Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Western Star Trucks has designed a 40-ton dump truck that it says is a lower-cost alternative to traditional haul trucks. The extra-heavy-duty truck is based on a 6900XD with a commercial-style cab, and an off-road chassis with a standardized power train and an integrated dump box that cost less to buy, operate and maintain.
Aimed at quarry and dirt-haul operations with well-maintained haul roads, the three-axle 6900XD 40-ton dump can haul the same loads as 35- to 40-ton articulated and rigid dump trucks but uses about 35 percent less fuel. Fuel consumption of 7.13 gallons per hour has been recorded on hauls of more than 12 miles, the company said. The truck’s top speed is 43 mph.
The vehicle costs “considerably less” than a traditional haul truck because it is an uprated on/off-highway truck instead of a downsized “yellow iron” machine normally used in this payload range, The 6900XD’s engine, transmission, axles, wheels and tires are long-lasting and efficient, but replacement parts are less costly and easier to obtain. For example, its high-pressure 14R25 earthmoving tires are priced about 40 percent less than larger specialty tires needed by haul trucks.
The 6900XD’s 14-liter 475-horsepower Detroit Diesel Series 60 runs through a 6-speed Allison 4500 RDS automatic transmission. The Axletech tandem rear axles have planetary-gear reduction and are combined with a high-articulating Chalmers 800 mechanical suspension for a capacity of 110,000 pounds. A 28,000-pound non-driving front axle needs no drop boxes and transfer case, and its flat-leaf springs are simple and easy to maintain. Brakes are a simple and low-cost dry drum design that are effective but easier and cheaper to maintain than the wet discs used by haul trucks. A Jacobs Engine Brake is standard.
The severe-duty galvanized steel cab is air suspended and comes with a multi-adjustable air-ride seat, tilt-telescoping steering column, premium insulation, roomy dimensions, and other features to make the driver comfortable and productive. Complete gauges and waterproof marine-grade rocker switches are included. An exterior sun visor limits glare through the large two-piece windshield; the two-piece design limits the cost of replacing broken glass.
The dump box is made by J&J Truck Bodies & Trailers expressly for this truck model. J&J constructs it of Hardox 400 and 450 steel, with 5/16-inch sides and a 5/8-inch floor and 5/8-inch liner strips. Capacity is 24 cubic yards struck and 30 yards heaped; rated payload is 77,100 pounds, for a total laden vehicle weight of 138,000 pounds. The hoist mechanism includes a four-stage hydraulic cylinder that can tip the body in 25 seconds at 1,000 rpm and lower it in 18 seconds at the same engine speed.
A heated dump body is one of the features of an optional cold weather package, which also includes a block heater and ether starting system, -60F coolant, and a heated fuel-water separator. Other options range from an automatic chassis greasing system to carbon filters for the cab’s heating and air conditioning system.
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Friday, October 24th, 2008
A recent study conducted by the state of Washington found that the number of truck accidents involving log trucks has declined by 11 percent even as the number of accidents involving all commercial trucks increased by 15 percent over a two-year period.
Commercial truck accidents are considered the most expensive and fatal vehicular accidents that can occur throughout the country. The ripple effects of a commercial truck accident can often be vast and devastating to victims, family members and friends.
What are Commercial Trucks?
In the United States, commercial trucks, also commonly referred to as heavy duty trucks, are those vehicles used to transport cargo and weighing more than 26,001 pounds in which case a commercial truck driver’s license is also needed.
Commercial trucks transport a number of goods and products across state lines and throughout the country including food supplies and logs and some are specifically designed for tasks such as mixing and moving concrete as well as transporting light duty trucks for military use.
Researchers have reported that while the construction of commercial trucks continues to improve, the level of quality still remains well below the quality level of automobiles and it has been said that commercial trucks remain well below automobiles in quality due mainly to the fact that nearly 3/4 of all commercial trucks are custom built, causing inefficiencies in steamlining a commercial truck assembly line. However, a lengthy list of popular commercial truck manufacturers remains both worldwide and in America. The list of top manufacturers includes: Chevrolet truck, Dodge truck, Freightliner truck, Ford truck, GMC truck, Isuzu truck, Kenworth truck, Mack truck, International truck, Peterbilt truck, Western star truck, Volvo truck, Sterling truck.
Logging trucks and log truck drivers are no different from commercial trucks or commercial truck drivers, however, the Washington study conducted by the Washington State University found that a small group of log truck drivers are often considered seasoned and experienced drivers of the dangerous profession, which may be attributing to the total decrease of log truck accidents. However, the study also noted that as these individuals begin to retire, not only will the logging industry suffer, but accidents may begin to increase instead of decrease.
The study noted that, “rising costs, aging drivers and long hours of service” as well as “other factors that could affect safety and economic viability include the ongoing effects of deregulation, poor driver recruitment” could all become factors responsible for a potential increase of log truck accidents.
Individuals who have been involved in a commercial truck accident are advised to seek medical assistance even if no signs or symptoms of an injury are present. Often, injuries sustained in a vehicular or commercial truck accident can remain unseen and may include internal bleeding or bruising, which could have fatal consequences on a victim if injuries are not immediately assessed and treated. In addition to consulting a medical professional and ensuring injuries are properly treated, it may also be advisable to contact an experienced commercial truck collision law firm.
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