Tridako Energy debuts PowerCube APU
Tridako Energy Systems has introduced the PowerCube auxiliary power unit designed for Class 8 trucks. The PowerCube (Model HC6000) aims to be a long-term value for truck drivers and fleets looking to support health and safety in large cab environments, while reducing fuel cost and emissions.
The PowerCube has been lab-tested to meet requirements of SAE J-1503 automotive performance standards, with documented results of Btu production rates at 24,000 Btu/hr cooling and 30,000 Btu/hr heating. The Model HC6000 is currently offered with the choice of either Kubota or Caterpillar, two-cylinder engines that include a two year/24,000 mile warranty.
A range of APU accessories and options are also being developed for the units.
Access www.powercubeapu.com for more details.
ComfortGuard APUs to be CARB-certified
Cummins Inc. announced that two new ComfortGuard APU systems will be certified to meet the 2008 California Air Resources Board (CARB) idle reduction regulation.
ComfortGuard will be available with two options to meet these emissions criteria: 1) a stand-alone particulate filter on the ComfortGuard APU engine, or 2) a Cummins engine installation kit to route the ComfortGuard diesel exhaust gas into the Cummins Particulate Filter.
The new ComfortGuard APUs have met all Cummins standards for performance as well as all criteria for compliance with the new CARB regulations. Cummins has submitted all necessary applications for product testing and verification by CARB. Once the formal approval is received, the two options will be available through authorized Cummins locations.
ComfortGuard APUs feature a two-cylinder low-emissions diesel engine and either a regenerative DPF or an exhaust adapter kit for use with 2007 Cummins ISX engines. Equipped with a Cummins alternator, the APU produces 4,000 watts at 120 volts, 60 hertz AC, and has exceptional voltage and frequency stability for appliances and electronic equipment. It also produces up to 40 amps at 12 volts DC for charging the truck's batteries, and powering lights and fans.
Access www.cummins.com for complete details.
ATA urges national drug test database
The American Trucking Associations is again calling on the United States Congress to help the trucking industry keep drug and alcohol abusers off the road and improve safety on the nation's highways. ATA is urging Congress to take swift action to authorize and fund a national database of drug and alcohol testing results of commercial drivers to make a good testing program even better.
Also, consistent with the Government Accountability Office's recommendations, ATA is asking Congress to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of products that help some drivers evade drug tests; provide for penalties for those who use them; and provide the U.S. Department of Transportation with additional authority to improve oversight of specimen collection facilities and practices.
ATA also is urging Congress to direct the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. DOT to initiate a rulemaking that allows the testing of alternative specimens such as hair. Hair testing allows illegal drug use to be detected for a longer period of time.
ATA is also calling on the U.S. DOT to issue a new regulation creating a tougher audit process and enhanced penalties for new carriers entering the trucking business.