Michelin X One Retread
Michelin Retread Technologies introduced a new addition to its lineup of retread tires, the Michelin X One XZU S Pre-Mold Retread designed for refuse collection and other high-scrub applications.
The X One XZU S retread is now available as a Pre-Mold Retread in a 390/430 tread size. According to Michelin, the retread features long tread life and outstanding scrub resistance with 23/32 in original tread depth of an application-specific compound. The retread uses Michelin Co-EX technology – a two-layer compound designed to minimize casing temperature for longer casing life – and features a wing tread design for added protection on the shoulders.
While the tread design is optimized for all-weather traction, Michelin says, enhanced protection against stone drilling is also provided by variable pitch groove walls and groove bottom protectors in all grooves. When used in urban regional operations, Michelin X One wide single tires, featuring Infini-Coil Technology, provide optimized weight savings and significant fuel savings, the company said.
A/C Parts Organizer
Four Seasons Inc. introduced its Heavy Duty & Off Road Air Conditioning Service Parts Organizer (Part # 24815) that the company says “covers it all for technicians, offering what they need to complete the repair, all in one SKU.”
The portable kit contains 127 different part numbers, including green HNBR O-Rings, sealing washers, orifice tubes, service caps and more. All the pieces are clearly labeled and organized, the company says, so technicians won’t waste their valuable time looking for the right part.
Padded Mirror Covers
Diversified Specialties introduced Mirror Mitts, bright yellow foam pads designed to slide over truck spot mirrors during service to protect technicians and promote shop safety.
Mirror Mitts are sold in pairs, measure 18 x 16 inches each and consist of a two-pad sandwich joined by Velcro one-wrap straps for easy installation, according to the company. They come standard with the imprint “Safety Is No Accident,” but can be custom printed.
Soft Grip Wire Stripper
Snap-on introduced a soft grip wire stripper (PWCS9) that it says is the first ever, cold forged multi-purpose wire stripper that “is more durable that anything on the market today.”
According to Snap-on, the tool’s patented enclosed spring keeps the stripper open and ready to use, and protects from exposed dirt and grit that can cause malfunction. Its induction hardened surface strips stranded wire from AWG20 to AWG10 and solid wire from 18 up to eight.
The PWCS9 also crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals, has a set of shears, 6-32 and 8-32 bolt cutters and a pair of wire looping holes and a comfortable bi-mold soft grip handle to reduce hand fatigue. In addition, the Snap-on stripper lock button is low profile and conveniently located out of the way.
True UV Leak Detection Flashlight
Tracer Products introduced its Tracerline Optimax 365, a cordless, rechargeable “true” ultra-violet (365 nm) flashlight with ultra-high-flux LED technology.
According to the company, the high-intensity UV lamp works with all auto and truck systems and fluorescent dyes, including yellow, and easily pinpoints oil leaks in diesel engines, even when the oil is extremely dirty.
Features of the Optimax 365 include:
- Lightweight design at 11.8 ounces;
- 20-foot inspection range;
- Corrosion-resistant, anodized aluminum body;
- Rechargeable NiMH battery for 90 minutes of continuous use; and
- Includes UV-absorbing spectacles, belt holster, charger and padded carrying case.
Quick-Release Ratchets
Stanley Proto added four Quick Release Ratchets to its lineup, in 1⁄4-, 3⁄8- and 1⁄2-inch drive sizes, and all include a low-profile quick-release button on the backtop of the ratchet head. They are designed to hold sockets securely while in use, making it possible for users to change sockets with one hand.
According to the company, the low-profile ratchets also are designed to make it easy to install or remove fasteners in hard-to-reach work areas. Each ratchet has a small pear-shaped head to help it slip into tight spots, as well as a 45-tooth internal gear design that provides an 8-degree ratcheting arc. Each ratchet also has a low-profile reversing lever to facilitate quick one-handed direction changes.
To help increase tool life and reduce downtime, the ratchets have a proprietary sealed head design to stop dust and other fine debris from infiltrating the ratchet mechanism, while preventing lubricants from leaking out. The company said the ratchets also have been engineered for added comfort and safety: their contoured, ergonomically designed handles have knurled bands that help increase slip resistance and allow for a strong grip. The handles are made from full-polished double-nickel chrome-plated steel.
WSB Industries’ Environmentally Friendly Additives
Worldwide Sustainable Blends Industries, LLC (WSB Industries) announced a new lineup of environmentally friendly oil additives, fuel and hydraulic fluid supplements, and protectorants for transport, marine, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, railroad, construction, mining, refinery and military applications.
The new products are sold under the Worldwide Sustainable Blends brand and are available exclusively through the VIPAR Heavy Duty network of independent truck parts distributors.
According to the announcement, WSB Industries’ synthetic lubrication technology at the core of the additives is non-toxic, non-corrosive and nonflammable. Additionally, it is not harmful to the environment and does not contain PTFE, copper, graphite or any EPA targeted carbon chains associated with existing technology. Through field testing by fleet operators, WSB Industries said its products have been proven to significantly reduce friction and wear, enhance performance, reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs, and maximize equipment life while reducing exhaust emissions.
Among the Worldwide Sustainable Blends products are: Fuel Boost, Fuel Enhancer, Engine Oil Enhancer and Cold Flow Supplement.
Continental Releases HDR1 Drive Tire
Continental Tire North America said it has introduced the HDR1 drive tire for sales in the North American market to capitalize on its success in the regional highway segment.
The Fort Mill, S.C.-based company says the HDR1 (Heavy Drive Regional) integrates tire technologies learned from its expertise in demanding regional applications, including features developed to combat wear and tear often created by rough, unpredictable road conditions.
The tire features an open shoulder design that offers excellent wet and dry traction, according to Continental, and for regional haul trucks that need a highly resilient tire with long mileage capabilities, the HDR1 offers 28/32nds of tread depth. The tire also is designed to maintain a resistance to irregular wear and includes a cut- and chip-resistant compound to facilitate long, even wear and durability.
The HDR1 can be used as an all-position tire and is available in the 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 275/80R22.5 and 285/75R24.5 sizes.
Phillips Releases I-Box for Retrofit
Phillips Industries released to the aftermarket its I-Box, a nosebox designed to handle the expanding electronic requirements of today’s trailers. The I-Box, now available for retrofit, is designed with more working room inside the box to help alleviate pinching and pullout of wires for supplemental systems such as trailer-tracking and weigh systems.
The I-Box can house Phillips’ Permalogic Controller and has enough room for flash memory to store trailer schematics, bills of material and other important documents and keep them dry.
Other features include: a removable lid with a weatherproof gasket that helps protect the interior against corrosion and extreme weather; circuit breakers housed in the I-Box that can be changed quickly; and inclusion of Phillips’ 7-way QCS2 Quick Connect Socket, designed to allow for easy replacement when required.
