1/30/22

Trucks That Trouble-shoot Themselves, Get Ready, They're Coming!

In the future, equipment is expected to troubleshoot itself 
without human intervention.

iStock_Bombaert818

Thanks to advances in technology, as well as an increasing emphasis on operations efficiency and wise resource use, the role of equipment fleet managers across all industries has changed quite a bit in recent years.

Expect even more changes in the future, says Jim Schug, a principal and engagement manager for FMI Corporation.

Schug, who is also a certified equipment manager and the program lead for the Certification Institute, cites “adapting to technology, innovation, and the new workforce” as three big changes that have occurred in fleet management over the last few years. All fleet management professionals — no matter their industry or the type of equipment managed — need to prepare themselves for more changes on the horizon, he says.

“All vehicles are adapting across the industry,” says Schug, who participated in a panel discussion at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas this March on the future of equipment management.

Jim Schug
“We likely are not far from vehicles that troubleshoot themselves, remote sensors that predict what to repair based on the data they collect, and an overall expectation of zero unplanned downtime.” Jim Schug, principal and engagement manager, FMI Corporation headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices in Denver, Tampa, Phoenix and Houston. “In the future, trucks will be connected and serve as a tracking center; and they will likely evolve out of needing field repairs and emergency calls.”

Need to adapt to changes
Given this move toward automation and advanced technology, fleet equipment — including service trucks —will become much more sophisticated and provide “near perfect information” on how they operate, he predicts. Therefore, he says, companies will only remain competitive in the future if they can do the following: have the best, most “fit” equipment to perform the job; eliminate equipment downtime; and demonstrate the ability to sustain ongoing operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And much of this will rest on the shoulders of fleet management leadership and their ability to adapt to industry changes, Schug argues.

“This future is a big shift from where we are today and puts more pressure on the equipment manager to lead what happens in the field, so the intensity and importance of the role increases,” says Schug, who has a bachelor of science degree in quantitative economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master of science in engineering management from the University of Missouri. “If equipment managers are not already sitting at the leadership table today they should be … and I certainly believe they will be in five years.”

Whether playing catch-up or preparing for more changes, fleet managers should take proactive steps to better position themselves (and their companies) for what lies ahead, he says.

“Learn how to collect data and enter it into an efficient system that helps inform when making difficult decisions,” says Schug, who acknowledges many people already use maintenance management systems in their decision-making.

However, he advises fleet managers to think beyond simply collecting and entering data. On that note, he emphasizes how the gathering, harvesting and analyzing of data by fleet managers can help their CEOs make good decisions.

Recognize data’s value
“You need to recognize how valuable that data is to your lifecycle costs and current operations. Equipment data will drive operations in the future,” says Schug, whose company provides management consulting and investment banking services to various industries including construction and engineering.

Given the importance of data in fleet management, Schug says it is critical for fleet managers to “stay engaged” and “plugged-in” when it comes to industry associations and vendors. By doing so, fleet managers can keep abreast of new technologies, products and/or practices, all of which can benefit their overall fleet management efforts.

“You do not want your firm to fall behind the innovation curve. At the same time, we are seeing strategy evolve from a ‘gut feel’ to a more data-driven approach,” Schug says.

According to Schug, though, a data-driven strategy in fleet management is more of a “shared understanding” developed and refined through the experiences of employees serving customers in the field.

“CEOs seldom innovate effectively,” Schug says. “The field and front-line management is the source of all great innovations; and they will be what leads our industry forward. Great firms recognize this and harness it in the development and execution of their strategy.”

Mark Yontz is a freelance writer from Urbandale, Iowa.

Source: http://www.servicetruckmagazine.com/get-ready-for-future-trucks-that-trouble-shoot-themselves/


1/28/22

Configurable Daytime Running Lamps | Ford How-To | Ford


Configure your vehicle’s available daytime running lamps with these quick, easy instructions. Learn more about being a Ford owner here: https://ford.to/3AgEkWP

1/26/22

Another Load of Premier Aluminum Bodies are Shipped!

 


Premier Truck Center, being a manufacturer of truck bodies for installation in our own shop also furnishes bodies to other distributors nationwide.

These aluminum bodies are destined for a northern state for distributor installations. The load includes eight 12 ft drop-side flatbeds and two chipper bodies. The drop-sides were packaged within the two chipper bodies.

Premier Truck Center is the manufacturer of the standard and custom Premier flatbed bodies in steel and aluminum construction.  

Learn more about the Premier product lines at our website https://premiertruckbodies.com/truck-bodies/ and while there take a look at all the products and services we provide!

1/24/22

Partskeeper Organizer by Ranger Design


Ranger Design launched a revamped version of one of our most popular product lines: the Partskeeper cases and cabinets! These products are perfect for storing and organizing small parts and tools that tradesmen may need to take with them onto the job.

Partskeeper Parts Organizer Carry Case, 62-U5079Our updated Partskeeper cases are rugged and durable and have been put through rigorous strength tests to ensure that we provide our customer only with the highest quality. They now come in a clear hard plastic cover with snaps along the sides that allow them to be stacked on top of one another for easier transportation. We’ve also maximized the design of the case’s storage space by 11% to carry extra tools and hardware onsite.

The Partskeeper cabinets have been updated to our newly branded black end panels, to allow for more rigidity and overall resilience. They come in 4 different sizes, ranging from a single case carrier, all the way up to an 8-case cabinet for those tradesmen with a wider variety of tools.

1/22/22

DH-LM Cantilever lifts - Operation and safety video

                       

                       Dhollandia Operation and safety video for the DH-LM Cantilever lifts 

1/21/22

Tommy Gate Tuckunder Series: TKL


The TKL models feature a single-cylinder, power-down, highly efficient design, and accommodates bed heights from 33 to 47 inches. Lightweight and durable, the TKL combines sleek modern engineering and 2500lbs. of lifting capacity and has applications to fit all major flatbed, stake and van bodies. Visit www.tommygate.com/TKL for more information.

1/20/22

Ford Planning To Nearly Double All-Electric F-150 Lightning Production


  • Ford is planning to nearly double production capacity of the all-electric F-150 Lightning™ pickup to 150,000 vehicles per year at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, to meet soaring customer demand
  • F-150 Lightning moves to the final phase of pre-production as pickups roll off the line for real-world durability and thousands of miles of testing ahead of customer deliveries this spring
  • The first wave of reservation holders for F-150 Lightning will start converting their reservations to orders; additional reservation holders will be invited in phases to place their order over the next few months. For those who don’t receive invites for the 2022 model year, there will be an opportunity to order for future model years.

With unprecedented demand for the Mustang Mach-E, Ford earlier announced it will increase production starting this year and expects to reach 200,000-plus units per year by 2023; within 24 months, Ford will have the global capacity to produce 600,000 battery electric vehicles annually

Ford Motor Company is planning to nearly double production of the F-150 Lightning™ pickup at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn to 150,000 trucks per year to meet high demand for the first all-electric version of America’s best-selling vehicle, the F-Series. And beginning Thursday, the first group of reservation holders will be invited to place their orders for the F-150 Lightning.

“With nearly 200,000 reservations, our teams are working hard and creatively to break production constraints to get more F-150 Lightning trucks into the hands of our customers,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of The Americas & International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company. “The reality is clear: People are ready for an all-electric F-150 and Ford is pulling out all the stops to scale our operations and increase production capacity.”

Due to unprecedented customer interest, Ford is implementing a wave-by-wave reservation process, with reservation holders being asked to watch for an invitation via email from Ford or to log into their Ford.com account over the next few months. Those who don’t receive invitations to convert for the 2022 model year will have an opportunity to order a future model year vehicle in due course.

Flexibility is key to Ford’s production system and the way teams are now working to deliver the company’s future lineup of electric vehicles. To deliver this latest increase, a small task force of employees from manufacturing, purchasing, strategy, product development and capacity planning are finding ways to quickly adapt and expand production of the groundbreaking pickup. Ford is working with key suppliers – as well as with its own manufacturing facilities Rawsonville Components Plant and Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center – to find ways to increase capacity of electric vehicle parts, including battery cells, battery trays and electric drive systems.

“The pride and quality UAW members are putting into building the iconic Ford F-150 Lightning is evident in the high pre-production demand for the new F-150 Lightning truck,” said Chuck Browning, UAW vice president. “UAW members are leading the way in doubling the amount of vehicles Ford is producing for this game-changing model of our legendary union-built vehicle.”

This week marks the final pre-build phase before accelerating into mass production of F-150 Lightning trucks for retail customers and F-150 Lightning Pro for commercial customers. These production-level trucks will be used for testing in real-world customer conditions, collectively accumulating 1 million miles.  

The Lightning is drawing interest from customers of competitor brands at a record rate in North America, with more than 75% of reservation holders new to the Ford brand. Production of the 2022 F-150 Lightning pickup will begin this spring at a starting MSRP of $39,9741 before potential federal tax incentives2.  

Ford is committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution, investing more than $30 billion in electric vehicles through 2025. Over the next two years, Ford aims to emerge as the clear No. 2 electric vehicle maker in North America and then challenge the No. 1 spot as huge investments in battery and electric vehicle manufacturing come onstream. Within 24 months, Ford will have the global capacity to produce 600,000 battery electric vehicles annually.

In addition to scaling Lightning production, Ford recently announced the tripling of production for the Mustang Mach-E and expects to reach 200,000-plus units per year by 2023. Ford’s all-electric van, the 2022 E-Transit, goes on sale early this year.

Ford is building the largest, most advanced, most efficient auto production facility in its 118-year history in Tennessee, where it will assemble next-generation F-Series electric pickups. Together with SK Innovation, Ford is also building three new BlueOval SK battery plants – one in Tennessee and two in Kentucky – to produce advanced lithium-ion batteries to power next-generation Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

This $11.4 billion investment will create nearly 11,000 new jobs at BlueOval City and BlueOvalSK Battery Park in Tennessee and Kentucky and build on Ford’s position as America’s leading employer of hourly autoworkers.

To learn more about the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning truck, click here.

# # #

¹MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included.


2The federal tax credit is a potential future tax savings. The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Please consult with your own tax or legal professional to determine eligibility, specific amount of incentives or rebates available. The federal tax credit amount may be reduced according to credit phase-out rules. Incentives and additional rebates are not within Ford’s control. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. For additional information, go to https://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/409.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.

1/18/22

The 2022 Ford E-Transit: Delivering the Future | E-Transit | Ford


The zero-emission Ford E-Transit* works as hard as ever. It's all electric, going until the job is done, taking you places others cannot and powering your work, wherever you are. *Preproduction vehicle shown. Available late 2021. 

 

1/16/22

Be Prepared with Breakdown Kit in Your Vehicle


In case your car breaks down, find yourself prepared with these items you can keep in your trunk.

1/14/22

Venco Venturo Industries, LLC Electric-Hydraulic Cranes - Work Truck Show


ET6K ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC CRANE Max. Capacity 2,000 lb - Crane Rating 6,000 ft-lb - Max. Reach 10 ft Min. Truck Size Needed (GVWR) Class 2 (8,000 lb) The Venturo ET6K service crane is a 6,000 ft.-lbs. crane with 2,000 lb. lifting capacity featuring electric winch, power rotation and hydraulic boom elevation with a single, manual extension up to 10 ft. ET12KXP ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC CRANE Max. Capacity 3,500 lb, Crane Rating 12,000 ft-lb, Max. Reach 16 ft Min. Truck Size Needed (GVWR) Class 2 (8,800 lbs GVWR) With a 12,000 FT-LB rating and a 3,500 LB maximum capacity, the ET12KXP can be installed on trucks with a minimum Class 2 (8,800 lbs GVWR). The ET12KXP features proportional control, single-stage full-hydraulic extension and a one-piece hexagonal boom for increased strength. This new crane features a 9′ – 16′ reach. ET12K(X) ELECTRIC-HYDRAULIC CRANE Max. Capacity 3,500 lb - Crane Rating 12,000 ft-lb - Max. Reach 15 ft Min. Truck Size Needed (GVWR) Class 2 (8,800 lb) The Venturo ET12KX service crane is a versatile application that is neither too large or too small for a majority of lifting jobs. This crane has been utilized heavily in municipal/public works industry lifting anything from service equipment to fire hydrants throughout the United States. With a 12,000 FT-LB rating and a 3,500 LB maximum capacity, the ET12KX can be installed on trucks with a minimum 8,800 GVWR. The ET12K(X) comes in two configurations; the ET12K offers two-stage manual boom extension, and the ET12KX offers single-stage hydraulic extension with a secondary manual boom extension.

1/12/22

Premier Work Truck Bodies – BIG and Small



Big or Small – We Build Them All!  

Steel or Aluminum, Flatbeds, Dumps, Standard or Custom. If you have a need for a work truck body, we can build it for any* chassis, Pickup Bed Removal / Replacement, 1 Ton, Medium Duty and up to a Heavy-Duty Chassis.

Premier Truck Center works with customers to design and build bodies that will work for them. Many times it will be a standard body with a few options, Other times it might be a complete custom body for a specific application.

Often, we find that a contractor has ideas for a body that will make their job easier and more efficient. They may have been thinking about it for many years but have been unable to find exactly what they want.

Visit our website at: premiertruckbodies.com

We want to hear from you. Contact us by phone or email, we are here to listen.

Premier Truck Center
1313 17th Street East
Palmetto, FL 34221

Phone: 941-729-8196



*Chassis must be qualified for the specific body being mounted.

1/10/22

Commercial Van Equipment & Upfits by Ranger Design


Video demonstrating commercial van equipment manufactured by Ranger Design: See our website for more info http://rangerdesign.com/ - Tradesman Packages - Van Tool Drawers - Axess Tray Cargo Slides - Van Ladder Racks - Revolutionary Max Rack Drop Down Ladder Rack - Van Partitions: Crash Tested for Your Maximum Safety - Contoured Van Bulkheads for Maximum Cabin Comfort - Van Bin Storage Units - Partskeepers Storage Units - Van Shelving - "Fold-Away" Foldable Van Shelving - Sliding Door Van Safety Partition Visit our website http://rangerdesign.com/ or call our friendly staff at 1-800-565-5321 for your next upfit.
Commercial Van Equipment & Upfits by Ranger Design

1/08/22

Why Ford Dominates The Market For Police Vehicles


There are about 12,000 police departments patrolling jurisdictions across the United States. More than half of police vehicles driving through neighborhoods and cities are Fords. The second-largest U.S. automaker in terms of sales is also the biggest purveyor of police vehicles. In 2018, Ford's share of police vehicle sales in the U.S. was 63 percent thanks to its immensely successful Police Interceptor lineup.

1/06/22

LEND A HAND – AND A FEW MILES – TO YOUR FRIENDS USING VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE CHARGING ON F-150 LIGHTNING, F-150 HYBRID


  •  With innovative Pro Power Onboard, the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning™ truck and the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid have the ability to let customers “share” range with other electric vehicle owners, allowing them to charge a friend’s vehicle during an outage or top off an EV battery for a neighbor
  • Customers can use their F-150 Lightning or F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid to charge electric vehicles from Ford and other manufacturers; this is estimated to add an average range of 20 miles per charging hour to a Mustang Mach-E SUV with extended range battery and rear-wheel drive, or 13 miles of charge per hour on an F-150 Lightning
  • Ford is using electric vehicle technology to offer customers innovative new capabilities – from deploying their F-150 Lightning battery to power their home in an outage to freeing up even more space for storage in the Mega Power Frunk

Usually when someone asks you to top them off, they’re holding a cool beverage in hand looking for a refill. But with the all-electric F-150 Lightning™, customers can take service to another level by “sharing” miles with other electric vehicles – those built by Ford and other manufacturers – giving people additional range through vehicle-to-vehicle charging.

With available Pro Power Onboard, the 2022 F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid trucks are high-energy power sources on wheels with multiple uses, thanks to their onboard generators and high-capacity battery systems. Now, Ford is offering another unique benefit to that list: vehicle-to-vehicle charging using the Ford-exclusive Pro Power Onboard 240-volt outlet.

“There are hundreds of benefits to Ford Pro Power Onboard – and we’ve added one more,” said Patrick Soderborg, Ford e-powertrain systems engineer. “Taking power on the road or having extra energy at home brings a lot of convenience and security, and using the F-150 Lightning or F-150 hybrid to top off a friend’s electric vehicle or help them during an outage is one of the many new benefits our customers gain from our Built Ford Tough electrified trucks.”

When connected to an F-150 Lightning or F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid with the optional 9.6 or 7.2 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard1, the Ford Mobile Power Cord charger can deliver Level-2 charging that’s estimated to add an average range of 20 miles per charging hour on a Mustang Mach-E with extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive2. It will add up to 13 miles of charge per hour on the upcoming F-150 Lightning, and will add an average range of 10 miles per charging hour to a Ford E-Transit low-roof cargo van2.

Customers can easily take advantage of this capability, using a widely available power adaptor to link the Ford Mobile Power Cord to their truck. Once connected to the 240-volt Pro Power Onboard outlet, customers can use the Mobile Power Cord to charge a range of all-electric vehicles that use the SAE J1772 charge port. This includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford E-Transit electric van and the all-new 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup, as well as vehicles from other manufacturers3.  

The 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid pickup has an available 7.2 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard generator that can be used to power tools, accessories and the Ford Mobile Power Cord. This spring, the all-new 2022 F-150 Lightning – the first full-size battery electric pickup from Ford – will debut with the available 9.6 kilowatt Pro Power Onboard power source.

Electric vehicles open doors to new customer benefits

Just as cell phones and the internet changed our way of life, electric vehicles are poised to do the same with a wide range of new services and features. Leveraging the electric power generation and storage available in the new F-150 Lightning and F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, Ford is building in new features that give customers functionality, convenience and capability.

With F-150 Lightning, its power source can even be used to power a home using Ford Intelligent Backup Power. Instead of installing a home generator or battery backup, the truck can be used to power a typical-size home up to three days in the event if a power outage4. The compact electric powertrain also allowed Ford to create the first Mega Power Frunk – a front trunk that not only offers multiple power outlets but also provides up to 14 cu.-ft. of lockable storage.

“There are so many new opportunities to innovate with features and functions made possible only through electrification,” said Soderborg. “This really hit home during the Texas power crisis last February, which left millions in the cold. F-150 Hybrid helped many Texans keep warm and powered up during those difficult times thanks to Pro Power Onboard – and we’re trying to do even more with F-150 Lightning.”

To learn more about Ford electric vehicles, go to Ford.com/electric.

1See owner's Manual for important operating instructions.

2Range and charge time based on manufacturer computer engineering simulations and EPA-estimated range calculation methodology. The charging rate decreases as battery reaches full capacity. Your results may vary based on peak charging times and battery state of charge. Actual vehicle range varies with conditions such as external environment, vehicle use, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age, and state of health.

3See owners manual for important operating instructions.

4When home is properly equipped and home transfer switch disconnects home from the grid. Based on 30 kWh use per day using the F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery.  Your results may vary depending on energy usage.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.With innovative Pro Power Onboard, the all-electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning™ truck and the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid have the ability to let customers “share” range with other electric vehicle owners, allowing them to charge a friend’s vehicle during an outage or top off an EV battery for a neighbor


1/04/22

The 2022 Ford Maverick Pickup: EcoBoost Capability | Maverick | Ford


The available 2.0L EcoBoost® engine in the Ford Maverick™ Pickup delivers 260 horsepower, 277 lb.-ft. of torque* and much more. *Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary. 

Learn more about the all-new Ford Maverick here: https://ford.to/30o1aP6

1/02/22

#NextGenRanger: Tested to the Extreme


The #NextGenRanger pickup is the smartest, most versatile, and most capable Ranger ever. And here’s your first official glimpse. Check it out. We take you on location with Ford engineers as they put the #NextGenRanger through its paces.