Florida Tow Show 2019, Tow Trucks, Big Rigs, Mega Trucks and More!

Welcome to the 2019 Florida Tow Show. The towing industries largest international show held at the beautiful Hilton Hotel in Lake Buena Vista FL, near Disney and Orlando. Everything from huge expensive trucks to smaller versions. See them all right here. Enjoy and thanks for watching.

Get More Payload with Knapheide Aluminum Flatbed Truck Bodies

Hauling feathers probably isn't a part of your day job, so you need the most payload you can get out of your truck. Lucky for you, aluminum platform bodies from Knapheide are lightweight but not light duty. 

Take a closer look to see for yourself. Are you looking for a flatbed truck body that’s easy on payload but heavy on features and toughness? Look no further than the new Aluminum Platform Body from Knapheide. With a desire to never settle for second best, we spent years designing and testing our aluminum product lines to ensure they’re lightweight but not light duty. Assembled with aerospace techniques and utilizing military-grade aluminum extrusions, the aluminum platform body is class-leading in strength, durability and longevity. Available in lengths from 7’ to 18’, there’s a tough, long-lasting aluminum platform body for your application no matter how big or small.

Learn more at: https://www.knapheide.com/platform-bodies/aluminum-platform-bodies-p795?utm_campaign=apb-push-email-3-201902&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eloqua&utm_content=product-page&elqTrackId=33d6f7e3acd14aadbfc6d814ea104beb&elq=a3c7ca490527492c99a3371fd8b5204f&elqaid=1024&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=490

Fold Away Van Shelving by Ranger Design

Ranger Design’s fold-away van shelving is very versatile allowing you to make the best use of your space. http://rangerdesign.com/products/fold...

Introducing NTEA's 55th Board Chairman, Wm. Craig Bonham

Wm. Craig Bonham, VP of Commercial Vehicle, Safe Fleet (Belton, Missouri) was installed as NTEA's 55th Board Chairman on March 7, 2019 at the President's Breakfast and Annual Meeting held during WTS19.

Take Idle off Your Truck With the EnPak A30 Power System

The EnPak A30 all-in-one solution reduces idle time on your truck by up to 75 percent and provides technicians with the power they need to get jobs done. Less idle time reduces costly maintenance and lowers the risk of unplanned downtime that can leave your truck and technician stranded. Using the EnPak A30 unit instead of your truck engine is the best way to improve your bottom line, maximize efficiency and keep your technicians and customers satisfied. Equipped with compressed air, battery charge/crank assist, electric power, inverter-based welding and more, this power system is the quietest, most fuel-efficient all-in-one. The EnPak A30 power system maintains PTO-driven power capabilities, including 12V DC, in a compact, lightweight solution that’s backed by the industry-leading reliability and performance you expect. To learn more, visit: https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment...

VMAC - Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors UNDERHOOD Demo

Demonstration of VMAC's VR70 and VR140 UNDERHOOD air compressors. Learn More: http://vmacair.com/product/underhood-...

When Thieves Steal Landscaper’s Truck and Equipment, Police Officers Pool Their Money to Help

A compassionate team of police officers is being praised for giving a landscaper a helpful new start after he was robbed of his car and the tools needed for his livelihood.

Adrian Salgado was getting ready to start his work day in Santa Ana, California last week when two thieves hijacked his pickup truck and drove off with all of his equipment.

In addition to losing his vehicle, cell phone, leaf blower, hand tools, and mower—which police say was collectively worth about $3,000—Salgado also lost $1,000 in rent money which he had stashed away inside the truck.

Distraught, Salgado went back home and told his daughter Elizabeth what had happened. After she reported the theft to the Santa Ana Police Department, she managed to use an iPhone app to locate the stolen truck.

The two thieves were arrested, but Salgado’s equipment was nowhere to be found. Since Salgado is also the sole financial provider for his family, the law enforcement officers were particularly sympathetic about the misfortune.

“We all came from working-class families,” Sgt. Michael Gonzalez told CNN, adding that Salgado reminded him and his colleagues of their own fathers. “It was like, ‘hey, that’s my dad.’”

Rather than leaving the landscaper to fend for himself, however, a rookie policewoman suggested that the officers all pitch in to replace Salgado’s equipment.

The team managed to pool together $500 of their own money. They then reached out to the regional police association for additional donations, which resulted in a $500 match from the president.

When several cops were browsing the aisles of Home Depot with Salgado in order to replace the equipment, the store pitched in another $100 and offered military discounts to several of the officers.

Adding to the profound generosity, CNN says that a random shopper was also inspired to throw in $40 of their own money after hearing about the story from one of the officers.


In an interview with the Santa Ana Police Department, Salgado’s daughter expressed her overwhelming gratitude towards the officers. “Now I can see my dad with a smile because he can go back to work,” she said.

Lift the Load with a Venco Venturo ET6K Electric Crane

The standard configuration for the ET6K includes a manual extension boom from six to 10 feet and hydraulic elevation from -5 to +75 degrees. The crane’s rating is 6,000 foot-pounds with a maximum lifting capacity of one ton – falling below the OSHA requirement for operator certification – making it exempt from OSHA 1926.1427 operator certification requirements.

The ET6K winch features a high-efficiency, heavy-duty three-stage electric planetary gear drive, 12V permanent magnet motor and dual braking systems, and comes standard with a capacity overload shut-off system, aircraft-quality wire rope, and remote control pendant.

Available options include radio remote control, anti two-block system which meets ANSI B30.5 safety standards, mounting pedestals for platform body applications, outriggers and jacklegs for a variety of truck bodies and an adjustable boom rest with a load block storage hook.

The ET6K is recommended for general service applications on any truck with a GVWR of 8,000 LBS or more.

- See more at: http://venturo.com/product/et6k/

The Most Interesting New Truck Tech, Gear and Trends from the 2019 Work Truck Show

Here's The Most Interesting New Truck Tech, Gear and Trends from the 2019 Work Truck Show!

( http://www.TFLtruck.com )

Highway Products - Some Very Tough Truck Accessories

 

Military grade truck accessories that are built to last forever. Our truck accessories were built for the toughest jobs on earth and to protect your valuable trucks, tools and gear. We don’t just say that. We back it up by standing proudly behind a Lifetime Transferable Warranty.

Shop truck accessories: https://www.highwayproducts.com/collections/truck-accessories/

VOCATIONAL TRADE SHOWS YOU SHOULDN'T MISS

AGRICULTURE

National Farm Machinery Show - For over 50 years, the National Farm Machinery Show has offered the most complete selection of cutting-edge agricultural products, equipment and services available in the farming industry. Business professionals from around the world gain knowledge and hands-on access to various technological advancements needed for the upcoming farming season during the four-day show.

World Ag Expo - World Ag Expo is the world's largest annual agricultural exposition. More than 1,500 exhibitors display the latest in farm equipment, communications and technology on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Free seminars focus on a variety of topics important to dairy producers, farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals.

Farm Progress Show - Farm Progress Show, the nation’s largest outdoor farm event, annually hosts more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many additional farm supplies and services.

Husker Harvest Days - Farm Progress' Husker Harvest Days is the nation's largest, totally irrigated working farm show. With more than 500 exhibitors, the show provides farmers and ranchers direct access to company representatives and allows the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge about the latest products and services available.

CONSTRUCTION

World of Concrete - World of Concrete is the industry’s only annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries.

International Builders Show - IBS is the largest gathering of home building professionals in North America, and your best opportunity to get all the business tools you need—in three days! No other event brings together people, products and trends like the Builders' Show.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG - CONEXPO-CON/AGG is North America’s largest construction trade show representing asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting, mining, utilities and more.

National Hardware Show - At the National Hardware, you'll find everything you need to move your business forward including new buying opportunities, merchandising ideas & solutions, money-saving deals & face-to-face networking opportunities. The future of home improvement is here.

Kitchen & bath Industry Show - The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America's largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design.

ELECTRICAL

NECA - The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the US.

HVACR

AHR Expo - The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) has grown into the event of the year for the HVACR industry. The Show provides a unique forum for the entire HVACR industry to come together and share new products, technologies, and ideas.

LANDSCAPING - TREE CARE

GIE + Expo - Two tradeshows – GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America – co-located in one central location, provide your No. 1 opportunity to see what the industry is buzzing about.

TCI Expo - Hosted by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), TCI EXPO is the world's largest tree care industry trade show and conference.

MINING

MINExpo - MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® is the world's largest expo for mining equipment, products & services.

PEST CONTROL

PestWorld - Every year, NPMA gathers thousands of pest management professionals from across the globe to offer opportunities for information sharing, provide access to the latest products, services, and technologies in the 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, and generate critical thinking in world-class educational sessions..

PLUMBING

ASPE Expo - The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Convention & Expo is dedicated to quality education, connections and experiences for those skilled in the design, specification and inspection of plumbing systems.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Cable-TEC Expo - The epicenter for innovative thinking, Cable-Tec Expo is the industry’s largest cable telecom event in North America. Nothing else comes close. If you only attend one professional conference all year, this is the one..

UTILITIES - MUNICIPAL

ICUEE - ICUEE is the utility industry's largest trade show, covering 28+ acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, and bringing together more than 18,000 utility professionals every two years.

Power-Gen International - As the World's Largest Power Generation Event, POWER-GEN International is the industry leader in providing comprehensive coverage of the trends, technologies and issues facing the generation sector.

Tragic Logging Truck Failure Kills Maine State Trooper

Detective Benjamin Campbell Photo courtesy of Maine State Police

Detective Benjamin Campbell, 31, of Millinocket was killed just south of the Coldbrook Road overpass in the southbound lanes of I-95 just after 7:30 a.m., Maine State Police Colonel John Cote said. Campbell had stopped his department-issued, unmarked Ford Explorer SUV and activated his blue emergency lights to assist a driver who had spun out on a slippery section of the roadway, Cote said.

After the two wheel and tire assemblies became detached from the truck, one of the wheels struck Campbell while the other rolled harmlessly into the median. He sustained massive injuries from the impact and was later pronounced dead at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Cote said troopers are offering support to Campbell’s family, including his wife, Hillary. Campbell is also survived by a 6-month-old son, Everett.

“We know that together we’ll get through this,” Cote said, holding back emotion. “But it’s been a tough day.”

The driver of the truck, Scott V. Willett, 52, of Patten, is the owner and operator of Scott Willett Trucking, Cote said. He was hauling a load of logs at the time. Willett stopped the vehicle after the tire and wheel assemblies came loose.

Source: https://www.pressherald.com/2019/04/03/maine-state-trooper-killed-in-crash/

Here's One Way to assure your NEW Work Truck Meets Your Expectations!

Often fleets assume that work trucks are outfitted with equipment that meet the standards of the Chassis Manufacturer.  In the case of the truck mounted equipment this may not be totally correct. Although there are some federal standards for lights, brakes, crash worthiness, etc. that the vehicle alterer or final body manufacturer must comply with, often there are little or no standards for equipment that is mounted to the chassis at the final manufacturer. Aftermarket manufacturers and installers vary in sophistication and the depth of their attention to the design, the production, and variation control.

Vehicle specifications should reflect the needs of the user department, fitness for use, conformance to laws, and maintainability. Often vehicles develop breakdowns caused by defects or variations in the manufacturing process effecting reliability of the unit over time.


If fleets are interested in buying products with high reliability, best quality and are as safe as possible to operate, they should review their purchasing process and the specifications for the mounted equipment.

Here are two suggestions - using Six Sigma Methodology:

1) Add DFSS and Lean Six Sigma to the bid specifications:

Choose vendors that use DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) in their product development.  Adding DFSS into the equipment specs, the vendor will acknowledge that they either have or have not complied with the process in their design stage.

In other words, give preference to vendors that practice DFSS. It shows that the vendor / equipment manufacturer has approached the design of their product using DFSS methodology.


DFSS enables the manufacturer to prevent defects from occurring. The manufacturer can then produce superior products and offer services that are more stable and should not allow occurrences of “special cause” variation. It’s been described as a “vaccination against variation”.


Design for Six Sigma, DFSS, is a business procedure utilizing Six Sigma methodology. There are several tools and methods to utilize within Six Sigma to assure the process will be running in the correct direction. These DFSS techniques include tools and processes to predict, model and simulate the product delivery system (the processes, the personnel and organization, the training, the facilities, and logistics used to produce the product/service). Many of the tools used by DFSS are often used in the classic DMAIC Six Sigma process to analyze new products and processes.

Remember, all business processes present an opportunity for a variation to occur. These deviations are often associated with human controlled process operations. Each deviation can potentially become a defect; some of these defects may not show up immediately and could potentially cause safety related accidents. It is because of this that the Design for Six Sigma, DFSS is important for every manufacturing business.

2) Use of DMAIC for the manufacturing process:

It would follow that the manufacturing process be designed and controlled by Lean Six Sigma methodology. Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that relies on team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste and reducing defects. The process is a collaborative effort using a team made up of a Champion, process owners and others chosen within and often consultants from outside the  organization as well. The LSS methodology follows steps within DMAIC – Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control and relies heavily on data to assure that a correct path is followed and the goals are met.

If six sigma methodologies are followed, the end result will be a higher quality, more reliable product. Defects will be reduced to 3.4 per one million opportunities or less. Therefore, there should be a maximum of 3.4 defects for each one million products produced or service opportunities. Most manufacturers and service providers do not come close to this.

But as an example, one industry has a mixed record, one to brag about, and yet another that does not come close to meeting Six Sigma. It’s the airline industry, far fewer than 3.4 passengers per million end up not making their destinations because of crashes. However 6200 pieces of luggage do not make it to their destination for every 1 million pieces carried!

Although the manufacturer is not required to have a Lean Six Sigma Black or Green Belt on staff, they should be able to demonstrate that they routinely practice continuous improvement initiatives. These initiatives may also be facilitated by an outside consultant. Lean Six Sigma consultants should have obtained their certification from a credible organization such as the ASQ or Public or Private Universities.

PHOTO SOURCE:
Source:  http://www.transecoenergy.com


By Steve Taylor: Steve is a certified lean six sigma consultant specializing in process improvement. He may be reached at steve@truckarchitect.com His LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevectaylor  Steve has vast experience in the work truck manufacturing field and is an expert author specializing in writing and blogging about work trucks.  You may find interesting posts on work truck news and truck safety, including NHTSA Recall Notices at http://truckarchitect.blogspot.com/

International at the Truck Work Truck Show 2019

See whats up with International Trucks at the 2019 Work Truck Show Video.

1948 International Pickup - My First Drive by Steve Taylor!

By Steve Taylor - The Work Truck Blogger - see video source below

I just had to re-post this YouTube Video of an International Pickup walk-around. This is the pickup that I first learned to drive in. This truck is even the same color of my Dads' pick-up truck!  I can tell you that this was a hard riding, hard steering, hard shifting pickup truck for a 13 year old to learn to drive in!

I have always liked cars and especially trucks! Since then I have made a career in the design and manufacture of work trucks. I now enjoy sharing my knowledge and learn every day about the application and  use of trucks.

Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Truck-Architect-436299740456308/?modal=admin_todo_tour

I also share a lot of that information on the Commercial Truck Success blog.  The CTS  blog posts
news daily on light and medium duty trucks, as well as new applications and products. The blog has a very large following worldwide.

Find the CTS blog at: 

http://www.ctsblog.net/  and if so inclined and if you are particularly interested in commercial trucks, you can scroll down to the bottom of that page and subscribe to the blog. by Steve Taylor: Steve specializes in lean six sigma process improvement. He focuses on consulting with landscape / snow removal contractors, truck fleets, equipment distributors and manufacturers in the work truck industry. He may be contacted at steve@truckarchitect.com and his website is http://www.truckarchitect.com/ Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=http%3A%2F%2Fclassicoldcars.net%2F1948-international-truck%2Fphotos.htm&redir_token=iMCGUvhEIpfzlgKjjYHjSLCTRCF8MTQzNDcyOTQwNkAxNDM0NjQzMDA2

Ford F-750 drops emissions with Roush CleanTech near-zero autogas upfit

Todd Mouw, president of Roush CleanTech, talks about near-zero autogas technology in an F-750 that his company brought to the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. Approved by the California Air Resources Board and less costly than electric, the clean-burning engine is 90 percent cleaner than current EPA standards.

SOURCE: 

Hard Working Trucks