Truck Show Points to a Bright Future

The 2010 NTEA Show displays the latest work truck innovations.

The 2010 Work Truck Show offered many surprises. New trucks and components - as well as marketing strategies - were unveiled. Following are some of the products notable for Equipment Today readers. For more information, visit the Equipment Network at ForConstructionPros.com.

Dodge chassis cabs

Ram Trucks rolled out its 2011 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs. Led by a new crew cab, these models are built on a proven 50,000-psi strength steel frame and chassis. Maximum upfit friendliness is achieved with an industry-standard 34-in. frame rail spacing and flat, clean frame rails.

Improved standard features include a six-speed manual transmission; increase in GVWR to 13,000 lbs. on the 3500 diesel model; Electronic Vehicle Information Center integrated into the instrument cluster; four upfitter switches; increased alternator size on diesels (180 amps); automatic headlamps; upgraded HEMI engine; second-row headrests; and rear HVAC ducts.

Options include electronic gear select for improved towing performance; a GCWR of 26,000 lbs. on the Ram 3500; heated seats front and rear and a heated steering wheel; one-touch front windows; signal mirrors with puddle lamps; power inverter; upper and lower glove-box doors; automatic dual temperature controls; integrated trailer brake controller; navigation system; and memory system for seats, radio, mirrors and pedals.

Ford Super Duty

The 2011 Super Duty trucks are powered by either the Ford-built Power Stroke 6.7-liter diesel or a new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine mated to an automatic TorqShift six-speed transmission with available live drive PTO. Both engines have flexible fueling options. The diesel engine can accommodate up to B20 and the gasoline engine can run on E85.

The Power Stroke engine features a compacted graphite iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. The turbocharger with dual-sided compressor wheel is center-mounted on the block. This is possible due to a unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture. Output is a claimed 735 ft.-lbs. of torque at 1,600 rpm and 390 hp at 2,800 rpm.

The gas engine boasts 405 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,500 rpm and 385 hp at 5,500 rpm.

Towing capability has been increased up to 26,400 lbs. for the F-550 chassis cab with fifth-wheel hitch, and payload capacity has increased up to 6,520 lbs for the F-350 dual rear wheel pickup.

Freightliner Business Class

New features on the improved Business Class M2 106V include a larger radiator, new hood and improved headlight system.

The 1,200-sq.-in. radiator can accommodate up to 380 hp with an automatic transmission and up to 80,000 lbs. GVW. It is mounted to the engine and sits above the top of the frame, allowing for optimal cooling and reliability. This also allows the front engine PTO shaft to run below the radiator.

The composite headlights feature complex reflectors with easily replaceable halogen bulbs.

The Blend-Air intake system pulls air from under and outside the hood, which helps the stream of air when snow and debris may otherwise constrict air flow.

Front frame rail extensions are integral rather than bolted on, allowing for a constant resistance bending moment (RBM) from the front of the frame extension to the end of the rail. The extensions are available in 6- and 24-in. lengths.

Sierra Denali HD

GMC unveiled the 2011 Sierra Denali HD, which leads a comprehensively redesigned lineup of 2011 Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD trucks that go on sale this summer. The Sierra Denali HD comes exclusively on the 2500 HD chassis in a 4WD crew cab standard box configuration. A Vortec 6.0-liter gasoline V-8 with six-speed automatic transmission is standard and the Duramax 6.6-liter turbo diesel with Allison 1000 six-speed transmission is available.

The 6.6-liter Duramax turbo diesel delivers 397 hp at 3,000 rpm and 765 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm. It also claims up to 11% greater highway fuel economy. It features a "smart" exhaust brake that provides greater control on grades and reduced brake pad wear. The Duramax is also now B20 capable.

Depending upon the model, the trucks offer fifth-wheel towing capacity of 20,000 lbs.; conventional towing capacity to 16,000 lbs.; payload capability of 6,335 lbs. and GCWR up to 27,500 lbs.; GVW increases up to 13,000 lbs.; and front axle weight rating increases up to 6,000 lbs.

International Terrastar

The International Terrastar represents Navistar's entry into the Class 4 and Class 5 truck market. A 6.4-liter MaxxForce 7 V-8 diesel engine provides 300 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque. A compacted graphite iron (CGI) block offers high strength without added weight. The engine will be matched with an Allison 1000 transmission. This powertrain utilizes Advanced EGR, which eliminates the need for SCR aftertreatment equipment.

The Terrastar features a 107-in. BBC length and a 44-ft. curb-to-curb turning radius. A tilt-away hood offers unobstructed access to the engine compartment. Optional extended cab and crew cab configurations will be available.

The International Diamond Logic electrical system maximizes ease of body integration and offers a number of customizable features for added convenience and safety.

The truck will initially be available with a 4x2 drivetrain, with a 4x4 drivetrain planned for 2011.

Stellar electric/hydraulic crane

The EC6000 electric/hydraulic crane is rated at 38,000 ft.-lbs. with a maximum lifting capacity of 6,000 lbs. and a reach of 21 ft. A short stowed length (11.4 ft.) and a low-profile design (34.41 in.) allow it to fit nicely behind the chassis cab.

The crane features a double-boom design for added strength, steel ball bearing turntable gear, high-strength steel worm gear and cast-steel worm gear housing. It utilizes environmentally friendly hydraulic oil that is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and recyclable and biodegradable.

Palfinger service truck accessories

Palfinger now offers mechanics bodies, service cranes and air compressors.

The mechanics bodies utilize a hybrid structure to minimize stress in all compartments by transferring crane loads directly to the outriggers and chassis. Double panel door construction with full-length and oversize hinges improve durability and the security of compartment storage.

Four new telescopic cranes provide a reach of 29 ft. and range in capacity from 43,000 to 86,000 ft.-lbs. A proprietary hexagonal boom design eliminates boom sway while adding stability during long reaches. An internal integrated two-block damage prevention system is built into the winches. Wireless remote control is standard with manual over-ride controls.

Three new compressors have also been added to the line. Two rotary screw compressors offer 35 and 60 cfm, while a piston air compressor provides 35 cfm.

Maintainer EH Series

The new EH Series cranes feature a planetary winch. The hoist drum and wire rope are located outside the boom for improved operator visibility.

These cranes utilize a 100% solid-state control system with arch-suppression and a 25-ft. cable. Anti-two block is standard on all models. An all-steel worm gear provides 360-degree continuous rotation. It is operated by a wireless remote control.

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