EDITORS’ PICK

Volvo

Harnessing its own energy

Volvo’s I-See system harnesses the truck’s own kinetic energy to “push” the vehicle up hills, which cuts fuel consumption up to 5 percent, says the company. On downhill gradients the same energy is used for acceleration. I-See is linked to the transmission’s tilt sensor and obtains information about the topography digitally. The fact that the system is not dependent on maps makes it more dependable since it always obtains the very latest information. Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

EDITORS’ PICK

Aquaphalt

Environment-friendly, quick pothole repair

The Aquaphalt permanent pothole repair for asphalt and concrete proprietary binder reacts with water within 15 minutes and roadway repairs can be opened to normal traffic when work is complete. With the help of road traffic assisting with final compaction, the repair is completely set up and permanent within 24 hours. The repair material does not contain toxic solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – it is actually a food-grade product — and typically outlasts its surrounding material, says the company. Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

EDITORS’ PICK

Freightliner

A winter truck

Freightliner’s 114 Severe Duty (SD) platform is equipped with a 14.5-foot elliptical dump body, 10-foot plow and belly scraper. With the set-forward axle configuration and ground clearance package, the manufacturer now has full-product coverage in the government snowplow market. The lightweight aluminum cab is e-coated for additional protection against harsh winter elements and features large door openings for easy entry and egress. The hood incorporate a radiator-mounted stationary grille that allows the hood to be open when equipped with a variety of different front frame extension-mounted snowplow attachments. The contoured back of the hood design nearly eliminates the buildup of snow on the cowl. Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

Valspar

Increased traction, protection

Valspar’s Quikrete Anti-Skid Textured Coating is a high-build coating fortified with heavy-duty resin technology that provides increased traction and more protection to both interior and exterior surfaces. It works well on interior or exterior concrete surfaces such as walkways, steps, ramps and other areas that need improved traction but is not recommended for parking areas.

Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

Esri

A new frontier in geographic information systems

A component of ArcGIS Online, Esri Maps for Office allows the quick (i.e. in seconds) creation of a map of spreadsheet data directly inside Excel. Add the map to a PowerPoint presentation, include it in a web page, or embed it in web and mobile apps. Static tables and charts can be turned into an interactive map. For a 30-day free trial, go to http://bit.ly/Nioaib. Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

Advanced Drainage Systems

Trap stormwater debris

The Nyloplast EnviroHood Structure from Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) increases the effectiveness of a stormwater drainage catch basin or manhole by trapping debris, oil, sediment and other contaminants and can be readily attached to the inside of a manhole or catch basin. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and using the same ADS technology used to make ADS’s N-12 corrugated HDPE pipe, the EnviroHood structure has a high strength-to-weight ratio due to its corrugated ribs. Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

Altus

Powerful GIS data acquisition

The ProCyon from Altus Positioning Systems integrates the Psion WORKABOUT PRO handheld computer with Altus’ APS-3 RTK GNSS receiver for a powerful GIS data-acquisition platform. The ProCyon system delivers 1-centimeter RTK accuracy using an external antenna, integrated camera and quad-band GSM modem. Hardware expansion slots make the addition of new modules fast and easy, as well as a range of available add-ons, including fingerprint scanners and the largest selection of RFID readers on any handheld device. The ProCyon Windows Mobile operating system accommodates ESRI ArcPad and ArcGIS applications. Both programs utilize NMEA messages that are standard outputs from the integrated GNSS receiver in the ProCyon. Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

Western Star

Spec options

Western Star’s 4700 tractor is available in a set-forward and set-back day cab configuration and incorporates a high-visibility hood, a wide variety of fifth wheel and wheelbase selections with power ratings from 260 to 470 horsepower. Combined with several transmission offerings including the Allison automatic, Eaton manual and Eaton UltraShift PLUS, the tractor can be spec’d for a wide variety of work. New options for the 4700 include Hendrickson and Watson Chalin lift axles, new roof fairings and side extenders, and Chalmers Suspension. Visit www.betterroads.com/info.

MILLER ELECTRIC

Keeping safety workers safe

EnPak’s 27-HP Kubota diesel engine from Miller Electric Mfg.’s EnPak Mechanic Series eliminates the need for a PTO and integrates into its electrical and fuel systems, allowing mechanics to run all their tools with the truck turned off. EnPak’s variable speed rotary screw air compressor, Miller’s Air Pak 40, offers a rated 40 cfm at 100 psi with a 175 psi maximum that allows mechanics to use air tools without having to stop working to wait for pressure to build. Its Eaton variable displacement piston hydraulic pump powers a rated 3,000 psi at 8.5 gpm (up to 20 gpm maximum), and 6,000 watts of generator power at 100-percent duty cycle plus an additional 2,400 watts of pure sine wave EnVerter power at idle is available to run electrical tools. Visit www.betterroads.com/info