Tag Archives | Diesel Trucks

?Are Forklift Trucks Entitled to Be in Compliance With Emission Control Levels?

Forklifts happen to be lift trucks that are heavily loaded with load carriage frames to elevate goods vertically. These are used in industries where their usage is quite heavy and constant. Forklift trucks, including every used forklift, are powered by diesel, LPG fuels and electric motors. These machines have an internal combustion engine and are categorically made for power lifting sound like gas exhaustion.

For all their pros and advantages and benefits, there is a flip side to that as well. Forklift trucks emit carbon monoxide. Whilst they are being used in an enclosed area or inside a building space, they emit this gas. This is harmful to the atmosphere around. LPG powered forklifts emit less than others. This menace has to be curbed and regulated. Areas with inadequate cross ventilation should be avoided for forklift usage. A serious threat is posed to the surroundings and the nature around you. The ramifications are huge. The gas obstructs the blood’s way to carry out oxygen. It mixes with hemoglobin in the red blood cells and creates a lot of problems, such as hypoxic stress. There are further anomalies. A person if inhales this gas in excess stands the risk of losing out on consciousness. Worse, it may prove fatal as well. This can happen in new and used forklift trucks as well.

With so many disadvantages and dangerous ramifications on paper, it is very important and in fact, obligatory to ensure that the forklift trucks are regulated and kept in check. They have the tendency to incessantly release these obnoxious gases which pose great danger to human health. They also have the tendency to be very harmful and possibly, lead to fatalities. Forklift truck manufacturers, and used forklift makers as well, have to be very careful while dealing with their machines. The ones making it need to do something about the emissions and the ones selling their used machines need to ensure they get it checked from experts and have a certificate in hand during the sale.

The checking is imperative because of a lot of reasons. Regulating the same will ensure lesser diseases and least health problems. The last thing somebody wants is a disease through these emissions and one ought to duly avert that from happening. The effort should be very pertinent towards avoiding these emissions and the same has to be done with a lot of consciousness and vigor.

?Hybrid Trucks in the Military

The United States Army is in the process of introducing hybrid diesel vehicles into its military fleet. One such vehicle, designed by General Motors especially for the army and revealed in 2006, is a diesel-electric hybrid pickup truck with a body style based on GM’s Chevy Silverado. This hybrid military truck, belonging to the class of what the army considers to be “”light tactical vehicles,”” has a 6.6-liter V-8 engine with 210 horsepower and 545 pounds-foot of torque. This diesel engine is combined with a hybrid electric system that is estimated to reduce fuel consumption by anywhere from 25 – 40 percent, depending on terrain. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a fuel cell auxiliary power unit–a component that will no doubt prove to be extremely useful to our armed forces in the field.

The army uses portable electronic equipment extensively for tasks such as communications and surveillance, and these electronics require vast amounts of power–power that it is not always practical to supply. In the past, providing the necessary power for troop operations meant hauling a large, clunky generator into the field by a separate vehicle. These generators were cumbersome and inefficient, and the noise they made during their operation was often a security concern.

The Fuel Cell Auxiliary Power Unit

The fuel cell auxiliary power unit on the new hybrid military trucks is a quiet, mobile alternative to the loud, stationary generators that have been used by the army in the past. In the field of battle, the ability to operate with stealth is obviously of extreme importance, and these quieter generators provide a clear advantage. They also give off much less heat than conventional generators, and so are less likely to trigger enemy heat sensors.

In the auxiliary power unit, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser uses electricity provided by the hybrid truck’s diesel engine to break down water into its constituent molecules of hydrogen and oxygen while the vehicle is in motion. Later, when the engine is off, the stored hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the air, producing usable electricity, as well as water that is stored to be used for the next cycle. Thus, energy that would simply have been lost as heat while the vehicle was in motion can be used to provide power for military operations. These fuel cell generators provide the same amount of power as conventional generators, and can be operated 6 to 10 times longer.

This GM hybrid military truck could very well become the model for the new fleet of 30,000 light tactical vehicles that the Army intends to employ by the end of the decade. The Marines has also expressed interest in hybrid trucks, having just signed a contract with a Milwaukee based company to produce a prototype for a hybrid heavy cargo hauling vehicle.

The Army’s fleet of trucks, numbering nearly 250,000, is one of the largest in the nation. These vehicles cost literally billions of dollars per year to fuel, with some of the heavy combat vehicles blazing through gas at a mind boggling rate of less than one mile to the gallon. In today’s world, with gas prices soaring to over 3 dollars per gallon and climbing, this cannot be view by the rational mind as anything short of wasteful. If a significant percentage of those vehicles were hybrids, the resulting savings in the amount of taxpayer’s dollars spent on fuel would add up to a staggering amount over time. This, combined with the obvious tactical advantages and added security that the vehicles offer our troops, make hybrid military trucks an innovation that many Americans will welcome and support.

?Hybrid Trucks

We have all heard all the talk about the fuel economy and innovations of Hybrid Cars and how they are sweeping the nation. Last year in 2004 in fact over 88,000 Hybrids were sold and waiting lists are still climbing. Honda, Toyota and Ford cannot build them fast enough. Things are changing indeed. Although still a drop in the bucket considering the average 17 million cars sold each year in the United States we can see a hyperbolic trend forming as oil prices stay high. Also with China and India entering the global game for demand for oil we will see the price per barrel to continue to remain high even if OPEC decides to stay on the same team, which built their industry there.

The Japanese are now showcasing their technologies in medium sized trucks. In fact Hino Motors, which makes the very popular box type delivery trucks you see around town is now making a diesel electric version to be available in the 2006 models in the US. They have been available in Japan since 2003. The unit is called the Hino 165 Hybrid; pictured here:

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The price is still a little steep at $116,000 per truck which is just over two times the cost, but Hino a spokesman said in Transport Topics that in fact the fuel savings over a three year period would cover the additional costs and the Public Relations for companies and the tax incentives in states like MA, CA and NY would more than entice buyers to switch over. The fuel saving is a solid 14 to 27% over the conventional models like the Isuzu and other competing trucks like the one pictured here;

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Hino of North America is convinced that buyers will put up the extra money for the new hybrids and many government agencies are already trying to order them. Meanwhile waiting lists at some fleet dealership locations are not forming. Think on this.

?Hybrid Trucks – A Greener Way to Get Goods to Consumers

The international concern about the environment is encouraging. Due to the desire for the preservation of the natural world, interest in particular, has been awakening in regards to pollution and saving the planet’s energy sources.

Important steps have been made in this direction. Scientists, engineers and vehicle producers have combined efforts to create new green vehicles, or at least, to modify the existing ones to reflect ecological needs and help humanity survive into the future. One notable outcome of their efforts is represented by the appearance of more and more hybrid vehicles. And this is where hybrid trucks come into play.

What’s the deal about hybrid trucks? Well, as you know, the transportation of goods relies a lot on big vehicles like trucks all over the world. There are three main cargo moving methods – boats, trains and trucks! And usually the last leg in the journey is completed by these trucks – big vehicles which are huge consumers of fuel. Commercial hybrid trucks are needed to conserve fuel and still get goods to market.

People are becoming more aware every day of the importance of preserving our environment and not using our energy resources wastefully. This is true even of owners of businesses in the field of transportation. Rising fuel costs and squeezed profit margins have changed their views and turned them to seeking hybrid trucks. Changing laws and state regulations are also encouraging the purchase of commercial hybrid trucks.

It seems, that hybrid trucks may represent one of the most popular hybrid items in the automotive industry. People are waiting eagerly for the latest achievements in the hybrid vehicle construction business.

And people are interested in all kinds of duel-fuel trucks which include hybrid electric, diesel and flex fuel pickups, hybrid commercial trucks, freight trucks, semis and many others.

The number of manufacturers involved in the design of hybrid trucks is increasing, and efforts are progressing in the direction of getting fully electric vehicles. Thus Chevy and GMC are bringing out versions of hybrid pickups.

Truck drivers will get satisfaction soon, when promises made by Toyota, Dodge, Freightliner, International Truck Engine, Eaton and Kenworth will materialize into the launching of new hybrid trucks. A nice bonus in the making of hybrid trucks is the considerable lowering of the noise level, in addition to the energy saving features. Hybrid trucks are quieter, cleaner and more reliable to use: and better for our future.

?Anybody Can Own Property in Brazil

Foreigners (non-Brazilians) are permitted to own property outright in Brazil. Also, foreigners have the same property rights as Brazilians and will obtain a free & clear title to the property. It is no different than owning real estate in Europe or the U.S. Brazil is quickly becoming the world-leader in attracting foreign investment and immigration. There are literally millions of foreign nationals in Brazil who own property and businesses. There is no risk since property ownership is guaranteed by the Constitution for Brazilians and foreigners. Land ownership is in perpetuity and always includes full mineral and water rights, since these cannot be separated from the land in Brazil. Title insurance is available from a USA based title company.

OK, so you can own property in Brazil. Why would you want to?

Brazil is home to the largest rain forest on earth, the largest river on earth, and to “”Carnival”” which is like a super version of Mardi Gras.

Brazil has the sixth largest population in the world. Because of its size, there are only 15 people per sq. km, concentrated mainly along the coast and in the major cities, where two-thirds of the people now live: over 19 million in greater Sao Paulo and 10 million in greater Rio. Sao Paulo is arguably the most populous city on earth, having more than twice the population of New York City.

Few countries offer as great a variety of environments. Brazil has more land mass than any other country in South America. In terms of area, the nation is fifth in the world, exceeded only by Russia, Canada, the USA and China, occupying almost half of South America. Brazil has contrasting ecosystems such as the Amazon Forest and the Atlantic Forest with their incredibly luxuriant woodlands, the Cerrado (scrublands) and the Caatinga (arid lands), the Pantanal (marshland) with its flood plains teeming with an amazingly rich chain of animal reproduction.

Still not impressed? OK, would you be impressed if you could buy 50 acres of Brazilian Highlands for $15,000? Owner financing is available with no credit check and 10% down-payment.

Area Description

Unlike nearby Western Bahia state, SE Tocantins has seen little development. W. Bahia, with similar climatic and agronomic conditions as SE Tocantins, today (along with Matto Grosso) is the most developed agricultural area of frontier states, with highly productive farms, fertile soils (after correction) and conducive economic environment for agriculture. City of Louis Eduardo Manghales, center of farming activity of W. Bahia, is only about 120 km away from this farm. Farmers from south of Brazil, and American/Europeans discovered the area, and run very profitable farms, growing soybeans, beans, corn, rice, cotton, coffee. While climatic and agronomic prerequisites in SE Tocantins are similar with W. Bahia, uncleared land in W. Bahia is very expensive, while uncleared land in SE Tocantins is cheap and overlooked by prospective investors. Today SE Tocantins remains largely undeveloped. Ninety percent of land in my estimation is uncleared/unused. The rivers here are of exceptional natural beauty, and largely overlooked by Brazilians. Its only a matter of time before farmers and tourists discover the area and pave the way for a land boom of Matto Grosso and W. Bahia.

Description of town…..20km (12 miles) away, Rio do Conseicao (Conseption River), pop. 2000. Brand new highway was built to connect this town at the end of the line. There is very little traffic. Town has all the basic necessities: two schools, medical clinic,- school and clinic are free (Brazil has free national health care available to all residents regardless of income level); supermarket, a couple of restaurants and bars, land phone line, cell phone coverage; no landline internet though, nor is there a gas station. Satellite internet service is available in even the most remote locations in Brazil, but it is expensive. Satellite internet service costs about $100 a month. A simple home can be bought for about US$10,000. In center of town, there is a river, Manuel Alves, with a rock beach; water is shallow, clean, and fast; beautiful waterfalls are just behind the bridge. On Sundays the whole town comes to this riverfront plaza.

Dianopolis, a town of 20,000, is 40km (25 miles) from this farm. This town has everything, including modem and DSL internet access.

Farm description…..Brazilian owner made available this 7500 acre farm to be sold in smaller parcels, 50, 100, 200 acre interior parcels. Scenery is of gently undulating grassland/scrubland, with view of mesas, and of a distant W. Bahia escarpment. Scenery is not unlike that of Arizona, but with 1500mm annual precipitation. Vegetation, shrubs and sparse grasses. It seems as though, to clear this land, one would only need a pass with a disc.

Access…..A 12km wide sand road leads to this farm from a paved highway. To get to the farm you will need: 4×4, or…pick-up, high suspension FWD, motorbike, or horse/burro. Access to lots within the farm, a tractor or other farm vehicle will easily override the terrain/vegetation. All lots have passage easements. Riverfront lots have 8 meter passage easement, for all to enjoy. Unfortunately, you will not be able to drive or ship any of your cars, motorcycles, trucks, or farm tractors from the USA to Brazil. Brazil is a major manufacturer of motor vehicles. The world’s largest Volkswagen production facility is located in Brazil, plus many other car, truck, and tractor companies are also located in Brazil. Brazil has strict import quotas and restrictive tariffs to discourage imported motor vehicles. If you buy property in Brazil and move here, you are allowed one household move, duty free and tariff free. It would be financially beneficial for you to take advantage of this generous allowance because normally all imported goods are subject to stiff import taxes. However, you may not include any motor vehicles in the household move. It would be best to just sell your motor vehicles where they are, and buy new ones in Brazil. The importation of your new or used motor vehicles into Brazil would be prohibitively expensive and problematic.

Soil, is acid, low PH, quartzenic; sandy soil requires much less lime application than clay soil; white color on top, then several inches of gray sand with some organic matter, undersoil has a peach color. To correct fertility of this soil, two tons of limestone added to a hectare, and 800kg of fertilizer. I have observed local ranchers growing in their gardens: bananas, cassava/manioc, lemons, oranges, papayas, coconuts, cashews, mango, -without any soil correction. A wide variety of tropical fruits, nuts, spices, and other crops can be grown in this tropical area.

This soil, as is, would be well suited for rice. Rice has a high domestic price. This soil is well suited to grow castor beans (mamona) with no soil correction. Mamona have 40% oil content and are used in Brazil for oil extraction to produce commercial grade bio-diesel fuel. These beans will grow in any soil, as is!

Reforestation. Eucalyptus trees, southern pine, teak, and bamboo, – will grow in this soil as is, and are fast growing, can be cut in as little as 5 years, an acre will yield about 500 trees, can be used locally for fence posts, and beams.

Grasses/cattle. Existing natural grasses are sparse and not liked much by cows. Seeded grass, one variety I saw in Tocantins, ‘brachiaria’, grows over 6 feet tall. Otherwise, land as is, can be grazed by sheep and goats.

By state law, 35% of this land needs to be left in native state. This rule though, seems to be widely disregarded.

Property taxes – Fortunately property taxes are very low in this area. Annual property taxes on a rural property here valued at $50,000 USD would be in the vicinity of $50 USD.

Altitude, about 750 meters at higher elevation of farm, allowing for coffee plantation.

Rivers in SE Tocantins, like I never seen before, are of exceptional natural beauty. River on this farm, Manuel Alvinho. About 10m wide, 1.5m deep; current, 5km/hour; small fish. One waterfall, several rapids. Water clarity, excellent. The river banks are of pink sand, and pink sandbars with palms, making for exceptionally attractive scenery. This farm has a waterfall, about 30 feet high, and several small rapids. You have to see the pictures, or visit, to believe. There are several springs along riverfront. Some riverfront spots are of waterlogged, but firm sand. Water from higher elevations percolates slowly down into the valley, feeding the river year-round. These perpetually wet sands would make for a unique irrigated field, making for unusual plantations. Well water, depending distance from the river, from 5m to 60m deep. Highest vs. lowest elevation on farm, I estimate about 150 feet difference.

There is a ‘pion’, farm worker, who lives nearby, and he keeps an eye on this farm.

Climate. Rains a lot for 5-6 months, October to April. Rains hard for about an hour every, every other day. Then sunny. Annual precipitation about 1500mm, which about the same amount of rainfall as Florida usually receives. Dry period, May to October, rains little or not at all. Temperature, no difference winter to summer. Daytime average highs, 29C (84F); nighttime average lows, 19C (66F). This land is located in the tropics, but is in the Brazilian Highlands so it is not so terribly hot and humid here. The year round temperature in SE Tocantins is similar to the temperature in Hawaii.

You may be asking “”What is the catch?”” This is good potential farm land. This land is natural grasslands but can easily be developed into productive farmland. Only 20% of the arable land in Brazil is being cultivated at present and less than 10% in the State of Tocantins. The soil and growing conditions are very similar to Southern Florida. Local farmers currently use nearby land for grazing, growing citrus fruit and row crops including soybeans, castor beans, corn and cotton. Local people grow many of the same vegetables in their gardens that we are familiar with in the USA. There is plenty of rainfall and a long growing season.

It is a simple matter to obtain permanent resident status in Brazil. You can keep your USA citizenship and U.S. passport and still obtain permanent resident status in Brazil. Permanent residents of Brazil are allowed to hold both USA and Brazilian passports. This bonus could come in handy some day. USA passport holders are sometimes targeted by terrorists, but Brazilians are not.

Finally, if you were to buy land in Brazil and become a permanent resident in Brazil you can ship your entire household to Brazil duty free. This would make the transition more comfortable and practical.

?Hybrid Cars Vs Clean Diesel

Automobile manufacturers are producing more eco-friendly cars and trucks these days. Most options you will see available in the US market are hybrids, however, there has been a slow exposure to a second option – clean diesel – brought to you by the European car makers. These two designs of eco-cars are both beneficial to the environment. The Toyota Prius reigns supreme in the hybrid sector and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI is working itself into a very competitive market and makes for a great comparison. Both the Prius and the Jetta are great compact sedans that offer different technologies to buyers who are in the market for an eco-friendly car. Looking at their combined fuel economy and emissions, their performance and comfort, and their overall value, a buyer can better decide which direction to go for their next “”green car”” purchase.

The technology that powers the Toyota Prius is the hybrid method (dubbed by Toyota as their “”Hybrid Synergy Drive”” system). This technology allows for the simultaneous use or independent use of two separate power plants. The first power plant, a 1.8 liter VVT-i (variable-valve timing), 4-cylinder, gasoline engine produces 98 horsepower. The second power plant comes in the form of a 650-volt Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery-powered electric motor capable of producing 36 horsepower, and when combined with the gas motor, they produce 134 horsepower. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system allows the gas engine to be used during high acceleration or during high speed travel independently, while the electric motor can be used for the slower in-town driving entirely or can assist the gas motor when needed. This system greatly improves the gas efficiency and keeps the emissions very low. The Prius is capable of getting 51 MPG zipping through the city and 48 MPG for highway travel, while only emitting 8,688 lbs of CO2 a year during an easily driven 15,000 miles of use and only expect to pay an annual cost of $819 in fuel.

As far as performance goes, don’t expect a miracle. However, by hybrid standards the acceleration is not that bad. The Prius is capable of getting you from a stand-still to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. Not sports-car fast, but remember this is a green, gas-sipping compact sedan. Couple that with the independent suspension and you are in for a very enjoyable ride. The interior is very spacious for a compact car as well. The Prius seats 5 and has an interior passenger volume of 93.7 cubic feet. The cargo capacity will allow up to 21.6 cubic feet for those long trips or busy supermarket days.

Some may expect hybrid car’s to have a high MSRP, but the entry cost of the Prius is surprisingly low. The starting MSRP for the Prius is $22,800. Add on some high-tech options like solar powered ventilation, collision detection and GPS navigation and the cost can jump to well over $28,000. Toyota will also back your purchase with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, a 6-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty along with an 8-year/80,000 mile warranty for hybrid component systems. Now on to the competition.

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI implores a completely different type of technology, a turbo direct injection (TDI) diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and a staggering 236 lb-ft of torque. Now, this diesel engine is mechanically no different than other diesel engines except for the fact that it is capable of using Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). This cleaner diesel fuel contains lower sulfur amounts than the previous diesel fuel of the past. In fact, ULSD contains 97% less sulfur than the older standard of diesel contained (15 ppm vs. 500 ppm). This new standard was to be fully implemented in the United States by 2010 by all fuel stations and refineries and is mandated by law. The use of ULSD allows the Jetta TDI to implement pollution technologies that will filter out the other emissions that come from the burning of the diesel.

Since the Jetta takes advantage of the technology it uses to lower emissions, the fuel economy of the car is improved as well. This diesel sedan can get 30 MPG in town driving and 42 MPG on the highway. In a year, driving 15,000 miles, the Jetta TDI outputs 10,717 lbs of CO2 and will run you about $1,314 in fuel cost. The optional 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic sport-shift transmission make the Jetta sportier and more fun for the driver. These options also allow the Jetta to edge out the Prius in the 0-60 stat by 1 second or so at 8.2 seconds. The Jetta’s cabin can seat 5 as well, but lacks in the interior volume compared to the Prius, only providing 91 cubic feet of space for it’s passengers. The cargo space is also less coming in at a mere 16 cubic feet.

A clean diesel Jetta TDI will cost you a minimum MSRP of $22,830. The high-tech features for the Jetta pale in comparison to the Prius, however, premium options such as GPS navigation, chrome side mirrors, body kits as well as larger alloy wheels can take you well over $27,000. Volkswagen will back your Jetta for 3-years/36,000 miles bumper-bumper, a powertrain warranty of 6-years/60,000 miles and they top it off with a no-cost scheduled maintenance of the Jetta for 3-year/36,000 mile coverage.

Ultimately, if you are buying the car for an eco-friendly purchase, the Prius is still on top. In the world of green automobiles, gas mileage and CO2 emissions is king, and the Prius delivers on all fronts. Despite the sportier advantage the Jetta TDI offers, it is still far from the best choice of these two green cars. The clean diesel vehicles have not yet become competitive enough to win this battle, however, word of a Mini Cooper D coming to the United States is starting to take wind and is getting 72 MPG in Europe, but we shall see. Either way, a clean diesel or a hybrid vehicle are a much better alternative to a standard gasoline vehicle if you are trying to buy “”green””.

?Hybrid Cars Will Not Save the Environment

There, the cat is out of the bag. But, how so you ask? All the commercials and websites are pimping these babies like they are the second coming. If you ever lift the hood of a hybrid, read the label on the battery. You can’t throw them out because they are toxic and contain heavy metals that would pollute our ground water! They can weigh as much as 600 pounds. Think what would happen if that hybrid car got into the accident besides your city’s water supply. It would destroy it. And in twenty years time, what is going to happen to all those batteries stocked up in the junk yard? Do you think they’ll never leak?

A lot of proponents will tell you that the batteries will be recycled for new cars, but what happens when we turn to new technology. Right now all Hybrids are using Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries, already we are looking to move on to Lithium-Ion batteries. Hybrids are a fad. They won’t last long, but the damage they could cause the planet could last a life time.

So if Hybrids won’t save the world, what do we do?

Because let’s face it, our entire economy is now reliant on cheap, fast transportation. We can’t give up driving, our lives and the world would suffer.

Welcome Hydrogen Power: Norway and Sweden have been toying with the idea of hydrogen power for years. Now they have developed hydrogen buses, cars, trucks and more. They even are working on developing the first fully hydrogen powered highway.

California has a hydrogen highway too, where instead of gas stations there are hydrogen re-fueling stations. Talk about something that seems very science fiction! But it’s not. The US army is using hydrogen powered hummers, and hydrogen buses are rolling down our highways.

If it’s good enough for the US army and public transportation, you’ve got to believe it’ll work for your car. In fact any car can be converted to run with hydrogen power whether it be gas run or diesel. But how?

Water contains fuel. If you can split the Hydrogen from the Oxygen in water, you have everything you need to create combustion and run your car’s engine. Not to get too techy, but there are different ways to do this. It’s not a direct split, but an alteration of water into a gas. This burns and is what you may have heard called HHO.

Burning HHO or Brown Gas is even better for the environment than just burning Hydrogen! Adding hydrogen to the air-fuel mixture in a car’s engine will allow the engine to burn the gas more completely because the hydrogen is simply more flammable. This makes your engine vastly increase its efficiency and have a more complete burn. This is good for you, and for the environment!

Think about it, the instructions and the materials will cost you under two hundred dollars that saves you at least $10 each time you fille up, which if you’re like me is four times a month! Four! It won’t take long for a return on your investment. We’ve purchased a few kits, so you don’t have to try some to only find out it wasn’t what you were looking for. We spent extensive time reviewing them, and have narrowed it down to the top three that really work. Not only that, but these hydrogen conversion kits are easy to use and come with alot of colorful, and helpful pictures.

?Hummer, Jeep, Land Rover – Mahindra

It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard any new news or rumors on the Mahindra truck launch in the United States. Is Mahindra steadily and methodically moving forward with their plans? We assume they continue to see the opportunity before them through the haze of Detroit’s implosion.

On the surface, it seems like bad timing for Mahindra’s plans to bring a rugged diesel truck to the US market. But take a deeper look at what is going on with the competition and all of the necessary justification is right there:

Hummer – is rotting on the vine. It’s on GM’s chopping block. AM General and a Chinese company are the only interested parties and their intentions are uncertain at best.  Still a great unique line of vehicles with strong premium brand identity. GM could do so many things to make it a viable brand, but apparently they can’t figure it out.

Jeep – is the emasculated shell of its former self. At one time it was a brand that made a strong statement about the individuality and outdoor lifestyle of its owner. Now it is a gelded byproduct of Chrysler platform sharing and build quality that never made it past 1983. The only hope for Jeep’s legacy is that Cerberus sells the name outright, and someone comes in and puts the Compass, Liberty, and Patriot out of their misery.

Land Rover – has managed to keep its identity and prestige intact even though sales are horrendous. That is a real testament to Ford’s ability to make it a shining star in their now dismembered Premier Auto Group. Land Rover will carry on, now owned by Tata Motors. This is extra incentive for Mahindra to compete head to head with their Indian rival.

By competition, we mean that we are only considering unique brands. Mahindra does not intend to go head to head with Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota pick ups or SUVs. They hope to carve their own niche with a more exotic and unique vehicle. A heavy duty, mid-sized, luxury, diesel or diesel/hybrid pick up and SUV.  This is why we consider the closest comparable brands and vehicles to be:  Hummer, Jeep, and Land Rover.

Mahindra will be offering a vehicle that is on par with these premium brands for quality and luxury, but far more rugged and for a much lower price. Picture a Hummer H2T with a diesel, better load and towing capacity, and for less than half base price. Okay, maybe you don’t get the ‘look at me’ value of a Hummer, but if that is a concern for you, you certainly aren’t going to drive a Mahindra anyway.

Cheers to Mahindra and their continuing efforts.

?Annual Blow-By Test On Your Heavy Diesel Truck For Peace Of Mind

One of the most helpful inventions ever created by the human creativity is the heavy diesel truck. And keeping your heavy diesel truck’s good condition requires you to take care of your engine from negative events such as Blow-By. It is without a doubt that to clear out your mind from engine anxieties, you need to have an annual Blow-By test on your heavy diesel truck. Getting your truck tested annually will maintain the truck’s optimum performance and your ultimate production.

So, what do you mean by Blow-By anyway? The answer is simple. When there is wear in a diesel engine, then Blow-By is the result. Normally, Blow-By negatively affects the vehicle’s performance and any other machines’ performance that make use engine power. When the engine is new then the rings and cylinders need to exactly match each other otherwise, there will be unwanted functionality.

By making use of the oil from below the crankcase, the rings create a seal which prevents the oil from going out of the combustion chamber. To fully push the piston downward, the combustion energy of the engine is totally used. You need to know further about engines in order to have an effective Blow-By test. And you may even need to know the engine parts and other systems which are involved in its functions.

To start with, you need to take a closer look at rings and cylinders. The ring involved is actually a spring that effectively presses against the cylinder wall. When you view it from the top, you will notice that the cylinder is round. Whenever there is the piston that moves up and down, there is a functioning ring that rotates around the piston in its groove, and this reduces the uneven wear. The round shape of the cylinder is purposely design that way to give the ring its rotational capability. The ring plays a vital role in every heavy truck’s engines because this seals the oil below and the energy above.

Stuck rings can also cause Blow-By. As what is tackled, the ring is fabricated to rotate around the piston in its groove but when there is excess carbon deposits which are left in the combustion process, rings could not rotate and are stuck. One can also effectively determine the presence of Blow-By with old engines since there could be oil dripping from the engine’s breather tube. Another reason for Blow-By to take its occurrence is excess oil usage or burning oil – oil leak that past the ring and burns in the combustion chamber.

These are just few of the causes and reasons of Blow-By because there are some more. Mentioning all the possible causes may take us more than a day. For now, what you need to do is to know at least the most common causes and learn to prevent them. You have to remember that prevention is still the best remedy even on engine matters. Fortunately, there are lots of ways for Blow-By test for your truck’s engine.

?Hummer, Jeep, Land Rover – Mahindra

It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard any new news or rumors on the Mahindra truck launch in the United States. Is Mahindra steadily and methodically moving forward with their plans? We assume they continue to see the opportunity before them through the haze of Detroit’s implosion.

On the surface, it seems like bad timing for Mahindra’s plans to bring a rugged diesel truck to the US market. But take a deeper look at what is going on with the competition and all of the necessary justification is right there:

Hummer – is rotting on the vine. It’s on GM’s chopping block. AM General and a Chinese company are the only interested parties and their intentions are uncertain at best.  Still a great unique line of vehicles with strong premium brand identity. GM could do so many things to make it a viable brand, but apparently they can’t figure it out.

Jeep – is the emasculated shell of its former self. At one time it was a brand that made a strong statement about the individuality and outdoor lifestyle of its owner. Now it is a gelded byproduct of Chrysler platform sharing and build quality that never made it past 1983. The only hope for Jeep’s legacy is that Cerberus sells the name outright, and someone comes in and puts the Compass, Liberty, and Patriot out of their misery.

Land Rover – has managed to keep its identity and prestige intact even though sales are horrendous. That is a real testament to Ford’s ability to make it a shining star in their now dismembered Premier Auto Group. Land Rover will carry on, now owned by Tata Motors. This is extra incentive for Mahindra to compete head to head with their Indian rival.

By competition, we mean that we are only considering unique brands. Mahindra does not intend to go head to head with Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota pick ups or SUVs. They hope to carve their own niche with a more exotic and unique vehicle. A heavy duty, mid-sized, luxury, diesel or diesel/hybrid pick up and SUV.  This is why we consider the closest comparable brands and vehicles to be:  Hummer, Jeep, and Land Rover.

Mahindra will be offering a vehicle that is on par with these premium brands for quality and luxury, but far more rugged and for a much lower price. Picture a Hummer H2T with a diesel, better load and towing capacity, and for less than half base price. Okay, maybe you don’t get the ‘look at me’ value of a Hummer, but if that is a concern for you, you certainly aren’t going to drive a Mahindra anyway.

Cheers to Mahindra and their continuing efforts.

?Hummer, Jeep, Land Rover – Mahindra

It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard any new news or rumors on the Mahindra truck launch in the United States. Is Mahindra steadily and methodically moving forward with their plans? We assume they continue to see the opportunity before them through the haze of Detroit’s implosion.

On the surface, it seems like bad timing for Mahindra’s plans to bring a rugged diesel truck to the US market. But take a deeper look at what is going on with the competition and all of the necessary justification is right there:

Hummer – is rotting on the vine. It’s on GM’s chopping block. AM General and a Chinese company are the only interested parties and their intentions are uncertain at best.  Still a great unique line of vehicles with strong premium brand identity. GM could do so many things to make it a viable brand, but apparently they can’t figure it out.

Jeep – is the emasculated shell of its former self. At one time it was a brand that made a strong statement about the individuality and outdoor lifestyle of its owner. Now it is a gelded byproduct of Chrysler platform sharing and build quality that never made it past 1983. The only hope for Jeep’s legacy is that Cerberus sells the name outright, and someone comes in and puts the Compass, Liberty, and Patriot out of their misery.

Land Rover – has managed to keep its identity and prestige intact even though sales are horrendous. That is a real testament to Ford’s ability to make it a shining star in their now dismembered Premier Auto Group. Land Rover will carry on, now owned by Tata Motors. This is extra incentive for Mahindra to compete head to head with their Indian rival.

By competition, we mean that we are only considering unique brands. Mahindra does not intend to go head to head with Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota pick ups or SUVs. They hope to carve their own niche with a more exotic and unique vehicle. A heavy duty, mid-sized, luxury, diesel or diesel/hybrid pick up and SUV.  This is why we consider the closest comparable brands and vehicles to be:  Hummer, Jeep, and Land Rover.

Mahindra will be offering a vehicle that is on par with these premium brands for quality and luxury, but far more rugged and for a much lower price. Picture a Hummer H2T with a diesel, better load and towing capacity, and for less than half base price. Okay, maybe you don’t get the ‘look at me’ value of a Hummer, but if that is a concern for you, you certainly aren’t going to drive a Mahindra anyway.

Cheers to Mahindra and their continuing efforts.

?How to Save Money by Paying MORE at the Pump for Diesel

With the economy taking an apparent turn for the worst, Americans are looking even closer at the price of fuel (as if they don’t each year anyway). You might one of many who are thinking of ditching your diesel truck for a gas-powered rig.

That aint such a bad idea, considering the price per gallon for diesel is averaging from $0.64 to $0.66 more than gasoline. However, before you go out and look for a gas-powered truck, be sure to consider all aspects of the purchase.

It’s important to consider, above all, what you will be doing with your truck. Do you really need more towing power? Do you commute? How often do you tow? Do you care if your vehicle idles loudly? How long do you expect to own your truck?

All things considered, if you still think you want a diesel truck then it’s worth a last look at the cost – including the purchase price and the fuel economy. You’re going to pay a premium for a diesel model because, for one, they can tow more. Let’s take a Ford pickup for instance. A used model (you ARE trying to save money, right?) like a ’96 f350 Diesel costs somewhere around $6,000 and averages about 15 mpg. It’s gasoline powered counterpart will save you about $2,000 upfront cost, but only averages about 8 mpg.

But, but, but… the price of diesel is so ridiculously high!

Well, let’s take a look at your annual cost with the diesel truck. Assuming you drive the standard 15,000 miles per year and paying $4.45 per gallon, you’re looking at a yearly total of $4,450.

Now, driving the gas f350 you will enjoy a whopping 8 mpg average. Driving the same 15,000 in the first year, while paying just $3.79 per gallon for regular unleaded, you will have paid $7,106.

Comparing the two fuel bills for one year, having a diesel powered truck is saving you $2,656. Remember that you’ll be paying a couple thousand more for the diesel upfront, so that’s basically a wash.

But you’re probably going to keep your truck for more than a year, so let’s look at the long term. You’ll be saving an average of $2,656 each and every year, assuming fuel costs remain the same in comparison to each other. In the long run, you’re saving more with your diesel truck AND you have more towing power and oftentimes a better made, longer-lasting engine (i.e. the Cummins as with Chevy). All things considered, you’re probably better off getting a diesel powered truck that will haul your large loads, get better fuel economy, and make the chicks go wild with that loud engine.

?An Insight to the Chevrolet Silverado

The all new 2009 Chevrolet Silverado falls under the category of the large-size pickup trucks. The vehicle will be powered by the latest V8 turbo diesel engine, but its release has been delayed due to the weak financial position of the General Motors. There won’t be too many extra changes in the 2009 Silverado and comes in three different styles like the crew cab style, extended and the regular cab style model. The models shares most of the features from the GMC Sierra.

The extended cabs come with the rear hinged doors that do not independently open the fronts. The regular cab model comes with the 3-passenger capacity while the crew and the extended models provides up to 6-seating capacity. The new Silverado provides two different types of interior designs, luxury inspired and the pure pickup styles. Based on the model and design configuration of the model, it offers 4.3 liter V6 that produces 195 hp, 4.8 liter V8 that produces 295 hp, 5.3L V8 that produces 315 hp, 6.0 liter V8 367 hp and the 6.2L V8 that produce 403 hp. The 5.3 liter V8 versions and all the 6.2 liter V8 engine models come with the capability to run on the E85 ethanol blended fuel.

The rear wheel drive will be standard in all the models. Different types of suspensions will be made available to provide the added comfort. The proposed safety features in the vehicle include traction control system, ABS, curtain side air bags and the anti skid system. Other features expected in the 2009 Silverado are wireless cell phone link, remote engine start and new navigation system.

Here are some sizzling Chevrolet Silverado Pictures released by Chevy in last few weeks.

?How to Save Money by Paying MORE at the Pump for Diesel

With the economy taking an apparent turn for the worst, Americans are looking even closer at the price of fuel (as if they don’t each year anyway). You might one of many who are thinking of ditching your diesel truck for a gas-powered rig.

That aint such a bad idea, considering the price per gallon for diesel is averaging from $0.64 to $0.66 more than gasoline. However, before you go out and look for a gas-powered truck, be sure to consider all aspects of the purchase.

It’s important to consider, above all, what you will be doing with your truck. Do you really need more towing power? Do you commute? How often do you tow? Do you care if your vehicle idles loudly? How long do you expect to own your truck?

All things considered, if you still think you want a diesel truck then it’s worth a last look at the cost – including the purchase price and the fuel economy. You’re going to pay a premium for a diesel model because, for one, they can tow more. Let’s take a Ford pickup for instance. A used model (you ARE trying to save money, right?) like a ’96 f350 Diesel costs somewhere around $6,000 and averages about 15 mpg. It’s gasoline powered counterpart will save you about $2,000 upfront cost, but only averages about 8 mpg.

But, but, but… the price of diesel is so ridiculously high!

Well, let’s take a look at your annual cost with the diesel truck. Assuming you drive the standard 15,000 miles per year and paying $4.45 per gallon, you’re looking at a yearly total of $4,450.

Now, driving the gas f350 you will enjoy a whopping 8 mpg average. Driving the same 15,000 in the first year, while paying just $3.79 per gallon for regular unleaded, you will have paid $7,106.

Comparing the two fuel bills for one year, having a diesel powered truck is saving you $2,656. Remember that you’ll be paying a couple thousand more for the diesel upfront, so that’s basically a wash.

But you’re probably going to keep your truck for more than a year, so let’s look at the long term. You’ll be saving an average of $2,656 each and every year, assuming fuel costs remain the same in comparison to each other. In the long run, you’re saving more with your diesel truck AND you have more towing power and oftentimes a better made, longer-lasting engine (i.e. the Cummins as with Chevy). All things considered, you’re probably better off getting a diesel powered truck that will haul your large loads, get better fuel economy, and make the chicks go wild with that loud engine.

?How to Save Money by Paying MORE at the Pump for Diesel

With the economy taking an apparent turn for the worst, Americans are looking even closer at the price of fuel (as if they don’t each year anyway). You might one of many who are thinking of ditching your diesel truck for a gas-powered rig.

That aint such a bad idea, considering the price per gallon for diesel is averaging from $0.64 to $0.66 more than gasoline. However, before you go out and look for a gas-powered truck, be sure to consider all aspects of the purchase.

It’s important to consider, above all, what you will be doing with your truck. Do you really need more towing power? Do you commute? How often do you tow? Do you care if your vehicle idles loudly? How long do you expect to own your truck?

All things considered, if you still think you want a diesel truck then it’s worth a last look at the cost – including the purchase price and the fuel economy. You’re going to pay a premium for a diesel model because, for one, they can tow more. Let’s take a Ford pickup for instance. A used model (you ARE trying to save money, right?) like a ’96 f350 Diesel costs somewhere around $6,000 and averages about 15 mpg. It’s gasoline powered counterpart will save you about $2,000 upfront cost, but only averages about 8 mpg.

But, but, but… the price of diesel is so ridiculously high!

Well, let’s take a look at your annual cost with the diesel truck. Assuming you drive the standard 15,000 miles per year and paying $4.45 per gallon, you’re looking at a yearly total of $4,450.

Now, driving the gas f350 you will enjoy a whopping 8 mpg average. Driving the same 15,000 in the first year, while paying just $3.79 per gallon for regular unleaded, you will have paid $7,106.

Comparing the two fuel bills for one year, having a diesel powered truck is saving you $2,656. Remember that you’ll be paying a couple thousand more for the diesel upfront, so that’s basically a wash.

But you’re probably going to keep your truck for more than a year, so let’s look at the long term. You’ll be saving an average of $2,656 each and every year, assuming fuel costs remain the same in comparison to each other. In the long run, you’re saving more with your diesel truck AND you have more towing power and oftentimes a better made, longer-lasting engine (i.e. the Cummins as with Chevy). All things considered, you’re probably better off getting a diesel powered truck that will haul your large loads, get better fuel economy, and make the chicks go wild with that loud engine.