Filed under: Uncategorized
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Warrenville, Ill. – Navistar Parts, an operating unit of Navistar International Corp., has launched the Customer Parts Recovery (CPR) program, which allows customers to return new, unused or obolete parts or overstocks to recieve cash or credit for future purchases.
With the initial parts redemption, customers receive 25 percent of the value of the products returned to use toward future parts purchases.
Customers are required to purchase a predetermined amount of parts over a specified period of time as part of their CPR agreements. upon completion of the agreement, customers will receive the full credit amount for their returns.
“CPR goes beyond a loyalty program and becomes a way that our customers can secure real working capital from unused or outdated parts,” said Michael Cancelliere, senior vice president and general manager for Navistar Parts. “If someone turns in $10,000 worth of parts, we take them and immediately give them $2,500 in cash or credit towards their parts purchases. They can get the full value of those parts back by fulfilling program purchase commitments.”
The CPR pogram will provide credit through any card in Navistar’s Fleet Charge network to track parts purchases and corresponding credit amounts.
Customers interested in participating in the CPR program should contact their parts sales manager at International truck or IC Bus dealerships.
From School Bus Fleet – March 2010 issue
To contact the Hoglund Bus Parts Manager, Mike Kramer, please call 800-866-3104 or email him at partsmanager@hoglundbus.com.
Navistar Inc. announced Thursday that its mid-range diesel engine, the MaxxForce DT, was certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for 2010 diesel emissions.
The company expects to receive certification for its other engine families “in the days and weeks ahead,” Ramin Younessi, group vice president of product development and strategy, said in a release.
The DT engine is used in most of Navistar International’s mid-range trucks and bus chassis.
Navistar is the only diesel engine and truck manufacturer using advanced exhaust gas recirculation to meet the 2010 diesel emissions standards. All other manufacturers are using selective catalytic reduction.
From Light & Medium Truck
Filed under: Commercial Buses, International, Navistar, School Transportation News Magazine
WARRENVILLE, Ill. (March 23, 2010) – IC Bus, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navistar, Inc. and the nation’s largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, today announced a new supply agreement with Thor Industries, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses.
Through the agreement, IC Bus will be the exclusive provider of mid-size, cut-away chassis to Thor Industries. As a result, Thor Industries’ Champion, ElDorado National, General Coach and Goshen Coach vehicle brands will be built exclusively on the new IC Bus™ brand TC Series chassis.
“The new TC Series chassis is a world-class, top-notch chassis,” said John McKinney, president, IC Bus. “Through this agreement, we’re able to provide Thor Industries and its customer base with a reliable, customer-friendly chassis—along with outstanding service and support—through the largest, most comprehensive dealer network in the industry.”
The TC Series chassis will be powered exclusively by MaxxForce® engines featuring Advanced EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) emissions technology. These engines use an in-cylinder approach to meeting EPA2010 emissions with a goal of providing the most customer-friendly powertrain in terms of fuel economy, performance and overall ownership costs. With MaxxForce Advanced EGR, customers won’t have the worry or inconvenience of finding or filling liquid urea, providing customers with a no-hassle solution that keeps responsibility for emissions compliance with the manufacturer, not the vehicle owner or driver. As a result, IC Bus and Thor Industries are able to deliver high-quality, differentiated products that stand apart from the competition.
“We’re proud to work with IC Bus to deliver customer-friendly products to the market,” said Andrew Imanse, group president, Thor commercial bus division. “This agreement with IC Bus allows us to improve efficiencies, while providing our customers with best-in-class chassis and engine technologies.”
The TC Series chassis is available to customers in the United States and Canada and is supported by the IC Bus™ dealer network, the largest bus dealer network in North America.
About IC Bus
IC Bus, LLC of Warrenville, Ill., is an affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). The nation’s largest integrated manufacturer of school buses, IC Bus is a global leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC Bus™ buses are sold, serviced and supported through a renowned dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service. Additional information is available at http://www.icbus.com/.
About Thor Industries, Inc.
Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE: THO) is the world’s largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses and emergency response vehicles. Thor has been driving for excellence since its founding in 1980. Our total commitment to quality and our philosophy of putting our customers first has led to our growth and performance. Thor’s excellent financial condition and years of consistent results are your assurance that we will be here to serve you for years to come. We think this extra peace of mind is important when you are making a significant investment. Additional information is available at http://www.thorindustries.com/.
From School Transportation News
IC Bus has you covered when it comes to your buses complying with 2010 emissions requirements. That’s because all IC Bus brand buses come with MaxxForce Advanced EGR engines. Advanced EGR was clearly designed with the customer in mind, unlike the alternative solution, SCR. You don’t have to worry about adding the cost of urea to your bottom line. Just as important, it’s less hassle because your maintenace, service, training and parts will all remain the same. And the burden of compliance is completely taken off of you because you don’t have to change a single thing about the way you currently operate. Plus, Advanced EGR is better for the environment. When it comes to the future and 2010 compliance, IC Bus has already cleared the way for you.
Sign up for weekly updates about Advanced EGR and learn more about how you can’t afford to choose SCR at ICBus.com/AdvancedEGRupdates.
Las Vegas – Top executives from truck-making and component manufacturing firms said they all see signs of a good business climate to come, but they predicted 2010 will not be a boom year, and they are moving forward with very conservative business plans.
Speaking at the Heavy Duty Dialogue in January and the trade show that followed here, the officials agreed that surviving 2009 had been a notable accomplishment and that they all expected this year to be better, but they weren’t sure just how much better.
Dennis Michels, chairman of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, which sponsors the dialogue, said he saw a Detroit newspaper headline annoucing, “The Buzz Is Back,” with respect to the automobile industry.
“I think that applies to our industry as well, but are things better?” Michels asked.
We’ve learned to be very lean and operate at the bottom of cycles,” said Dennis Slagle, CEO of Volvo AB’s two North American manufacturers, Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks, both based in Greensboro, N.C.
“We’re hoping for a recovery, but planning for a continuation of 2009 and staying lean,” Slagle said, adding that early 2010 truck sales will be dominated by selling off the inventory of 2007-generation truck engines in inventory.
Diversified operations, either by geography or product line, were cited as survival techniques by others.
Parts maker ArvinMeritor Inc., Troy, Mich., survived a brutal 2009, posting a net loss of $1.21 billion for the 12 months ended Sept. 30, although $944 million of the loss was from noncash charges.
“We got through and made it to the other side,” said Chairman and CEO Charles “Chip” McClure, “and we didn’t need any government help and avoided bankruptcy court.”
In an interview with Transport Topics Publishing Group, McClure said recent experiences made him especially confident of decisions made to shed costs, sell off the company’s light vehicle lines and concentrate on on-highway and off-road commercial vehicles.
Among the places where ArvinMeritor Operates, McClure said China currently is doing the best, India and Brazil are tied for second and the United States and Europe are the most sluggish. Although the recession proved to be global in nature, that it was not simultaneous among the continents was helpful.
“The Chinese government stimulus really hit our sweet spot last spring,” McClure said, funding programs that led to truck manufacturing. He also said Brazil has improved its economy considerably.
“Business is much better now than during the first half of 2009, when it was absolutely miserable,” said Joseph McAleese, CEO of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Elyria, Ohio, which produces brakes and stability systems.
McAleese said there is reason to be optimistic, but economic expansion has not yet gained traction.
“Since the last four or five months of last year, there was an expansion in original equipment sales, and it’s continued into January,” McAleese said, “but I think after the inventory of 2007-generation engines is gone, then we could go backwards.
“The aftermarket sales picked up around August, and they’ve been OK, but they’re not robust,” he said.
From Light & Medium Truck – March 2010
Officials at tire companies, along with technicians, say that checking for proper inflation, axle alignment and tread depth helps keep tires in good condition. They also provide tips on mounting, inspection, repair and replacement.
Ensureing that the tires on a fleet of school buses are in good condition should be an essential component of an operation’s maintenance program for the buses to run smoothly.
“Every school district or bus fleet should have some kind of tire management program,” says Doug Jones, customer engineering support manager for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “A good program includes cradle-to-grave tracking, analysis, preventive maintenance and more.”
Industry professionals offer numerous tips specific to tire maintenance, touching on inflation and pressure, axle alignment, tread depth and mounting. they also offer insight on how often tires should be inspected and signs that a tire needs to be replaced or repaired.
Taking into consideration this information will equip both drivers and technicians with the knowledge to help prolong the life of a tire and avoid problems when buses are on the road.
Establish Proper Inflation and Pressure
Determining whether tires are properly inflated is the first item technicians should check for. Scott McNamara, a trainer for Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, says that the air pressure of all tires should be checked and corrected weekly with an accurate inflation pressure gauge.
“Tire pressure should be checked while the tires are cold,” he adds. “Do not bleed air from tires while they’re hot as this will result in under inflation. Operating on an improperly inflated tire will create severe tire damage.”
Thomas Kenny, manager at Hankook Tire America Corp., elaborates, saying that improper tire inflation can result in shorter tread life, irregular tread wear and degraded durability, along with decreased fuel economy and degraded vehicle handling.
Moreover, Timothy Miller, senior marketing specialist for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., notes that pressure in tires should be kept at a level that will support the load that the bus is carrying.
Officials at Double Coin suggest reviewing a bus’ owner’s manual of the vehicle load and tire information placard. These items provide data on the weight of the vehicle and the standard load, helping to determine the air pressure level.
Monitor Axle Alignment and Tread Depth
Miller says that attention should also be given to a bus’ axle alignment. If tires come in contact with curbs with the potential to knock the axles out of alignment, the alignment should be checked at each tire change. Steer axles should be checked for proper camber, caster and toe settings. Drive axles should be checked to determine whether they are perpendicular to the chassis’ centerline so that the bus will travel straight.
“Technicians should establish a minimum tread depth allowed before tires are changed,” Miller adds. “This could vary from location to location. Buses in northern Michigan might require deeper tread depths to travel in snow and slush, but buses in Miami might be able to run until the tread is down to 4/32nds without any problems.”
Avoid Mixing Tire Types, Brands
Manufacturers and technicians also have suggestions for mounting tires on a bus. Officials at Double Coin and Brad Barker, shop supervisor at Park City (Utah) School District, both caution against mixing tires. “Try to match brands, types and tread designs on each axle and avoid mixing tire brands and types. Each tire has its own flex characteristics,” Barker explains.
John Whelan, heavy-duty mechanic/lead hand at School District #73 in Kamloops, British Columbia, offers specific advice on dual tires, saying that these tires should be the same size and have the same tread pattern.
“Irregular duals will cause one tire to work harder and heat up, causing premature wear and possible failure on the highway,” Whelan says. “A rule of thumb is that the diameter of both tires must not have more than half an inch difference, while there should be no more than a three-fourths inch difference in the circumference of the two tires.”
Inspections
Drivers and technicians have a shared responsibility to inspect tires for possible damage and to make certain that they are in a state to function properly while the bus is in operation.
Manufacturers’ recommendations vary on the frequency with which tires should be inspected, but each recommends a daily check during the driver’s pre-trip inspection. Beyond that, Double Coin encourages technicians to inspect tires during an operation’s required preventive maintenance tasks or at the appearance of irregular wear.
McNamara agrees, and recommends checking tire pressure during inspections. “It is a known fact that medium tires can lose up to 2 psi per month from heat, cold and leakage,” he reveals. (By the same token, Jones notes that time spent checking inflation pressure is a good time to inspect the tires.)
Miller and Kenny encourage an inspection of tires daily, weekly and monthly. Kenny emphasizes the importance of a daily inspection by bus drivers, but he also believes that the tires’ inflation, as well as a visual inspection of the tires’ tread and sidewall should be performed every week. Technicians should measure tires’ tread depth monthly.
When is Repair or Replacement Necessary?
When drivers and technicians inspect tires, they should look for signs that the tires need to be repaired or replaced.
Kenny says the signs include the failure of a tire to maintain consistent air pressure in between pressure checks. This may indicate a leak or a rim seal problem. Bulging or evidence of a separation within the carcass of the tire is another sign that repair or replacement is needed.
“Watch for excessive vibration during the operation of the vehicle,” Kenny adds. “This may indicate that a tire has a separation or has sustained impact damage.”
McNamara as well as officials at Double Coin urge technicians to check tires for holes, bubbles or bumps caused by imbedded objects, sidewall cuts and irregular wear.
They also recommend looking for the following:
- Tires with tread depths of 4/32nds on the steer position and 2/32nds on all positions. These tires should be replaced.
- Tread cuts that extend into the steel cords.
- Sidewall snags that show exposed body cables.
- A sidewall that has a bulge that is greater than 3/8 of an inch.
- Flat spots on the dual rear tires (indicates brake lock or skid).
- Bent or damaged wheels; cracked, broken or elongated bolt holes; and loose, missing, broken, cracked, stripped or otherwise ineffective fasteners.
- Loose or missing lug nuts.
“Most fleets have a spec they use when deciding to replace a tire. Using a tread depth gauge is a quick way during a service to monitor tire condition,” Whelan says. “Usually 6/32-inch tread depth will allow recycling the tire casing as a recap.”
From School Bus Fleet – March 2010 issue
Filed under: Service
Along with tires, a vehicle’s battery should be regularly inspected. Technicians Brad Barker and John Whelan offer their expertise for maintain batteries and their components.
Barker says that battery grounds, cable connections throughout the entire system and battery boxes should always be clean. All batteries should be washed off and their terminals tightened periodically, preferably during each preventive maintenance session.
“Keeping batteries clean with a battery cleaner spray or baking soda will neutralize any acid buildup that causes voltage leakage,” Whelan adds. “These products combined with water will neutralize the acid and even detect acid buildup.”
Barker notes, however, that if your shop is not using maintenance-free batteries, do not add untreated water to the battery cell. De-ionized water should be used. (City water contains contaminates that will destroy the plates in the battery.)
Battery cables should be removed and the battery should be load-tested annually, with weak batteries replaced. “A weak battery under load will not hold a voltage,” Whelan explains. “The average battery can be load-tested by drawing 30 to 40 percent of its cold cranking amp rating. This load is held for 10 seconds and the battery must not drop below 9.6 volts. Today’s digital battery testers automatically run a test with the push of a button.”
Whelan says battery cable routing is also important, particularly with the positive battery cable. Once a positive cable rubs through to the frame, a direct short with this much amperage potential will cause arching and major damage to electrical components.
Finally, check for clean connections – any resistace will cause a “no-start” situation and electrical accessory problems.
From School Bus Fleet – March 2010 issue
Filed under: Hoglund Bus
Her Jewish father served as a judge in the pre-Nazi Weimar Republic. His father emigrated to Cincinnati, and baked bread. Although both German-born, the perspectives from which Edith and Eb saw the rise of Hitler’s dictatorship and the subsequent global war it spawned could hardly have been more different.
Now respectively a retired educator and widowered business person, Edith Lichtenstein Morgan and Eberhard Fuhr will be in the Twin Cities and St.-Cloud-metro area for a week beginning March 29th to speak about their diverse experiences, and lessons they have learned from them.
They will appear at venues including the Great River Regional Library in St. Cloud, from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, April 3rd, and at St. Cloud State University on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, March 31st and April 1st. Details are at http://traces.org/programs.html
Only a child, Edith watched as Hitler’s Brown Shirt regime imprisoned her father numerous times for alledged “crimes” and fled with him, her Bavarian-Lutheran-born mother and newborn brother to Switzerland, then to France. In June 1940 the family fled again, this time on foot to Limoges, pushing a doll’s baby carriage with their remaining worldly possessions. After Edith’s father landed in concentration camps in the “free” South of France, a Swiss family donated its life savings to buy passage to “Amerika” for the Lictensteins. Rushing through Spain and Portugual, they landed in New York, where American Quakers sent the Lichtensteins to the Scattergood Hostel near Iowa City. A 10-month rest there led to a post for the dejected judge at St. Paul’s Macalester College.
While the Lichtensteins endured a colorful series of travails, the Fuhr family in Ohio underwent their own. Always a patriotic German, Eb’s vocal father and mother came under suspicion of being “enemy aliens” and sent to Camp Crystal City in the Texas desert. Left alone with his older teenage brother, one day during a high school class Federal gun-toating agents appeared, handcuffed Eb and sent him, with the brother, first to a house for other German-American “security threats” and later also to the “family camp” in Texas.
Both Edith and Eb have lived in Minnesota, and still have relatives here. Both are speaking at the Great River Regional Library as part of a special TRACES-organized Midwest narrative-history WWII project, “War and the North Star: Minnesotans Experience WWII.” The project features a 32-community tour of the BUS-eum, a mobile museum featuring “Behind Barbed Wire: Midwest POWs in Nazi Germany”–an exhibit that includes the stories of Minnesota soldiers and airmen held in the Third Reich. Additional exhibits await viewers at various GRRL libraries; details are at http://www.griver.org/. The St. Cloud State University Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies is co-sponsoring Edith’s appearences at a number of St. Cloud venues, and Hoglund Bus of Monticello is supporting the BUS-eum.
Edith will speak at a Twin Cities press conference to be held from 1 to 1pm Monday, April 29th, at the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest, at the Barry Family Campus, 4330 S Cedar Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Details available at 651.373.9673.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Session already 1/2 full! Sign up as soon as possible if you are interested!
Bus Customer Technician, IC Bus University class scheduled for May 3rd through 7th 2010.
TRAINING LOCATION: IC Bus Plant of Tulsa Oklahoma International Training Center 2322 N. Mingo Rd. Tulsa, OK 74116
COST: BEFORE YOU ENROLL IN THIS CLASS YOU MUST PURCHASE A $300.00 VOUCHER FROM YOUR IC BUS DEALER. CONTACT YOUR SALESMAN FOR DETAILS.
DESCRIPTION: IC University is an intense training program that includes lecture and hands on training for the IC Bus, LLC customer technician.
Monday, 12:00PM, there will be a guided plant tour. The customer technician will be guided through the various manufacturing steps with the goal of letting the technician walk through the manufacturing steps and see the location of vital components that may later be covered by panels or other components. The bus body structure, chassis construction and electrical layout will be covered.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00AM, attendees will go through a series of eight hour classes that will cover Maxxforce® engines, bus body and chassis electrical and bus maintenance. Tuesday through Thursday lunch periods will have additional seminars that will cover stop arms and crossing gates and bus air conditioning.
Friday will conclude with a four hour class on the Allison transmission.
Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:00PM until 9:00PM, there will be optional seminars that cover various subjects such as the full power hydraulic brake system, handicap lifts and other components.
Attendees will receive 40 hours of credit through Navistar Education if they participate in all optional seminars.
Monday 12:00 – 4:00 Plant Tour (7PM – 9PM optional seminar)
Tuesday 8:00 – 4:00 Technical training (7PM – 9PM optional seminar)
Wednesday 8:00 – 4:00 Technical training (7PM – 9PM optional seminar)
Thursday 8:00 – 4:00 Technical training (7PM – 9PM optional seminar)
Friday 8:00 – 12:00 Technical training
