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PRODUCT WATCH
TIRES, SPEED LIMITERS, & MORE
April 18, 2012
Some cool tire news this time out, starting with Michelin's new regional drive tire, the X Multi Energy D and the tire-maker's noting a new application. They call it "super region" trucking, meaning lots of miles but within a 500-mile radius.
There's also the new X One XDN2 retread for those who want a wide single with the traction of a lug-style tread.
Bendix has introduced the SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System for trailers, available in the third quarter as an aftermarket retrofit kit. The company also intends to make it available to OE trailer manufacturers.
A very interesting pair of products come from BullyDog, one of which -- the Heavy Duty WatchDog -- does a lot of useful things including the provision of a way to change the engine ECM's speed-limiter setting. Great for people going in and out of Quebec and Ontario where the law holds trucks to 105 kmh by electronic means.
The other one, called the PowerPup, offers a way to fine-tune factory engine programming with a view to improving fuel economy. There may be caveats here, but fuel savings between 6 and 12% are said to be possible.
Then there's ALK Technologies offering a new version of CoPilot Truck, a GPS navigation app. It's said to bring the latest truck-specific, turn-by-turn guidance and routing technology to iPhones, iPads, Android-powered devices, laptops, and Windows Mobile rugged devices.
And Navistar's OnCommand Connection is a support program that lets truck operators see important vehicle information while the vehicle is on the road. Integrated with its MaxxForce engines, it aims to anticipate needed maintenance.
Finally, Palfinger has introduced five new service cranes available in both electric and hydraulic versions.
And by the way, you'd do well to check out our rather exciting video road test of a Volvo VN780 by former owner-operator and our regular contributor Jim Park. He and a few video cameras gave Volvo's I-Shift transmission a workout in an urban setting in Greensboro, N.C. It's the first in what will be a series. Road tests have never been done this well before.
The products discussed here in the Product Watch e-newsletter have not been tested by Today's Trucking staff in most cases, and they do not carry our endorsement. We're simply reporting.
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(April 18, 2012) --
New Michelin regional drive tire and X One retread now available
(April 18, 2012) --
From Bully Dog, the Heavy Duty WatchDog and the PowerPup
(April 18, 2012) --
Bendix aftermarket kit expands tire-pressure monitoring system
(April 18, 2012) --
ALK unveils new version of navigation app for smartphones and tablets
