Star Trucks

It is a dark time for our heroes. Faced with difficult decisions buying a new work cruiser for their contracting forces, a team of researchers is sent to a not-so-distant destination called Atlanta.

A new hope is born at The Work Truck Show. Learning the latest skills and technologies from the best manufacturers, upfitters and OEM’s in the commercial truck industry, our old pros become new masters with a work truck equipped for every battle in the contracting business….

Occupying 400,000 sq ft of the Georgia World Congress Center, The Work Truck Show 2008 and 44th Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention runs Feb. 26 to 28 in Atlanta, with the Convention and educational sessions starting Feb. 25.

“If you build, upfit, use or repair vocational trucks and trailers in any industry, The Work Truck Show 2008 is a must-attend event,” says Dennis Jones, NTEA convention chairman and vice president of sales and marketing for Auto Truck Group (Roanoke, Ind.). “At The Work Truck Show, you can see and compare the latest product and technology innovations from more than 500 companies all under one roof.”

If it can go on, in, under or over a truck, chances are it will be at The Work Truck Show. Produced annually by the NTEA, The Work Truck Show is North America’s largest work truck event. It brings together vocational truck fleet managers, truck buyers and maintenance personnel from the Class 1–8 market with hundreds of the manufacturers, distributors and dealers that produce the trucks and equipment critical to their work. In this single location, attendees can check out the latest full-size work trucks and equipment while examining individual vehicle components offered by more than 500 suppliers. Attendance at last year’s event topped 9,000, bettering previous high attendance figures.    

There You Will Learn from the Masters Who Instructed Me

As mentioned above, educational meetings start on Feb. 25 with the special session “Surviving & Thriving: Trends Reshaping the Truck Equipment Industry.” Attendees will learn what’s changing in the commercial truck, trailer and equipment industry and how this evolution impacts their business.

This state of the industry presentation is one of three special sessions planned for truck equipment distributors and dealers on Feb. 25. The others are the “Hybrid Truck & Alternative Fuels Summit” and “Roll with the Changes: Simplifying Vehicle Certification & Labeling.” A separate ticket is required for each special session. All told, more than 40 industry-specific training sessions covering fleet management, business management, distributor-specific issues, technical topics, as well as techniques for increasing productivity, efficiency and profitability will be offered. Additional free mini-classes will be available in two training theaters on the show floor Feb. 26 and 27.

Also during show hours on Feb. 26 and 27, The Work Truck Show attendees can take the latest commercially viable hybrid vehicles for a test drive as part of the popular Hybrid Ride-and-Drive. There are currently 12 vehicles scheduled for the Ride-and-Drive, including an alternative fuel vehicle using a direct-injection liquid propane fuel system, a battery electric SUV, a series hydraulic hybrid-powered truck, a battery electric utility service truck, a light-duty battery electric truck with a 150-mile range, a battery electric hybrid package delivery van, a Class 6–7 battery electric hybrid truck and a plug-in hybrid electric utility vehicle. This year’s expanded course covers city streets to provide participants with a real-world proving ground. Participation is included with trade show registration and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional commercially viable hybrid and alternative fuel trucks and equipment, as well as electric and Telematics technologies, will be displayed in the Advanced Truck Technology Pavilion on the show floor for three days beginning Feb. 26. Visit the Pavilion for exhibits from hybrid truck manufacturers, chassis manufacturers, system integrators, electrical component suppliers, Telematics system integrators, hydraulic component suppliers, alternative fuel producers and related industry organizations.

The Hybrid Ride-and-Drive and Advanced Truck Technology Pavilion are sponsored by EATON Hybrid Power Systems.

On Feb. 27, three-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Darrell Waltrip will deliver a keynote address at the President’s Breakfast and NTEA Annual Meeting.

On Feb. 28, the Business Forum will take place and Stan Slap, president of international consulting company Slap, will offer advice for creating unbeatable branding in any market.

You’ll Never Find a More Wonderful Hive of Manufacturers and End-Users

Some of the largest fleets in the country attend The Work Truck Show, and many booths are staffed with engineers and other technical personnel to help attendees spec’ vehicles and equipment.

“All of us in the work truck industry are in a unique position to work with one another to develop and apply the technologies that will literally drive us into the future,” says Jim Carney, NTEA executive director.

Greg Thompson is a contributing editor to Compact Equipment.

Alturnamats

Alturnamats’ Ground Protection Mats virtually eliminate ground restoration costs. Identified as the original black mats, Alturnamats are made of 1/2-in. thick polyethylene, can withstand a 60-ton vehicle and are guaranteed for a full six years.  The mats are ideal for such applications as construction, tree care, public utilities, golf courses, landscaping, cemeteries and a broad range of other applications. The mats virtually eliminate heavy vehicles getting stuck in mud. Turn-a-Links lock the mats together creating a continuous roadway or a large working platform. Mat sizes range up to 4 ft x 8 ft. Alturnamats will also  show VersaMats, designed for applications where both vehicle and foot traffic are factors. VersaMats feature a flat, slip-resistant tread that is safe to walk on. A new mat, Mobile Matts, will also be on display. Mobile Matts are lighter weight and feature an M- shaped tread for great traction. Visit booth #146. RS#69

American Roll-Off

American Roll-off, manufacturer of Hook-All Hook Lifts, announces the introduction of its new High Dump Hook Lifts models. The new 25,000 and 30,000 lb capacity dual pivot units are designed for use on a 33,000 lb GVW chassis.  Both models dump like a true dump truck. “The new high dump Hook-All is an excellent choice for a landscaper or contractor who needs to dump materials in a high pile,” says Fred Fisher, VP of sales. Hook-all Hook Lifts increase the utilization of the vehicle since it takes less than 30 seconds to switch between bodies such as a dump body, salt spreader or flat bed. An added benefit of Hook Lift bodies is that they can be placed on the ground for easy loading and unloading. “The new Hook-All Hook Lift models HA-250 and HA-300 utilize dual lift cylinders and operate at 2,800 psi which makes it easy to match up to the end-users’ hydraulic accessories,” states Warren Kimble, VP of manufacturing. RS#70

Auto Crane

Auto Crane introduces the Titan 16 service body. The Titan 16 is designed for severe duty and is ideal for off-road, mining, forestry or other harsh environments. It is the first service body designed to be upfitted with an integrated crane box, making the transition from a service body to having an integrated crane body without sacrificing strength or safety. The patent-pending Titan 16 is constructed of 10-gauge galvanneal and utilizes Auto Crane’s patented one-piece side pack design, along with internal stainless steel hinges, advanced T-handle door latches and 19-diode LED lights on stop/tail/turn/marker lights. Visit booth #2613. RS#71

BASE Engineering

BASE Engineering’s new Ranger Series of radio remote controls has been designed specifically for work trucks.

Systems are available from one to 12 functions for electric, hydraulic and proportional cranes as well as hose reel, winch and lift gate operations. All truck-mounted receivers are plug and play using the truck’s existing pendant cable connection. BASE offers a four-year replacement warranty and 24/7 user product support. Built by truck experts for equipment OEMs. RS#72

Dodge

Showcasing dominant, commercial-grade capability, durability and dependability, the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs deliver maximum uptime and offer leading powertrain packages, a commercial-grade upfit-friendly chassis and bold, big-rig Ram styling. Loaded with a big-truck look and feel, Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs boast a legendary Cummins turbodiesel in a 6.7-liter displacement as standard and a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Together with class-leading brakes and pistons, a standard diesel exhaust brake system extends brake life while giving increased driver control. With numerous best-in-class advantages, Ram 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs have a commercial-grade frame (50,000-psi steel) to maximize strength and reduce weight, and flat clean frame rails to help facilitate ease of after-market upfits or retrofits. RS#73

Eberhard Manufacturing Company

Eberhard now offers its new multi-point pull handle. The die-cast handle is available with a double-bitted lock or a non-locking version, water resistant construction, blind mounting for security, free-wheeling, factory-installed gasket and large easy-to-grab pull handle. Latch measures about 7 in. x 6 in. and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. It is available in chrome or black powder coat finishes and is workable with Eberhard’s Power-Up keyless entry system or Eberhard’s new inside handle 21000 Series. See Eberhard at booth #2531. RS#74

Fischer Crane Company

Fischer Crane provides comprehensive product support for the extensive line of Amco Veba cranes. Stop by for information on the newest knuckleboom models: the 806, 807N and 808. These cranes feature a narrow design for increased versatility. All three models feature up to  four hydraulic extensions for over 34 ft of reach, with every cylinder engineered within the boom width. All versions will mount in the same compact space. Discover Amco Veba’s service cranes, marine versions and job-engineered knucklebooms by visiting booth #1052. RS#75

Meyer Products

Meyer Products LLC has extended its line of contractor-grade plows and moldboards with an innovative commercial plow designed for smaller vehicles such as compact pick-ups and SUVs. The Meyer Drive Pro snowplow is a lightweight (350 lbs), yet rugged commercial plow with a 22 1/2 in. tall by 6 ft, 8 in. wide 14-gauge steel moldboard uniquely designed to plow anywhere there is a limited amount of space. The Drive Pro also comes with heavy-duty 1 1/2 in. rams, commonly used on larger plows. All of this is backed by Meyer’s three to five year ROC Solid Warranty that is the best in the business, says the company.

Meyer’s rugged E-58H operating system, used on nearly all of Meyer’s commercial plows, is designed to maximize the Drive Pro’s performance and ensure safe operation and functionality. Meyer’s product innovations and industry knowledge have been improving transportation safety and convenience since they invented snowplows over 80 years ago. RS#76

mobileDUZ

mobileDUZ Ultimate Field Office puts your office inside your pickup by combining drawers and storage compartments into a clean, strong unit that replaces the rear seat in extended cabs and some crew cab pickups. Safely store files, technical manuals, site plans, fragile equipment and more. Some of the many options available are a 49-in. drawer, power inverter, various flashlights and a printer-copier-scanner. The UFO is made of rotomolded LLDPE plastic which offers high tensile strength plus high impact and puncture resistance, as well as  excellent performance in extreme temperatures. See the UFO in action at booth #111. RS#77

Pro Vision

Designed to handle the most extreme applications, the WEDGE Series Night Vision Camera will eliminate dangerous blind spots on any vehicle. The housing, machined out of a solid, 2-lb block of aluminum, makes the WEDGE Series Night Vision Camera indestructible.

PRO-VISION Video Systems designs, manufactures and installs rugged, reliable rear vision, side vision and digital recording systems for commercial vehicle and equipment applications. With a full line of affordable video solutions, it’s simple to increase visibility and record incidents with your equipment on the road and at the jobsite. RS#78

Scorpion Protective Coatings

Scorpion Zero Biological Growth (ZBG) is the coating of choice in an environment where mold, mildew or bacteria control is an issue. Scorpion ZBG is a tough, durable, non-slip coating that reduces noise and vibration while protecting the surface it covers. ZBG is chemically engineered to have few free carbons, which are the cause of biological growth and is manufactured with the addition of an EPA approved additive that makes the coating highly resistant to any biological growth. It can be any color, any texture and is seamless and UV stable. RS#79

SIMA

The Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) is excited to offer the 7th installment in its video training series. Entitled “365 Degrees of Snow and Ice Management,” the new video takes a year-round perspective while focusing on the most important business, management, training and operational aspects of running a professional snow removal service. With content from real contractors, this educational video and interactive tool kit covers pre-season, in-season and post-season issues. RS#80

Sterling

Sterling Truck Corp. offers a full line of Class 3-8 trucks that are always ready to take on the toughest jobs including the newest member of the family, the Sterling Bullet.

The Bullet is ideal for demanding vocational applications including construction, utility, municipal services and more with a standard power take off (PTO) prep package and additional options that allow you to spec the truck to your exact needs. Every Bullet also comes standard with the support of a strong dealer network that specializes in commercial vehicles. Visit booth #2632. RS#81

Team Storm

Team Storm’s new R2ReverseMaxx for skid steers and tractors is an extendable and reversible snow plow that can also be installed on the rear three-point hitch. The blade  features include floating skid shoes in both directions; up and down and lateral floating of the blade; and a hydraulic tripping system that rotates in less than five seconds. RS#82

Williams-Pyro

AccuTag Vehicle Systems is a wireless vehicle monitoring solution enabling users to improve operational efficiency and driver productivity. Driver performance and vehicle status data are automatically collected through the hands-free unit, giving fleet managers fleet-at-glance information. AccuTag’s diagnostics module, desktop application and optional GPS feature offer a complete fleet management tool, helping to reduce overall cost of fleet operations. RS#83

Workhorse Custom Chassis

Workhorse Custom Chassis has added a space-saving PTO option for walk-in trucks built on its new heavy-duty W62 chassis. It will be offering different configurations of Vanair’s patented Genair PTO system, which provides both the power of a 7.2- to 11.6-kW generator and a 125- to 185-cfm air compressor in a compact package fully integrated with the chassis. Generator-only and compressor-only options are also available at varying power capacities. The W62 chassis with PTO option will be on display at booth #831. RS#84