Sterling Introduces New Features

Author: Tom Berg, Truck Editor

Date: September 28, 2010 | Read Time: 11 min

New Products Reveal

Spring typically marks a peak season for truck product launches, with events held nationwide. March featured three key gatherings: the National Truck Equipment Association convention in Atlanta, the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, and the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville. Numerous new products were showcased, alongside announcements via press releases.

In this article, we’ve highlighted several products tailored for construction trucks, moving away from our usual Hands-On Trucking segment, and will delve into additional products displayed at these truck shows in subsequent issues.

Sterling Expands Offerings

Sterling Truck has made the Acterra model customizable with a four-door crew cab and an optional front-driving axle, enhancing its Class 5 to 8 vehicles’ versatility. The crew cab, available for both work trucks and SportChassis models, is produced at Sterling’s facility and utilizes components from two standard steel cabs, helping reduce costs. It features extensive legroom and storage capabilities, measuring 113 inches long, which is longer than competitors. The standard configuration accommodates a rear bench seat for three, plus two front seats, with additional seating options available.

Steering Improvements

The Dana Spicer Integral Arm Steer Axles have been upgraded with a new kingpin retention system utilizing drawkeys and a spring washer for alignment ease, alongside a reinforced beam forging. A newly designed “power rib” beam is lighter while enhancing rigidity, thus yielding better handling during braking. Additionally, kingpin inserts for longer lubrication intervals have now been made standard across all models.

Advanced Signal Control

Truck-Lite has introduced an upgraded turn-signal switch for medium and heavy-duty trucks as part of its Signal-Stat line. Already optional for a leading OEM and steering column manufacturer, this switch merges multiple functions to reduce dashboard clutter. Basic features include turn signals for up to eight lamps per side and four-way hazard lights capable of supporting 16 lamps. Available variants also include windshield wiper controls with various speeds. The design will help conserve space in the cab by combining multiple functions into one control.

Innovations in Trailer Design

Martin Marietta Composites is venturing into the semitrailer market with a new all-composite live-floor trailer designed for trash transfer. This trailer is set for production later this year, with plans for flatbeds and dump trailers in the future. Its construction of 100% glass-fiber reinforced polymer helps reduce weight by about 20% compared to metal trailers, promising greater durability and corrosion resistance. The first unit is slated to be a 50-foot trailer with a capacity of 132 cubic yards.

New Diagnostic Tool

Eaton’s MD-200 diagnostic service tool, developed in collaboration with AutoXray, enables technicians to diagnose issues across various truck components via J1587 and J1939 data links. This versatile tool can act as a scanner, communication interface, link tester, and data logger, with basic models starting at $699 and additional functionalities available for extra charges.