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 for work.

You will find a lot of great information about work trucks on my workintrucks.com website, and blogs, hope you enjoy it and also maybe sign up for our forum there!

Also take a look at 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/  

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 Pro Sweeps Europe’s CV “Oscars”

Businesses across Europe already love Ford Pro’s all-new Transit Custom van and Ranger pickup – that’s why they’re the best-selling commercial vehicles of their kind in Europe. So too did the jury of expert judges behind Europe’s commercial vehicle equivalent of the Oscars. The all-new Transit Custom’s customer-led design and innovative features helped make it International Van of the Year 2024 – the fifth crown for a van from Ford Pro’s popular Transit family. The connected and capable all-new Ranger Wildtrak pickup also won the International Pick-up Award 2024, making it a hat-trick of wins after Ranger also took the trophy in 2013 and 2020.

Ford News Europe

194K subscribers

KIA PBV Vans getting ready for Work (Work Truck Week 2024)

Kia revealed a lineup of all-electric vehicles for commercial and fleet applications at CES in 2024. They brought them to the @WorkTruckWeek 2024 to build relationships with potential customers and partners, including the upfitter @Holman1924

Mike the Car Geek

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

How to use your Fast Charging Adapter

The official YouTube channel for Ford Motor Company. Subscribe for weekly videos showcasing our vehicles, innovation and stories that inspire you to go further. Our videos are here for your knowledge, and you are welcome to use, share and embed links for all our videos, but the videos themselves are property of Ford Motor Company. You are not permitted to download any video and re-upload under any circumstances without written consent from Ford Motor Company.

Ford Motor Company

MAXON _DMD - RAILIFT™

THE DMD is an innovative medium-duty, fully hydraulic lift that utilizes a twin-cylinder design to ensure smooth and efficient performance.

The ultimate goal of the groundbreaking new DMD design is to offer a high-performing medium-duty rail-style gate combined with low maintenance needs. The DMD features two direct-acting cylinders versus competing concepts with one horizontal cylinder and cables and/or pulleys. Consequently, the DMD has fewer moving parts resulting in less ongoing maintenance.

Maxon Lift

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

Talkin' Trades with the Largest Exhibitor at Work Truck Week '24

Join us as we venture into the heart of Work Truck Week. In this exclusive interview we delve deep into the world of skilled trades, uncovering insights and perspectives from the professionals at JB Poindexter/Masterack. We explore the intricacies of the industry highlighting the valuable contributions of those dedicated to their craft. Tune in to gain a firsthand glimpse into the passion, expertise, and innovation driving the skilled trades forward in the modern age.

Ground to Glory

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

ROCKPORT: Welcome to Work Truck Week 2024

We are here at the 2024 Work Truck Week in Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center.

Rockport Trucks

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch | A Ford Towing Video Guide | Ford

Onboard Scales and Smart Hitch are 2 great features that can help you properly load your Ford truck when towing. Learn more in this video.

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

KIA PBV Vans

Learn more about Easy Swap technology that enables the flexible interchange of PBV upper bodies, or life modules. With this new design, customers can select a vehicle that perfectly suits their particular lifestyle or usage need.

Kia Worldwide

Learn more about workin'trucks at workintrucks.com

Trailer Hitch Systems - Curt Manufacturing

 

Learn more details at: https:curtmfg.com/basic-towing-components

NHTSA’s New SaferCar App

Our new SaferCar app allows you to save your vehicles, car seats, equipment, or tires in a virtual garage on your smartphone. If a recall is issued, you’ll get an alert.

USDOTNHTSA

Scorpion Truck Mounted Attenuator - Saving Lives

A Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) is mounted to a shadow vehicle for purposes of protecting the work crew in front of the shadow vehicle and protecting the motorist that might drive into the lane closed off by the shadow vehicle. Shadow vehicles should be trucks in a weight range of 16,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. and preferably 20,000 lbs., which is the weight of the truck tested for certification.

The TrafFix Scorpion TMA 10,000 is available in three basic models.

• Model A is a TL-2 device tested at 70 km/hr. for use on trucks needing low speed protection or as a replacement cartridge for trucks already equipped with a TL-2 attenuator cartridge. • Model B is a TL-3 device tested at 100 km/hr for use on trucks needing high speed protection. The Model B uses a strut section in addition to the TL-2 cartridge section to achieve a higher speed device. The rear cartridge section has a hinged hydraulic coupling with fluid on both sides of the cylinders and solenoid valve lockouts.

The rear cartridge can be raised to 90º where a scissors lock engages to lock the cartridge in the 90º position. An operators switch has an up and down button and the down button releases the lockout and lowers the cartridge. The release of the up or down button stops the cartridge at that angle. The Model B has a 10º tilt at the strut to allow clearance at driveways. During construction when the shadow vehicle truck has to drive in and out of sloped areas such as the drainage median or a driveway, the strut can be temporarily raised 10º to travel over this terrain. In the normal transport mode the rear cartridge is elevated and locked at 90º for theModel B.

• The Model C uses a 90º hydraulic tilt attached to the strut. This allows the Model C system to raise the strut to the vertical position with the cartridge in a horizontal position over the top of the truck for the normal transport mode. The Scorpion TMA 10,000 is mounted to a truck at a road clearance height of 12 ±1. In the deployed mode the system extends 13 to the rear of the truck.

The Scorpion TMA 10,000 consists of three basic components. A steel back-up is attached to the rear of the truck with an all-steel support structure. An all aluminum tube frame extends out 13 from the back-up. Inside the tube frame is a series of four aluminum boxes filled with energy absorbing aluminum honeycomb.

The back-up support structure uses all steel angles, plates, and C-channels welded using wire feed mig welding. The tube frame construction uses all aluminum tube and plate construction welded using wire feed mig welding on both sides of the tube/plate interface. The aluminum boxes use closed end sealing rivets for joining the sheet metal. The aluminum honeycomb is joined to the aluminum face sheets using oven cured epoxy resin.

The aluminum boxes are painted with a bright yellow powder-coated finish for lasting durability. The Scorpion TMA has been tested and passed all optional and mandatory requirements suggested in the NCHRP-350 Report for TL-3 evaluation criteria, for speeds up to 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and is sold worldwide. For more information: https://www.traffixdevices.com/produc...

Cargo Loading Ramps that Store Easily, Handles Most Loads and Won't Get in the Way

With the increasing trend promoting employee 🦺 safety, the need to easily load and unload cargo, tools 🛠️ and equipment is more important than ever. Expertec, as always, is here for our customers with vehicle 🚚 loading ramps that offer the platform you need, the ease of installation you want and the durability you demand. Featuring a variety of styles, we can provide a loading ramp that stores easily, handles any load you need to put on it and won’t get in the way. Contact our team today to discuss your cargo loading requirements or visit our website... https://expertec.ca/products/accessor...

Expertec

Reinventing the Connected Fleet: Tropos Technologies Deploys OneConnect to Improve Fleet Production

OneConnect, Panasonic's unique IoT connected services platform, spans the automotive industry's “consumer-to-commercial” use case spectrum by providing real-time, deep-vehicle data for maximizing fleet uptime. Learn more.

Dee Zee Underseat Storage Drawer

The under seat drawer is the full width of the back seat and can be opened from either side of the cab. Simply unlock, twist, and pull. As you pull, the lock on the opposite end acts as the stop so the drawer can’t be overextended. The 16-gauge steel casing mounts to existing holes under the seat so you don’t have to drill the frame of your truck. It is finished with our rust inhibitor NRT™ texture black powder coat to match most interiors.

The one-piece drawer utilizes a track system on the base to keep the drawer square and easy to handle. There are 3-plastic dividers that can be positioned at slotted intervals to keep gear organized. There is also a molded rubber mat to reduce vibration noise, protect items from damage, and help reduce items from shifting. Get yours today! www.deezee.com/product/under-seat-storage-drawer/

Dee Zee, Inc.

Survey Results: THE MOST IMPORTANT EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE TRUCKS

Survey respondents were asked to pick the two most important pieces of equipment on their service vehicles, out of air compressors, cranes, generators, welders, or other.

A significant portion of respondents chose “air compressor” as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Generators, cranes, and welders were split closely, with 32%, 31%, and 27% of respondents selecting these pieces of equipment as their top two most important. The other category includes responses such as hand tools, bucket lifts, liftgates, vacuums, and pumps.

OPERATORS/MECHANICS FAVOR AIR COMPRESSORS

Air compressors ranked even higher in popularity when segmenting the 47 Operators and Mechanics who answered the survey. 94% of these respondents chose air compressor as one of their top two most important pieces of equipment. Interestingly, Operators and Mechanics were the only segment that considered welders to be the second most important piece of equipment on their service truck.

Learn more at: https://www.vmacair.com/blog/the-most-important-equipment-for-service-trucks/?utm_campaign=State%20of%20the%20Industry&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Pfyg-w27objafi4fbFt9kG7xMDNEipG2cGohxOSZJI13V4icxiPuIRBcM77MIeYzXpcm-PvFE4p1dPcIFIn-3qdke4Q&_hsmi=97579604&utm_content=97579604&utm_source=hs_email&hsCtaTracking=33ccbe3d-8c9e-463f-b918-ced155b16e53%7C5259cfdb-f086-4aca-8821-fef96a7e4e71

Next Step in the UPFIT Process: Ensuring Proper Maintenance.

 - Photo: GETTYIMAGES.COM/KARANDAEV

Your upfit is installed, and you are now utilizing it in your operations. The next step in the upfit process is ensuring proper maintenance.

Top Upfit Maintenance Challenges:

A huge challenge many fleet managers face in maintaining upfits is simply communicating the value and importance of proper upfit maintenance to field personnel and drivers.

“Most drivers understand the importance of oil changes, brake services, etc., and will typically make sure their vehicle is serviced in a timely manner. But prioritizing upfit maintenance in a similar fashion typically isn’t something that comes naturally. The fleet manager must educate their frontline personnel on the critical aspect of properly maintaining the vehicle’s equipment; not only to maximize its effective lifecycle and control costs but also to ensure the safety of their fleet personnel in the field,” said Jeff Klinghoffer, regional engineering manager for Holman Enterprises.

At the end of the day, it comes down to education and awareness.

“As a fleet manager, you’ll need to communicate the importance of proper upfit and equipment maintenance to your drivers. Beyond that, you can certainly implement processes and procedures to assess the condition of the vehicle and its upfit regularly. You can also explore potential gamification or incentive programs to help secure buy-in from your drivers,” Klinghoffer added.

Let’s face it; fleet managers have a lot on their plate.

“Fleet managers face daily challenges mixed in with bigger picture issues that include building a safe, reliable, and appropriate truck for the job while making executives and stakeholders happy. Finding the time to answer all of the challenges can be difficult,” said Mathew Marcussen, director of customer relations for BrandFX. “Taking the time to do research and learn more, in the beginning, will reap great savings, benefits, and efficiency in the end. Also, purchase a body that maintains its good condition over a long period will reduce the cost of repairs and service.”

When it comes to the different types of materials used in upfitting, you need to select the right material for the job.

“Ladder racks on top of cargo vans are impacted by either the snow and ice removal chemicals in the Midwest or the salty air near coastal regions. Using aluminum and stainless steel in those products is a must to provide the customer a quality product that gets them a good return on their investment,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Don’t forget to depend on those who know upfitting best.

“Partner with an upfitter that has a national presence and a team that can support these instances,” Groves recommended.

6 Mistakes Maintaining Upfits

While mistakes may not often happen when maintaining upfits, they can occur. Here are a few top ones to avoid:

Mistake 1: Lack of Inspection

Just as drivers need to inspect your vehicle for leaks, tire wear, etc., they should examine their upfits, too.

“Constantly check routing and clipping for rub points, just because a battery cable was tied up nicely last time you inspected it doesn’t mean a clip didn’t break loose since then,” said Brad Howard, director of Operations for Fontaine Modification.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Maintenance

When it comes to the vehicles themselves, preventive maintenance (PM) second nature, but that may not be true for upfits.

“Fleet managers realize that adhering to a recommended PM schedule is vital to optimizing the vehicle’s lifecycle and controlling the total cost of ownership. However, the same methodology also applies to a vehicle’s upfitting and equipment, but preventive maintenance for these items is often overlooked,” said Kelly Klemisch, regional engineering manager, Holman Enterprises.

To avoid this mistake, work upfits into your PM strategy for your vehicles.

“Regular service for equipment such as air compressors, material handling units, and aerial devices should be included in the unit’s PM schedule. Additionally, you can also include inspections in the schedule as well, so drivers receive reminders for those items as well. Or, at the very least, take measures to keep these PM items top-of-mind for drivers and operators. For example, you can track crane or compressors hours on an interior door decal,” Klemisch added.

Mistake 3: Not Adjusting Upfits Correctly 

Make sure that ladder racks are correctly adjusted to your ladders. 

“A properly adjusted ladder rack will keep the ladder secured on the van during transportation, reduce noise that could cause driver distraction, and extend the life of both the ladder and ladder rack,” said Katie Groves, national fleet sales manager for Adrian Steel.

Mistake 4: Misusing Upfit Equipment

You should also ensure your drivers and frontline workers fully understand how to use the vehicle’s equipment properly.

“Many vocational vehicles feature sophisticated and complex attachments, so training your employees on the best practices for using these units will help to minimize premature wear and tear and maximize the equipment’s effective lifecycle. This also applies to something as simple as a vehicle’s storage units. We often see fleet personnel overloading a service body or interior shelving with more than it is intended to hold, and this really impacts the longevity of these items,” said Klemisch of Holman Enterprises.

Mistake 5: Wrong Service Timing

When you service certain upfit items is also essential.

“When you service trucks, and related upfits is a big item. One example is a snowplow: make sure to service at the end of the snow season AND beginning of the season,” said Patrick Clark, director of fleet sales for Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Mistake 6: Improper Equipment Storage
Where you store your equipment has a considerable impact on its useful service life.

“Also storing equipment inside helps preserve the life. Work with the local upfitters to make sure you are servicing cranes, liftgates, plows etc correctly,” said Clark of Dejana Truck and Utility Equipment.

Source: https://www.worktruckonline.com/10120069/value-of-effectively-maintaining-upfits

Expertec's New Aluminum Slip-In Service Bodies

The new Expertec aluminum Slip-in Service Bodies offer incredible value, plenty of storage, and a level of durability never seen in the industry before. Designed and proven over nearly a dozen years, our aluminum slip-in units are built right here in Canada and offer plenty of internal customization options for the toughest environments and challenges. To learn more, visit our website or reach out to our team today. https://expertec.ca/products/truck-eq...

Expertec

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Ford Alexa Built-in | Ford How-To | Ford

Learn about the capabilities of Alexa* Built-in within your Ford vehicle.* *Access to Alexa requires an Amazon account, SYNC 4®, FordPass™ Connect and complimentary Connected Service activated through the FordPass App (see FordPass Terms for details). Eligible 2022 Ford vehicles receive three years of access to Alexa Built-in and 30 days of complimentary streaming media services that begin on the new vehicle warranty start date, after which fees apply. See your Ford account for information. Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply. Amazon, Alexa and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Learn more about Ford support here: https://ford.to/3jXUVrt