Introducing the TALOS Lightning Detector, engineered specifically for custom OEM solutions where situational awareness is paramount. As an industry-leading innovation, TALOS employs advanced weather station technology to accurately detect cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning up to 25 miles away, providing early warnings and ample time to shelter. Recently, TALOS collaborated with Terex Utilities to integrate this state-of-the-art lightning detection system as an available option on their Hi-Ranger overcenter bucket trucks, surpassing OSHA and NOAA standards. This system features …

Modine, a diversified global leader in thermal management technology, recently announced the expansion of its EVantage portfolio with the launch of the Cabin Climate System (CCS), a comprehensive thermal management solution specifically designed for commercial, off-highway and specialty electric vehicles. Engineered for optimal passenger comfort, the CCS delivers precise temperature control for EV cabins, offering immediate heating and cooling capabilities. With 12 kW of cooling capacity and 10 kW of heating capacity, the EVantage CCS delivers optimal interior temperatures and performanc…

The road to electrification for the heavy-duty truck industry will be long and challenging but ultimately inevitable, Navistar CEO Mathias Carlbaum told a group of 175 utility fleet professionals in June. Speaking at the 71st Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, Carlbaum outlined a vision for the next decade and beyond, highlighting key milestones, hurdles and opportunities in the transition to electric vehicles. Here are eight significant takeaways from Carlbaum’s keynote address. 1. The Class 8 truck market continues to face headwinds in 2024. Th…

New utility construction equipment hitting the market in 2024 aims to boost productivity, fuel efficiency and operator comfort for crews working on projects ranging from laying pipelines to installing cables. Major manufacturers including Vermeer, Caterpillar, Volvo CE, CASE and John Deere are rolling out upgraded models with enhanced technology, improved hydraulics and redesigned cabs. So, what product updates are relevant to your operations? Here are six new developments to consider. Vermeer What’s New: Enhanced RTX1250 Ride-On Tractor [caption id=”attachment_4771″ align=”alignr…

Hydraulic oil, when confined within the hydraulic system and properly maintained, is nonconductive. However, failure of a hose creates numerous hazards that have the potential to harm personnel and damage equipment. Personnel may suffer burns from contact with hot oil. If the hydraulic line failure creates a mist of oil, it can easily be ignited by various outside sources, such as electric arcing, sparks and flames. And if the hydraulic reservoir is drained, the equipment will become inoperable. In addition to posing a safety hazard for operators, this could also lead to expensive hydrau…

The strategic implementation of telematics in utility fleet trailers is not just an upgrade – it’s a transformative step toward smarter, safer, more sustainable utility fleet operations, according to Greg Spiropulos, business development manager for Geotab (www.geotab.com) “All of the benefits extend to the bottom line,” he said. “Telematics can generate considerable cost savings by improving various facets of utility fleet management, from utilization to maintenance and fuel consumption.” Frank Daccardi, manager of telematics solutions for Holman (www.holman.com), agrees. “For man…

The race to zero-emission vehicles just got turbocharged. This spring, the U.S. government issued its strictest limits yet on greenhouse gas emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as from light-duty vehicles. The new standards are written to further cut back carbon emissions that speed up climate change and airborne pollutants that endanger human health. The gross vehicle weight ranges of the targeted vehicles are covered by two rules released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As before, these rules apply to truck and engine manufacturers, and those manufacturers…

If you’re a utility fleet manager who isn’t thinking about cybersecurity, the question is, should you be? Cyberattacks on utilities increased by more than 200% in 2023, according to a report from asset intelligence firm Armis (www.armis.com). In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned water utilities of a heightened risk of attack from foreign states. Over the past few years, utilities have been disabled by breaches that have impaired service to customers and disrupted payments and other activities. Water providers and the electric grid have been favorite targets for bad …

When it comes to unnecessary fuel waste and carbon emissions, idling is a notorious offender. Creating a new policy or updating an existing one can help you keep it in check – and considering these six factors can help you get a jump start. 1. The Right Time If your fleet hasn’t established an idling policy, now is the time to start that process. If developing a new policy seems overwhelming, it’s OK to start simple and update it as you go. Even small steps toward reducing idling can save you money and cut emissions. If it’s been several years since you’ve updated your idling policy,…

More than 5,000 public works professionals from around the world are expected to gather at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta September 8–11 for the American Public Works Association’s PWX. This year’s annual gathering is set to provide world-class education sessions on the most critical challenges in public works and infrastructure from the public and private sectors, including new strategies in funding and budgeting; career development and workforce solutions; asset management; emerging technologies; sustainable practices; emergency preparedness; and planning for livable comm…

The next time you see a vegetation management crew clearing trees and brush in your area, their equipment may not seem as loud as in the past. That’s because quieter battery-electric technology has been working its way into the industry, from trucks to chainsaws and even wood chippers. In 2019, Linddana, the parent company of TP Chippers based in Denmark, was the first company in the world to launch the production of a battery-electric wood chipper. TP model 175 ZE and TP model 215 ZE are the electric versions sourced by utility companies and right-of-way subcontractors around the glo…

The Michelin X Works D pre-mold drive position retread – the latest offer in the Michelin Retread Technologies on-road/off-road line – is designed to be the next-generation retread optimized for exceptional wear performance, toughness and traction in mixed and aggressive applications. A complement to the Michelin X Works D new tire, the retread features exceptional traction in both new and worn condition; stone ejectors and unique siping to help minimize stone retention; improved wear mileage; and directional tread. With its unique tread design, the Michelin X Works D pre-mold retread…

Over 800 fleet professionals and industry representatives attended the daylong Green Truck Summit – part of NTEA’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis – on March 5 to assess the current landscape and path forward for electrification. So, what is the outlook for electric trucks? In a nutshell, truck manufacturers are still investing heavily in new electric models. But the lack of a comprehensive charging network, the high upfront cost and limited product options are creating bottlenecks to widespread adoption. Mary Aufdemberg, general manager of product strategy at Daimler Trucks North …