4/30/20

Ranger Design Ladder Rack - The Max Rack 2.0


The Ranger Design Max Rack 2.0 drop-down ladder rack is designed for high roof cargo vans. Perfect for the Ford Transit, Sprinter, Promaster, and NV. It is TOUGH - Made of military-grade aluminum and stainless steel components. There will be no corrosion over the lifetime of the rack. It is SAFE - Easy access from the ground. It has a lower profile on the roof. It is SIMPLE to use - Single-stage operation for fast loading and unloading of ladders on high roof vans.

4/28/20

Tongue Weight Safety Demonstration


Proper trailer tongue weight improves the vehicle and trailer towing experience by improving performance. Not enough tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball causes an increase in trailer sway from side to side, making it difficult to control. Conversely, too much tongue weight or force on the hitch/tow ball could overload the rear tires of the towing vehicle, pushing the rear end of the vehicle around. This could also negatively affect the vehicle handling. Performance is impaired as you might not be able to go around corners and curves properly, and your vehicle may not stop quickly enough when you press the brake pedal. The Weigh Safe Drop Hitch effectively measures the tongue weight of your towing load, improving the vehicle tow load balance and performance.

Learn more at: https://www.weigh-safe.com/

4/26/20

2020 F-Series: There Are Trucks | Super Duty® | Ford


The new Super Duty, now with up to 37,000 lbs. of available towing and 1,050 lb-ft of available torque.* *Max gooseneck towing on F-450 XL, 4x2. Shown with STX Appearance Package. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories and number of passengers. Max torque when equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel engine. Towing and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously. Learn more about the 2020 Ford Super Duty® here: http://ford.to/2Gem1EI


4/24/20

What You Want | F-150 | Ford


With enhanced off-road capability that allows drivers to maximize traction in all off-road environments, the upgraded 2019 F-150 Raptor is ready to claw at the terrain. See the new Trail Control, new FOX Live Valve shocks, and new Recaro front seats in action.

4/22/20

The VanAir PTO Driven Underdeck Systems Walk Around Video



Understand the unique and powerful components of Vanair's PTO Driven Underdeck Air Compressor/Generator Systems, their benefits and features.

Learn more at: https://vanair.com/

4/20/20

Rightsizing Your Vehicle Fleet to Conserve Fuel



Fleet rightsizing is a management practice that can help vehicle fleet managers build and maintain sustainable, fuel-efficient fleets. Fleet inventories often grow over time to include vehicles that are highly specialized, rarely used, or unsuitable for current applications. By evaluating fleet size and composition, managers can optimize vehicle use, conserve fuel, reduce emissions, and save money on fuel and maintenance.

Evaluate Vehicle Needs and Use
Fleet managers should understand their fleet's daily vehicle use and needs. Most fleet managers already have a handle on their number and type of vehicles, average mileage, payloads, and fuel economy. Fleet rightsizing combines this information with a critical look at fleet operations to identify opportunities to reduce energy use. When rightsizing, fleet managers should evaluate how important each vehicle is to the fleet’s performance by asking themselves:

What tasks are accomplished by each vehicle? Or, what is the drive cycle?

What is the daily, weekly, or monthly mileage of each vehicle? Or, what is the duty cycle?

Are fleet vehicles the optimal vehicle type, class, and size for the job?

Are there any vehicles that are no longer cost effective to operate or are no longer fulfilling their purpose?

Are there any vehicles that are no longer being used or have experienced a lot of downtime?

What is the fuel consumption of each vehicle? Can any vehicles be replaced by lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles?

What is the age of the vehicles? Can any vehicles be replaced by newer, more efficient and reliable vehicles?

Are there any alternatives to owning or leasing a vehicle, such as shuttle bus services, motor pool vehicles, sharing vehicles with other offices/agencies, vehicle stipends, public transportation, or short-term rentals when needed?

Considering the answers to the previous questions, what is the optimal composition of the fleet required to properly support the fleet’s needs?

In addition to reviewing telematics or fleet analysis data, fleet managers should consider soliciting input from drivers when conducting a rightsizing review, as they can be very knowledgeable about how vehicles are being used to support operations. Gathering this input also gives drivers a stake in the development of rightsizing recommendations. Fleet managers can solicit input through driver surveys or face-to-face meetings to establish consensus.

A fleet rightsizing strategy should evaluate the business case of each vehicle to determine whether reassigning, replacing, or eliminating the vehicle would reduce fuel and maintenance costs without compromising fleet activities. Fleet managers often need to define evaluation criteria and rank vehicles to complete this analysis. A fleet dominated by sport utility vehicles, for example, may find that mid-size sedans can suffice with a significant reduction in fuel costs.

Fleet managers may develop their own analysis or use existing evaluation tools. The Vehicle Allocation Methodology developed by the U.S. General Services Administration is an evaluation framework that federal agency fleets use to ensure fleets are cost-effective and contain the appropriate number and type of vehicles. Learn more about this methodology in the Comprehensive Federal Fleet Management Handbook (PDF).

Make Smart Vehicle Purchases

Fleet managers may decide to replace older vehicles with more fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles. These purchasing strategies may help fleet managers make decisions that meet operational needs and conserve fuel:

Transition to Smaller, More Efficient Engines: Using smaller engines can help fleets meet operational needs without downgrading vehicle class. Some fleets choose to switch from 6-cylinder to 4-cylinder engines to help reduce fuel use and emissions. In many cases, the new, smaller engine can have nearly the same horsepower as a larger engine. Fleet managers can also improve fuel efficiency by selecting smaller engines with optional gearing for their application.

Choose Lighter Vehicles: When purchasing new vehicles, look for opportunities to reduce vehicle weight. Lightweight materials, such as aluminum frames, and smaller components can reduce rolling resistance and drag, thereby improving a vehicle’s fuel economy. For example, a 10% reduction in vehicle weight can improve fuel economy by 6% to 8%. Also, try to avoid unnecessarily large body configurations and heavy accessories. For more information, refer to the North American Council for Freight Efficiency's Confidence Report.

Use Alternative Fuels and Vehicles: Alternative fuel and fuel-efficient advanced vehicles can reduce a fleet's fuel use, making them economical options for many fleets. Cost savings from vehicle maintenance, operation, and fuel use and price often offset higher purchase prices.

Source: https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve/rightsizing.html

4/18/20

Venturo Crane Selector Web Tool Pairs Vehicles with Cranes


Venturo® has released a new finder on its website to keep job sites equipped with the proper service cranes. The brand-new Crane Selector utilizes gross vehicle weight, necessary boom length and maximum load capacity to pair vehicles with the most suitable Venturo product.
Venturo cranes are designed for an array of light, moderate and heavy-duty applications, and matching vehicles with the right equipment to meet job requirements improves efficiency and safety on the job site. The innovative Crane Selector is a simple, effective tool to provide operators with the proper crane package.
Each crane, and crane line, is designed for a set of specific uses. Selecting the appropriate crane is an integral step toward more efficient operations and a safer job site. No piece of equipment, even the ideal crane, is 100% foolproof, but an improper product will at best limit performance and at worst endanger workers. The Crane Selector takes some guesswork out of the equation.
This new offering from Venturo joins Venturo Logic Controls™ (VLC) as another recent innovation from the crane manufacturer. The VLC™ Crane Control Management System brings safety, control and reliability to the company’s fully-hydraulic service cranes. This system offers safe, comfortable and smart crane operations by utilizing features like overload protection, a pistol-grip controller and visible safety alerts.
From dependable equipment to state-of-the-art technology, Venturo is ahead of the curve when it comes to safe, effective crane solutions. Try the new Crane Selector tool at www.venturo.com/support/crane-selector. For more information on electric, hydraulic and additional crane options from Venturo, visit www.venturo.com or call 800-226-2238.

4/16/20

Boorman Farms Brothers Build The Ultimate Service Trucks



In Quincy, WA, there is a massive family-owned and operated potato farm, Boorman Farms. This potato farm is run by Carl Boorman, and his two sons, Brandon and Nic. Both Brandon and Nic are managers overseeing the day-to-day operations. Brandon manages the irrigation operations, while Nic manages the mechanic operations.

The fleet at Boorman Farms consists of 9 semitrucks, 4 tractors, and 6 trucks, 4 of which are service trucks used to repair the farm’s equipment.

Three years ago, in 2017, Boorman Farms was ready to add a new service truck to their fleet. Nic went to Curtis Turchak, Sales Manager at Brutus Truck Bodes, who had handled his father Carl’s 2016 Ford F-550 truck order just one year prior. Brutus Truck Bodies, known for quality bodies built to withstand harsh environments and weather, is located in Penticton, British Columbia, about 200 miles north of Quincy. When planning this new build, Nic wanted to include a 12,000 lb hydraulic crane on the truck, which required a PTO. However, Nic was not keen on putting a PTO on the truck and idling the truck to run the crane. For Nic, keeping his engine hours low is a key factor in minimizing maintenance requirements and prolonging the life of the truck. “Longevity is important to us,” explains Nic.

That’s when Curtis showed Nic a few different options to run the crane, including the VMAC Multifunction Power System, which includes a 2,800 RPM power take-off port and hydraulic pump to run a crane. “We didn’t know that VMAC had a multi-power system,” says Nic. “We were familiar with Vanair’s Air N Arc and Miller EnPak, but not VMAC’s Multifunction.” Brandon already had an Air N Arc, and the brothers looked at Miller, but they felt it was too expensive and that it wouldn’t work the way they wanted it to. Then Curtis showed Brandon and Nic the VMAC Multifunction.

“My main concern about buying the VMAC Multifunction was the price,” notes Nic. “It would be the first one we purchased, and I couldn’t think of anyone in our area who had one for me to talk to. Around here if you’re a welder you have a Miller or Lincoln, and then you have a separate air compressor on the truck. Everything is a separate piece of equipment.”

Brutus Truck Bodies is a long-term, experienced VMAC dealer, and Curtis felt confident that if Nic was able to test out the VMAC Multifunction, he’d see it was the right choice.

“I already had a Vanair Air N Arc on my truck, and in the past, I tried to run a suitcase welder off of it. I wasn’t having good luck with it. We got the VMAC Multifunction here to the farm, and started playing with it,” adds Brandon. “It was immediately welding like a dream.”

The brothers were so pleased with how the VMAC Multifunction performed that Nic promptly sold his Air N Arc. They both mounted VMAC Multifunctions on their trucks. “When we were looking at VMAC’s multi-power system we were hesitant—we already thought the Air N Arc was fantastic, but after using the VMAC Multifunction we realized it’s far superior,” says Brandon.

Nic primarily uses the VMAC Multifunction to power his crane when repairing farm equipment. Next, he uses the 45 CFM rotary screw air compressor, and the generator functions. Brandon uses the VMAC Multifunction’s welder a lot, and has found it produces a much more efficient, cleaner power. “I’ve got more options now,” says Brandon. “With the Multifunction I’ve got more power, it’s three phase, it has more amps, there’s just more to work with.”

The brothers also agree the VMAC Multifunction has created a safer working environment due to the ability to use it to power a crane. “When you have a front-end loader picking things up, and you’re working on them, you’re at the mercy of the other operator. But when you have the controls for a crane, you’re in control. It’s a lot steadier and safer.”

It’s now been several months since Brandon got his new service body from Brutus Truck Bodies, and he’s noticed the VMAC Multifunction is getting a lot of attention. “In our area, it stands out,” says Brandon. “People stop and ask questions. I show them the remote controls, and how easy it is to use.”

Not only is Brandon getting questions about his service truck and the VMAC Multifunction air compressor, welder, generator combo, but he’s actually sold it! “Everything is for sale for the right price,” notes Brandon. “A guy came into the yard and fell in love with my new service truck. The VMAC Multifunction was a big selling feature, and a major reason he wanted to buy. He does 24/7 roadside service, and this machine allows him to do everything. There’s enough power to run the trailer, weld on the road, plus the best air compressor.”

It’s clear that when farmers are selling their service trucks as a side hustle, they know their stuff. Brandon and Nic are experienced, and they know what they need and want in their service trucks and equipment to continue running their successful farming business. They need to be able to rely on their investment to keep operations running smoothly, and Boorman Farms has found a winning combo with Brutus Truck Bodies, and the VMAC Multifunction.

About Brutus Truck Bodies Brutus Truck Bodies by Nor-Mar Industries Ltd. is known for their heavy-duty truck bodies designed specifically for harsh applications in forestry, construction, mining and oilfield sectors in the rugged Pacific Northwest. Quality is the cornerstone of their business, and Brutus even has its own in-house training school for their fabricators, as well as an in-house engineer using state-of-the-art 3D CAD software.

But what really matters, are the testimonials from customers like the Boormans, who trust Brutus Truck Bodies for the consistent quality of their builds

“I like to research truck bodies, it’s like an addiction I have,” confesses Brandon. “We’re on our third and fourth Brutus body and they’re some of the best I’ve ever seen.” Superior quality and attention to detail are other traits of this truck builder that Brandon appreciates. And while farming conditions may not be as severe as mining, the environment is still harsh, and it’s important to Boorman Farms that their trucks and equipment last a long time. “At Brutus, they don’t rush or cut corners. Everything has to be perfect, or they’ll fix it and redo it for their customers.”

Curtis Turchak, Sales Manager at Brutus Bodies, welcomes customers and visitors to their facility in Penticton, British Columbia to see their highly skilled team build custom truck bodies by hand.

Learn more at: https://www.vmacair.com/

4/14/20

Built To Lend a Hand | Our Part | Ford Service


We're built to lend a hand. If your vehicle needs service, just call. Ford services centers are essential to your community and are still open.* Let us do our part and help take care of you. Learn more about the many ways our new relief program is here to help: https://ford.to/3dgzjSC

*Check with your local participating dealer.

4/12/20

Venco Venturo Industries | VLC™ Crane Control Management System | NTEA 2020


Making Cranes Smarter
The VLC™ Crane Control Management System brings safety, control and reliability to Venturo fully-hydraulic service cranes. This system offers safe, comfortable and smart crane operations by utilizing features like overload protection, a pistol-grip controller and visible safety alerts.

4/10/20

Switch-N-Go Work Ready Subframe | NTEA 2020


The Switch-N-Go Work Ready Subframe for Snow and Ice Spreader, Dumpster,  Asphalt, Tanks etc.

4/08/20

Built for Right Now | FORD


If you are impacted by COVID-19 and you’re leasing or financing through Ford Credit, we’re here to help. Call 1-800-723-4016 or visit http://www.fordcreditsupport.com for more information.

4/06/20

Custom Designed Welders Bodies by Harbor Truck Bodies

Harbor can custom build a Welders Body 
for each customers unique needs







It seems that there's no such thing as a standard Welder Body because every welder want something different.Harbor can custom build a Welders Body for each customers unique needs.Here's a 9' Low Pro 34" Open Top Service Body with Stainless Steel lids and with slightly raised front compartments to the standard height of 40" closed compartment style.

This also has a small sized transverse compartment with two compartments for tall gas bottles in storage, while in the main front compartment are bottle brackets and rings for short gas bottles. This also has the rear compartment cut off and an 18" work platform with V-groove on the back plus the standard 8" step bumper.

This is all mounted on a new Dodge 3500 regular cab chassis and makes for a very clean looking rig.

Let Harbor create a unique body for you! Call 800-433-9452.

Visit us at www.harbortruckandvan.com

4/04/20

Kargo Master Demonstrates Aluminum Drawer Units – NTEA Show


David demonstrated Kargo Master’s Aluminum Drawer Units. They’re 52 inches deep, light and right weighted, easy to assemble and easy to install. They yield a lower installed cost to the dealer. Innovative plastic tote holders finish this impressive set of store-all drawers. There is also an integrated wing kit which is a big-time saver as opposed to a bolt-on kit and is used by major rental truck fleets.

4/02/20

NTEA Work Truck Show 2020 Transit Side by Side Optimization Demonstration


Vehicles idle.

Derive offers idle rpm reduction to reduce the amount of fuel consumed result in reduced operational costs of fuel and lowering CO2 emissions.

Most commercial fleets utilizing Derive Optimization are seeing 1-3 gallons savings per day per vehicle.

See more at www.derivesystems.com