010 Preview Scorecard is available to new Vigillo customers and as an upgrade for existing customers. CSA 2010 is a new system of measuring fleet safety, slated to replace SafeStat. It is currently undergoing testing in six states and Canadian carriers operating in those regions are already being rated. Individual drivers are scored on seven categories and their rating will reflect that of the fleet for which they drive. For more, visit www.vigillo.com.