Heavy equipment machinery

A few years ago, people would scoff at you if you told them that you were looking for trucks with the best gas mileage. But, as truck sales began to slip downwards, manufacturers started giving due importance to this factor. Today, there has been a dramatic change in the scenario.

The rising costs of gas, has propelled potential truck buyers to go for trucks that can meet their gas mileage demands. Truck makers have now taken firm steps to improve the fuel economy of their makes at all levels.

Usually the ranking of the top five trucks based on gas mileage is founded on a combination factors. The prime parameters are the fuel economy rating given by EPA, the transmission of the vehicle, and its inherent popularity amongst car buyers. The formula for calculation for most gas mileage rankings is a combination of the city mpg rating, which forms 55 percent of criterion, and the highway mpg rating that completes the remaining criteria.

It is really very difficult to bring forth a list that enumerates the top 5 trucks on the basis of fuel efficiency. Not one, not two, but three trucks hold the first rank. This spot is shared by the 2006 Ford Ranger one of the premier trucks that are out in the market today. Ford has made it a point to come out with trucks that offer the best gas mileage. This is why most of their newer models find a place on the best gas mileage list year after year.

However, all the trucks, which feature in the list, have the same engine; the 2006 Ford Ranger is a supremely refined version of its older model that came out in 2005. It has the better off-road capability then other trucks in the rankings and is one of the best alternatives in your search for a truck giving you the best gas mileage.

The completely redesigned 2006 Toyota Tacoma comes next in the list. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the roomier trucks available in the market and its looks are an epitome of sophistication. The only disadvantage of the 2006 Toyota Tacoma is its price tag. It is more expensive then the others.

If you are looking for something on the cheaper side then the 2006 Mazda B-series is the truck that you must go for. A fuel-efficient truck delivers on its promise. It is called in some circles as the bargain pickup truck. Don’t expect styling and comfort but you do get an unashamed practicality with this vehicle.

The Toyota Tundra is the next in line of your picks. It comes with 4.0 liter V6 engine that is geared to give you competitive gas mileage. The truck gives you a mileage of 20 /mpg on the highway and a 16/mpg when you drive in the city.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes a close fifth in the rankings. It comes with a mild hybrid engine that enables the electric motor to keep the vehicles running when idle so the gas engine can be shut off.

Description: When looking for trucks with great gas mileage, the list can be pretty large. You will have a wide variety to choose from. Select the one that best suits your requirement. This article lists out the top five!

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Innovative design aspects of the new SiteStar provide configuration flexibility, reduced weight, more efficient pumping systems and expanded storage capacity.

Considering that the new IMT SiteStar mobile lubrication vehicle has patents pending for three of its design features, it’s obvious that company engineers did not simply warm up an existing concept when developing this new lube truck. And even though the new SiteStar vehicle reflects increased standardization in overall design (compared with the more-or-less custom design of previous Sitestar units), the new vehicle actually offers more configuration flexibility than previous models, while also delivering the added benefits of reduced weight and expanded storage.

Two of the new SiteStar body’s patent-pending design features center on its product tanks — those for oil-based fluids, antifreeze, water and salvage. Instead of steel, these new tanks are made of polyethylene which, says IMT, provides notable advantages. For example, because "poly" tanks weigh approximately 80 percent less than same-size steel tanks, the total savings in tank weight can amount to as much as 1,800 pounds in certain configurations. Even when accounting for the added weight of the new storage compartments, the net weight savings in these applications can still amount to 1,400 pounds or so.

Another primary advantage of poly tanks, says IMT, is contamination control. Despite a manufacturer’s best efforts, says the company, the welding process can leave behind contaminants that can’t be completely cleaned from steel tanks. And, of course, steel tanks can rust internally above the product level, creating yet another potential source of contamination.

Also, says IMT, poly tanks are less susceptible to condensation (which creates water as a contamination source), because they are not as sensitive as steel tanks to temperature fluctuations. And to further complement the contamination-control features of the poly tank, each is fitted with a five-micron breather to filter air entering the tank. Also available are 10-micron filters that are positioned between the pump and hose reel in each of the oil-based-product lines.

The second of the patent-pending features concerns the configuration flexibility of the poly tanks, which are available in capacities of 75, 135, 190, 260 and 350 gallons. According to IMT, available tank configurations number 22 on the main platform and 12 on the front platform, creating a total of 264 possible tank configurations. Because the poly tanks are not bolted down and are easy to relocate, the new system provides considerable positioning latitude.

(By contrast, the weight of the previously used steel tanks frequently dictated their position on the deck in order to maintain proper weight distribution. Also, because the steel tanks were bolted to a tank rail that was, in turn, welded to the deck, tank repositioning was difficult.)

Pumping and storage

The product pumping systems for the new vehicle also have been redesigned. Individual, variable-speed hydraulic-motor-and-pump combinations move oil-based products and fuel; air-diaphragm pumps are now used for antifreeze, water and salvage; and an air piston pump conveys grease. New, as well, is the arrangement for the hydraulic motors and pumps. Previously, motor/pump units were individually mounted and plumbed to suit a particular truck’s configuration. Now, these units are mounted to a central manifold, which is always positioned in the lower right corner of the hose-reel compartment. This new arrangement, says IMT, contributes greatly to simplified plumbing and easier service.

The new SiteStar design, of course, also can accommodate fuel tanks, which, by regulation, must be constructed of steel. Rectangular tanks with capacities of 480, 650 and 800 gallons are available for mounting on the front platform, as are elliptical tanks with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons.

Along with changes in tanks and pumping systems, the new vehicle also provides considerably more storage than its typical predecessor. Previous models normally provided about 40 cubic feet of storage in a curbside compartment. The new body, however, has about 110 cubic feet of storage, the added room coming from three additional street-side compartments that result from the standardized design of the main and front platforms.

And, perhaps indicative of IMT engineers not overlooking details in the new SiteStar lube truck’s design, the third patent-pending feature concerns a small but nonetheless critical component — new latches for the storage-compartment doors.

Truck tire chains can be purchased for everything from a pickup truck to an 18-wheeler. Drivers can find a chain to fit just about any need, spanning every size and style, and desired performance.

Single highway truck chains are recommended for highway use on trucks, buses, and RVs. For trucks that see more off road action than highway time, single V-Bar reinforced traction chains are recommended. This type of chain is available for light trucks, heavy trucks, busses, and RVs.

Of course, studded truck tire chains are always a good choice for off-roading. Drivers should first make sure that studs are legal in their state. If they are, studded cross chains provide one of the best options for off-road traction. Single studded truck tire chains can be purchased in 6, 7, or 8 mm. Dual triple studded tire chains are also available in 6, 7, or 8 mm.

For dual tires that are more accustomed to highway driving, dual triple truck, bus, and RV chains are recommended. The V-Bar is also available for dual tires. For vehicles with minimal clearance between dual wheels, dual mount chains are built without a center chain.

Finally, wide base chains are available for vehicles that have minimal clearance between wide base tires. Whether driving a light truck, heavy duty truck, bus, or RV, truck tire chains are available for every condition.

http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Look-at-Truck-Tire-Chains&id=68726

During the Specialty Equipment Market Association (or SEMA) show, show goers were enthralled by the various gadgets and gizmos for vehicles and cars that were put on display. People were also able to learn about new things and new techniques to help them get the best out of their vehicles without spending much. Car lovers who are also looking for 1993 Ford Probe GT parts were also here so as to check if the products that they needed were able at the mentioned show.

There were also tons of vehicles on display and these vehicles ranged from the smallest creations one could ever imagine to the largest and most powerful ones that could and would help out man as they go about their everyday lives.

Phoenix Motorcars, one of the leading creators of unique vehicles, also sent out, displayed, and showcased the kind of vehicles that they have been able to craft. As per this year’s SEMA Show, the company was intent on exhibiting their sports utility truck. No, it was not just like any other pickup truck that you could see anywhere. These trucks are actually said to have zero emissions. They are powered by electricity and not by any kind of fuel or gas. And yes, these trucks are already ready to take on the highways, the streets, and any other kind of road there is on this planet. The battery of this Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck is actually the revolutionary Altairnano NanoSafe battery pack.

According to the creator of the Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck, this vehicle has actually been crafted with fleet vehicle owners as the target. These units would very much help out owners take on the various challenges that they face everyday and in the process still be able to take in the right kind and amount of profit.

This vehicle can actually be used to transport not only one or two passengers but actually a full of five inside its cabin and still have a full load at its truck bed. Plus, despite being loaded that much, the Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck can still speed up to 95 miles per hour on the highway.

http://www.articlesbase.com/autos-articles/electric-trucks-shown-at-sema-71929.html

Ford Motor Co. is delivering an updated lineup of F-Series large pickups and trucks. This ‘Super Duty’ lineup is said to support Ford in its struggle to keep up its post in truck sales. With the debut of these all-new vehicles, Ford will serve as a mighty rival to General Motors Corp.

GMC is also unraveling a brand-new pickup - Chevrolet Silverado. Said model is considered a threat that could take away part of Ford F-150 sales. So far, said model is the best-selling vehicle in the US. In the past few years, Ford has sold approximately 900,000 F-Series trucks annually. Moreover, 40 percent of F-series trucks sold are Super Duty trucks.

New trucks is given extra towing capacity, refined suspension, a tailgate that turns into a step, and a brand new 6.4-liter diesel engine. These fresh features are incorporated to Ford F-150 pickup parts to pave way for a powerful, manageable and improved ride. These trucks will reach dealerships early next year.

Ford’s F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 will vie in the work trucks category. The trucks included are those that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.

In an interview, Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas said, "The Super Duty represents products that are going to shape the future of our company. We’re the unquestioned leader in full-size pickups and it’s important that we act like a leader. This truck is the no excuses, best-in-class, biggest, most capable truck in the marketplace. It will help buttress our leadership. It also casts a halo and reinforces the fact that we got a vehicle here that is innovative."

Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at J.D. Power and Associates said, "The combined Super Duty line would rank among Ford’s top-selling models, making it extremely important for the company. The trucks have high profit margins, so Ford is trying to hold off Chevrolet from taking any of its market shares. It’s like their crown jewel, and they’re going to protect it no matter what it takes."

http://www.articlesbase.com/autos-articles/can-ford-heavyduty-trucks-alleviate-

its-makers-standing-61154.html

With the prices of fuel steadily rising, car owners are looking for ways to ease the pressure on their wallets. An answer provided by car manufactures, most notably Toyota and Honda, are hybrid vehicles which use an electric motor to drive their car along with whatever engine they are equipped with. These cars have been making great progress in terms of sales, focusing on the budget-conscious public. Fuel economy is significantly increased while still delivering great performance. Cars such as the Toyota Prius, which is the first mass produced hybrid automobile, are also environment friendly due to its lower emission levels.

Not only individuals are looking for ways to decrease their fuel consumption but also large companies which need trucks to transport their goods. On of these is Wal-Mart which recently announced that they are making a research on the possible use of hybrid technology in their truck fleet. Companies can increase their profits significantly if they can cut down their fuel consumption considerably. This is especially true for companies with a large fleet of trucks or buses. The answer, of course, is a hybrid truck that will use an electric motor to help its diesel engine - and that is just what Volvo has developed recently.

Joining forces with the US Air Force, Volvo has developed a hybrid truck technology using their I-SAM or the Integrated Starter Alternator Motor technology. The technology uses the starter alternator which doubles as an electric motor that will help a truck’s diesel engine drive the car thus increasing fuel economy as much as 35 per cent. The fuel efficiency is, of course, just like that of hybrid cars. It actually depends on the application and the driving conditions. But nonetheless, the hybrid truck has reduced fuel consumption compared to natural diesel engine-only trucks. The Volvo Group will start production of four of these hybrid-powered trucks this year for the US Air Force.

The actual mass production of the said trucks for civilian use will follow after field testing to assess their real capability under varying road and weather conditions. Scheduled for 2008 through 2009, the company aims to produce 300,000 units for the waiting market. Much anticipation can be expected from potential buyers for the release of the technology which will greatly help in the protection of the environment. Not only will these trucks have lower emissions than the natural trucks but their fuel efficiency will take lesser toll on the decreasing fossil fuel reserves available.

The technology employed by Volvo’s heavy-duty hybrid trucks, which is the use of the alternator as an electric motor, is currently employed by the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid car. With this technology, the alternator/electric motor takes over the operation of the car during idling and other circumstances where less power is needed. This not only decreases the fuel consumption but also adds power to the truck. Volvo’s hybrid truck’s electric motor can give out a maximum of 160 horsepower and works through an electronic box, an energy storage box, and a powertrain control unit.

The truck will also have high performance parts on all its systems from steering to suspension, with high quality Volvo shocks, down to the exhaust system which will further decrease the emission from the truck’s engine. The comfort of the driver will also be given attention aside from the safety features that Volvo is known for.

http://www.articlesbase.com/trucks-articles/increased-fuel-efficiency-for-volvo-trucks-98203.html

Will Ford retain its supremacy in the truck segment despite the potent rivals behind it? So far, F-150, which belongs to the powerful F-Series, is Ford’s best-selling truck. It is enjoying its reign for more than 2 decades now. In fact, now that the automaker’s cars are not selling well, F-150 is deemed the bread-and-butter of the company.

The automaker is constantly upgrading Ford F-150 truck parts to further improve the vehicle’s performance and charisma. However, other truck competitors are eyeing on F-150 to come up with something better. This has started the ongoing battle of the trucks.

Toyota released its Tundra and Chevrolet freed its Silverado. Are these trucks powerful enough to topple Ford’s pride?

General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Robert Lutz said Toyota’s redesigned Tundra pickup, hitting showrooms in February, is likely to be a strong seller, but GM doesn’t anticipate to cede much market share to the Asian automaker. "They’ll do well," Lutz added. However, he doesn’t think that Tundra will get much from GM’s full-size truck sales. The latter sells approximately 1 million units annually.

One serious threat to Ford’s reign is Toyota Tundra. The full-size pickup truck from Toyota, introduced at the Chicago Auto Show for 2007, is a larger truck with striking towing capacity. It is given state-of-the-art Toyota Tundra high performance parts to boost its capabilities.

Toyota will soon open in San Antonio a 2.2-million-square-foot manufacturing facility plant worth $850 million. Said plant is the new haven for the manufacture and assembly of bigger Tundra.

"The customers will decide. I do know that we have done a sensational job of listening to our customers," said GM sales chief, Mark LaNeve. Subsequently, Denise Morrissey, Toyota’s spokesperson agreed that the market will decide however; she added that Toyota is expecting to sell 200,000 Tundras next year. Said estimate is up from about 126,000 in 2005. Through October, Toyota has sold approximately 100,000 Tundras.

"We’ve been competing with Ford, GM and Dodge for 50 years. We know the full-size market is very loyal and smart. Once they get familiar with the Tundra, get to know it, I think they will consider it. Loyalty is definitely key in this market, but it will only get you so far," Morrissey noted.

However, according to David Healy, an auto analyst with Burnham Securities, "Toyota is not going to get a lot of the good ol’ boys out of the Silverados and F-150s. The idea is mostly these are going to be sold to people who already own Toyotas and are looking to upgrade into that area."

http://www.articlesbase.com/autos-articles/battle-of-the-trucks-whos-gonna-win-the-

fight-71611.html

A man named Gottlieb Daimler built the first ever-motorized truck back in 1896. He was a German automotive pioneer who also invented the very first motorcycle, as well as the world’s first taxi. Daimler’s truck consisted of a four horsepower engine, a belt drive, one reverse speed and two speeds for going forward.

In early times, the intended use and purpose of a truck was for industrial reasons. They were used to haul things, and as new needs developed, so did new types of trucks. In early times of war, trucks were used to move ammunition and troops from one place to another, as well as to transport the injured and causalities among the soldiers.

Trucks were also invented that could be used for commercial purposes such as logging, farming, and later to mix and pour materials such as concrete. Later on, huge trucks were invented for the sole purpose of hauling other trucks and vehicles from their place of manufacture to sales centers all over the world.

Today, trucks are used for a myriad of reasons, and many different types of people own and drive them. Farmers everywhere use trucks to haul hay and small farm equipment, to move cattle as well as supplies. Those in the landscape and lawn maintenance industries also use trucks; wherein trailers are attached to the trucks in order to get lawn equipment from job to job.

Trucks are not only used for job related tasks, boating enthusiasts also utilize them. There are not many reliable cars that are going to be able to pull a large, recreational type boat, and where would you put the skis, ice chests and other necessities if the trucks’ spacious bed were not available?

Trucks are made by a number of vehicle manufacturers. There are the regular size passenger trucks that seat only two people, and the large extended cab trucks that can seat five people comfortably. There are the plain trucks that come with just the basics, and trucks that come fully loaded with every available option.

Some people enjoy the sport of four wheeling, and so they purchase trucks that allow them to drive over rough terrain and through bogs of mud! These trucks are equipped with 4-wheel drive, while other trucks not intended for this purpose would come standard with 2-wheel drive.

When in search of a truck, you will need to examine your needs, and also determine exactly what the truck will be used for. If you have a large family, then a truck would probably not make a good primary vehicle for you. However, if you need a solid piece of transportation that can be utilized to haul things around, and that you can attach a trailer to, a truck might just be a worthwhile investment.

http://www.articlesbase.com/autos-articles/a-lesson-about-the-good-old-trucks-61503.html

If you plan to use your truck like a car, desiring quick, quiet acceleration and rarely ever haul a heavy load and don’t plan to it for a long time,you may want a gasoline engine. Gas engines run smoother, fuel is easier to find, and gas engines start easier in cold weather.

If you plan to use your truck for towing, value good fuel economy and plan to put plenty of miles on it, you may want a diesel. The price to buy a diesel truck is really high, although they can offer you a lot in return.

Below, you’ll find the leading vehicle manufacturers and what they offer you.

Dodge

The 2500 and 3500 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty trucks are the newest 3/4 and 1 ton trucks on the road. Back in 2002, the Ram didn’t have enough power with the 245 HP 9.5L. Dodge promised more powerful engines for the 2500/3500 platform and they delivered on that promise.

The new base engine is the 5.7L gasoline V-8 that’s not only the most powerful engine of the group at 345 HP but also revives the well known and historical Hemi name.

Ford

Ford helped push the 3/4 ton and 1 ton truck market to where it is today when it introduced it’s international engineered power stroke diesel back in 1994. Before 1994, these diesels were poorly built and no match for the big gasoline engines.

From 1994 to 2002, over 70% of super duty Fords were sold with the optional 7.3L V-8 diesel engine. This engine helped to put Ford among the leaders in diesel trucks, as they had more than they needed to dominate the market.

Chevrolet/GMC

The GM 2500/3500 twins Silverado HD and Sierra HD both come standard with GM’s 6.0L gas engine V-8. This engine is ideal for 3/4 ton trucks where towing isn’t a concern. The upgrades start with the 8.1L gas V-8 that’s based on Chevrolet’s venerable big block engine.

Over the years, diesel trucks have proven to be effecient with mileage, great for towing, and easy on maintenance. Unlike gas engines, diesel engines do not have spark plugs, which means you won’t need to get them tuned up near as much as gasoline engines.

For those who like to haul heavy loads on a frequent basis, diesel is the way to go. You can get quite a few miles per gallon, and diesel trucks are built to go 250,000 miles or more before the engine needs to be rebuit,making them a purchase that is more than worth your money.

http://www.articlesbase.com/trucks-articles/a-look-at-gas-trucks-versus-diesel-trucks-38429.html

The noxious fumes from the tailpipes of trucks and buses is not only an assault to our sense of smell, it’s also toxic—especially to children and their developing lungs. Trucks and buses, which represent only a small share of the total vehicles on today’s highways, are responsible for a disproportionate amount of toxic pollution.

Although they account for less than six percent of the miles driven by highway vehicles in the United States, trucks and buses are responsible for:

•  one-quarter of smog-causing pollution from highway vehicles

• more than half the soot from highway vehicles

• the majority of the cancer threat posed by air pollution in some urban areas

• six percent of the nation’s global warming pollution

• more than one-tenth of America’s oil consumption

Luckily, a host of diesel cleanup technologies and cleaner fuel alternatives can slash pollution 90 percent or more. UCS is working federally and in California to get cleaner diesel and alternative fuels off the shelf and onto our roads. Here’s some of our activities:

Federal

Defending new tailpipe standards from attacks: The EPA passed new standards requiring vehicles built in 2007 to become significantly cleaner. Unfortunately, since the new requirements were passed in 2000, the auto industry has periodically attacked them and tried to pressure the EPA into weakening its standards. UCS has joined forces with other environmental nonprofits, public health groups, and concerned citizens to protect the standards. So far, public health has trumped automakers’ interests. UCS will continue to work with other groups to stave off attempts to weaken tailpipe standards.

Advocating for incentives and regulations to clean up existing engines: Diesel engines are built to last ten, twenty, even thirty years. Without action by states and the federal government, these engines will continue to pollute for decades into the future. Luckily, there are a host of cleanup technologies that can dramatically cut emissions. A mix of mandates and incentives can get these cleanup technologies out of the laboratory and onto vehicles.

California

Supporting funding for diesel cleanup: In 1999, California’s air quality problems led the state to create a landmark program to clean up dirty diesel engines. The Carl Moyer Program provides incentive funds to help truck owners defray the costs of cleaner diesel or alternative-fuel engines. The program has been an overwhelming clean air success, but until recently, has struggled for funding.  Through strong lobbying and advocacy, UCS was part of a coalition that helped secure about $140 million per year for the Program, starting in 2005. California estimates that to achieve the national air quality standards, investment in the Moyer Program needs to increase to $300 million per year. UCS is working with other groups in the state to monitor progress and to identify more funding.

Passing strong retrofit regulations: California is leading the nation on cleaning up diesel vehicles, with a plan to cut diesel emissions 75 percent by 2010 and 85 percent by 2020. These laudable goals depend on passing strict regulations to clean up the existing fleets of diesel engines. UCS is pushing California to fulfill its goals by passing strong rulemakings.

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/big_rig_cleanup/highway-trucks-buses.html