SmartLinq Updates Include Improvements to Repair Managment

Peterbilt Motors Company introduced new technology improvements to its SmartLinq remote diagnostics platform adding reasoning engine technology and SmartLinq Service Management.

SmartLinq's added reasoning engine technology is a collective knowledge approach to truck diagnostics and repair will be integrated into the platform in December. The reasoning engine technology will collect and analyze information generated by the on-board diagnostics of every SmartLinq-enabled truck.

“Reasoning engine technology improves truck service and repair efficiencies to get trucks back on the road faster,” said Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt chief engineer. “Using actual field repair data, it provides technicians and customers with the most efficient diagnostic and service procedures.”

Another new feature added to the platform is SmartLinq Service Management, designed to provide customers with real-time access to the status of truck repairs and service being performed at Peterbilt dealerships.

The information is displayed in a user-centered fashion with real-time dashboards, alerts and reports. All service steps are date- and time-stamped, providing a complete history of each service event. The feature can improve uptime by streamlining communication between customers and dealers to expedite decision-making in the service of the vehicle, such as approving electronic repair estimates.

“SmartLinq provides customers with instant, complete remote diagnostic information,” said Mike Conroy, director of field service. “SmartLinq Service Management takes the next step by giving customers that same convenience during the service process, letting them manage it more efficiently.”

Service Management is currently being rolled out to the Peterbilt dealer network with the fleet portal expected to be made available through Paccar Solutions in the summer of 2017.

Related: Tracking Truck Health

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Navistar names SAF-Holland fifth wheel partner for International LT truck

SAF-Holland, a global manufacturer of fifth wheels, trailer suspension and axle systems, truck suspensions, landing gear, and coupling products, announced that Navistar has named it as its standard position fifth wheel partner. And, according to the company, the FW17 has been awarded the position as the standard fifth wheel on Navistar's International LT Series truck.

read more

ELD mandate tops industry concerns in survey

ATA Names 15 Member Class for LEAD Program

Las Vegas — American Trucking Associations named its fourth class to the LEAD ATA industry leadership program and also announced the graduation of its third class during the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition.

“When we first came up with the idea for LEAD ATA, we were hoping to bring in some of the best and brightest in trucking and provide them with the tools to direct our industry and ATA into the future,” said Kevin Burch, incoming ATA chairman and president of Jet Express, Dayton, Ohio. “So far, the graduates of this program have exceeded our expectations, and we are looking forward to what this new group of leaders can do.”

The program provides exclusive education opportunities to up-and-coming trucking industry professionals highlighting how the regulatory and legislative process affects the trucking industry and the role ATA plays in influencing those processes. LEAD also makes participants aware of tools available to industry executives through the ATA. The program is sponsored by PeopleNet.

“Leadership is very difficult to come by, but even more challenging to maintain and pass down from generation to generation,” said Mark Kessler, PeopleNet general manager. “Witnessing the thought leadership that the past graduating classes are doing by engaging in committees and taking on our industry's toughest challenges, makes us even more proud of the legacy that LEAD ATA will leave behind.”

The 2016 LEAD ATA Class includes:

2015 LEAD ATA Graduates:

Bendix video offers look at Wingman Fusion

A new video from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems takes viewers inside the cab of a truck equipped with Bendix Wingman Fusion, offering a look at how the integrated collision mitigation system assists drivers. In addition to covering Fusion's capabilities, components, alerts, and interventions, the video provides perspective on the development of the proven technologies behind the system, and explores the differences in the industry's range of collision mitigation offerings.

read more

Eaton, Cummins Add Increased Torque Capacity for SmartAdvantage

Photo: Cummins

Eaton and Cummins have expanded the SmartAdvantage powertrain lineup to include a new transmission model with 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque.

The SmartAdvantage powertrain will be offered as a multi-torque model that is compatible with Cummins' SmartTorque2 functionality on ISX15 SA and X15 SA engines rated up to 500 horsepower and 1,550/1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, the SmartAdvantage powertrain will not require the use of a transmission cooler.

“The 1,850 lb.-ft. rating has been added to provide customers with improved grade capabilities and acceleration while broadening the downsped SmartAdvantage powertrain offerings,” said Alex Stucky, product strategy manager, commercial powertrain, Eaton. “It will provide superior performance on grades and highway on-ramp entrances.”

Eaton's components are supported by its Roadranger network that includes drivetrain professional's across North America, available to provide solutions, support and expertise to fleets and dealers. For more information, click here.

Related: Sneak Peak of the Cummins 2017 X15

Follow @HDTrucking on Twitter

Truck numbers bottoming out, but has the economy?