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

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Starter Made for Paccar MX-11 and MX-13 Engines

Prestolite Electric's Leece-Neville Heavy Duty Systems brand is offering a new in-line gear reduction starter motor called the M110608 for Paccar's MX-11 and MX-13 engines.

The starter motor also works with Peterbilt and Kenworth 2010 and newer engines up to 16 liters in size. The starter is designed for improved performance and reliability as a bolt-in replacement for engines served by Paccar, Mitsubishi and Delco Remy 39MT units. The in-line, gear reduction design provides greater power from a lighter unit and is made to fit in tighter spaces.

The new Leece-Neville 12-volt M110608 starter motor features Prestolite's Integral Magnetic Switch /Soft Start Relay technology, which helps to eliminate voltage drop issues by minimizing wiring between the relay and solenoid. Other key enhancements include a next-generation commutator with an oversize copper cross-section, enlarged armature to minimize air gap losses, heavy-duty brush plate for improved conductivity, and an e-coating on the housing for resistance to corrosion.

Leece-Neville starters and alternators are manufactured by Prestolite Electric, an original equipment and aftermarket manufacturer serving customers in the trucking, construction, agriculture, mining and other markets.

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ELD mandate tops industry concerns in survey

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.

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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.

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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:

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