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Caterpillar settles engine lawsuit for $60M to ACERT owners Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) / June 28, 2016 A settlement has been reached in the class-action lawsuit that alleged Caterpillar’s 2007-2010 year model ACERT C13 and C15 engines were defective, driving up costs for owners and driving down resale value. Cat’s ACERT engines were introduced as the company’s alternative to exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) to meet 2004 emissions standards. The company’s Caterpillar Regeneration System (CRS), which consisted of a diesel particulate filter, aftertreatment regeneration device and an electronic control module, allegedly caused the engines to lose horsepower and shut down, requiring Caterpillar to repair the engines, according to the lawsuits. The lawsuits also alleged Caterpillar knew about the problems. The $60 million settlement offers payments to current and former owners and lessees of trucks with the engines. Settlement payments can range from $500 to $10,000. Settlement class members who experienced no CRS repairs are eligible to receive $500 for each engine. Those who experienced between one and five CRS-related repairs are eligible to receive $5,000 per engine. Anyone who had six or more CRS-related repairs done to one of these engines is eligible for $10,000. Additionally, anyone who dealt with at least one CRS-related repair has the option to seek to claim losses up to a maximum of $15,000. If this route is chosen, the class member can’t claim from the settlement. Caterpillar has denied the allegations, but said it “endorses the settlement class as a realistic resolution of this class action.” “Given the uncertainties and costs of continuing litigation, the proposed settlement is the best way to end the uncertainty and delay, and most importantly, will ensure fair compensation to Caterpillar customers who may not have received expected value from their product,” the company said in its motion for approval of the settlement. Claims can be submitted here by March 20, 2017. For more information on the settlement, visit www.enginesettlement.com. Related reading - http://www.ccjdigital.com/caterpillar-hid-defects-in-2007-2010-engines-from-buyers-lawsuits-claim/?utm_medium=single_article&utm_campaign=site_click&utm_source=in_story_promotion

Heavy Duty Trucking / June 28, 2016 Caterpillar has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit over allegedly defective ACERT EPA 2007-compliant heavy-duty diesel engines, with owners of affected engines eligible to receive $500 to $10,000 per engine. The class action suit was a consolidation of a number of other lawsuits against the company, which exited the on-highway engine business in 2009. Customers alleged in the suit that Cat’s EPA 2007-compliant C13 and C15 engines (manufactured in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009) would lose horsepower and shut down. The engines were branded ACERT, for Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology. The settlement announcement refers to the problem technology as the CAT Regeneration System (CRS). The aftertreatment equipment was unique in that its exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system piped cleansed gas back to the inlet system to keep intake air clean. EGR cools combustion temperatures to reduce production of nitrogen oxide, a smog causer. But the system, and its series-turbochargers and other devices, proved troublesome, said fleet managers in this case as well as in numerous sessions at meetings of the American Trucking Associations Technology & Maintenance Council. Caterpillar denies the allegations but has said that to litigate the case further "would be risky and costly for both sides.” "Caterpillar … endorses the settlement class as a realistic resolution of this class action," the company said in its motion for court approval of the settlement. "Given the uncertainties and costs of continuing litigation, the proposed settlement is the best way to end the uncertainty and delay, and most importantly, will ensure fair compensation to Caterpillar customers who may not have received expected value from their product." The settlement includes U.S. original purchasers or original lessees, subsequent purchasers or subsequent lessees of a vehicle powered by one of the affected engines. It establishes a $60 million settlement fund. All class members who submit a valid claim will be eligible to receive a pro rata share of the fund according to the following guidelines: A. Class members who experienced no CRS related repairs are eligible to receive (but not guaranteed) $500 for each engine. B. Class members who experienced one to five qualified CRS related repairs are eligible to receive (but not guaranteed) $5,000 per engine. C. Class members who experienced six or more qualified CRS related repairs are eligible to receive (but not guaranteed) $10,000 per engine. Instead of seeking a payment as set forth in B. or C. above, each eligible class member that experienced at least one CRS related repair has the option to seek to claim losses up to a maximum of $15,000, experienced as a consequence of qualified CRS related repairs. These losses can include, but aren't limited to, towing charges, rental charges, and hotel charges. Those pursuing this option are not eligible to seek payment under A, B, or C. Payments to eligible claimants may be adjusted pro rata (up or down) depending on the number of eligible claims filed and the total amount of the settlement fund available to pay claims. Claim Forms are available at www.EngineSettlement.com or by calling 1-888-593-5379. The deadline to file a claim is March 20, 2017.

Besides the troublesome 9HP 9-speed transmission it supplies to many automakers, I do not like ZF's shifter that it supplies to FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Related reading - http://www.autonews.com/article/20160628/OEM11/160629856/fiat-chrysler-rollaway-recall-linked-to-68-injuries-266-crashes .

BMT is truly the world's foremost heavy truck knowledge base.

No, the 8,000 lb-rated Mack model FA505 steer axle is from the 1960s.

What is the lawn tractor in front? Simplicity or Gravely ? 40-50 year old lawn tractors are still running, while today's bargain (Lowes/Home Depot) MTD-produced Deere and Cub Cadets are throwaways.

Well there you go, it seems KCM is the entity who acquired the Marmon factory inventory. It was in Garland, Texas.

Okay, that stamped 1QHA4125BP5 is your front axle arrangement. The exploded view shows all the parts, numbers and quantities. I realize demand is low. Still, it's regrettable that, given the popularity of the FA505 axle, tie-rod ends are no longer available.

With a Tremec 5-speed behind it.

My own thought is, there's no such thing as going off topic. The topic is whatever is on your mind. Thank you for reaching out.

UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage tells EU Parliament: 'You're not laughing now' Video - http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36650014

Remembering those who got you to the party is how a professional and respectful truck company operates. When Walter May passed away in March of last year, ignoring our tradition at the former Mack Trucks, the Mack brand of Sweden's Volvo Group said NOTHING !!! At the former "American" Mack Trucks, ''our" headquarters always put out a notice to all company and dealer locations when a member of the Mack family was seriously ill or had passed away. Walter May, Mack Truck’s legendary senior engineer and COO, was co-inventor of the iconic American truckmaker’s advanced Maxidyne high-torque rise engine technology. And that achievement was just the tip of the iceberg. Had it not been for Walter May, there would not be a Mack brand today for Volvo to be profiting from.

Prime Mover Magazine / June 27, 2016 Penske Commercial Vehicles is mourning the death of Bob Shand, co-founder of Western Star Trucks in Australia. Shand, along with Kit Bleakly, played an instrumental role in establishing the heavy-duty truck brand in Australia in 1983. Together, they introduced the North American brand to Australia from their facility in Wacol, Queensland, where the brand still operates today. “The renowned features of today’s modern day Stars – including their strength, reliability and comfort – come as a result of Bob’s commitment to establish Western Star as the truck of choice in the Australian market,” Western Star Trucks Australia said. “Bob’s legacy will forever remain his unwavering commitment to the customer, as he strove always to deliver a tailored customer experience. This commitment and spirit continues to be the driving force behind the Western Star Trucks brand, despite market and ownership changes" (first with Transpacific and recently with Penske Automotive Group). “The entire Western Star Trucks business and team remains indebted to Bob and his work in establishing the brand in Australia. We will miss him greatly and our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Shand family.” .

Transport Engineer / June 27, 2016 Civil engineering, earthworks and waste management contractor MJ Church has commissioned two 80-tonne Mercedes-Benz Arocs tractor units just under a year after putting its first Arocs eight-wheelers into service. The Marshfield, Chippenham-based company’s new 6x4 tractors – which were purpose-designed for construction applications – were specified with flat-floored StreamSpace cabs and are now being used to transport diggers, excavators and other heavy plant on new, four-axle King low-loader trailers. Both are 2651 models with Mercedes’ 517bhp six-cylinder engines driving through 12-speed PowerShift 3 AMTs (automated manual transmissions) – adding to the firm’s 80-strong truck fleet. MJ Church also went for high performance, three-stage auxiliary brakes, designed to reduce wear on the service brakes while also improving safety and control. “The driver feedback on the new Arocs tractors has been really good,” states transport manager Karl Wintle. “They’re impressed with the engine and gearbox, particularly in terms of low-speed manoeuvrability, while the cab – although slightly smaller than they’ve been used to – has also won praise as a spacious, well-designed workplace.” Mercedes-Benz dealer City West Commercials’ driver-trainer Justyn Marshman delivered driver training on the new 80-tonne tractors. “I spoke afterwards to one of our drivers, who I’d describe as quite ‘old school’,” says Wintle. “He couldn’t rate Justin highly enough. He wasn’t being told how to drive. Rather, he was shown what the vehicle’s capable of and how he could make life easier for himself.” Wintle explains: “So, for example, this particular individual would never use the engine retarder on his previous vehicle, but he’s certainly doing so with this one. “He’s also driving in a more predictive manner, anticipating rather than reacting to changes in road conditions. “This means less fatigue for him, which is also better and safer for other road users. And as a fleet operator I’m happy too, because I know there’s going to be less wear and tear on the vehicle.” MJ Church’s earlier fleet of eight 8x4s are all Arocs 3240s with steel Charlton tipping bodies and, in two cases, Palfinger Epsilon grabs, on muckaway work, as well as a pair of Hyva hook-loaders based on the same chassis. “The drivers who use these Mercedes-Benz vehicles definitely rate them over our other truck marques in terms of ride comfort,” comments Wintle. “The Arocs are also well ahead in terms of economy – at 9.2 mpg, their average returns are a mile and half better than the competition, which is brilliant. .

Transport Engineer / June 27, 2016 ACR Tipping Services’ reckons its new Scania R cab Loadmaster tipper – dubbed Double Dutch – is a stop-you-in-your-tracks truck that resets the bar on quality. “I’ve always liked the traditional, slightly retro look of many Dutch liveried vehicles,” explains Andy Reed, who owns the Bicester, Oxfordshire firm. “I wanted to recreate that image on this, my first ever new truck [so] many of the detail parts, such as the mudflaps, extra lights and the Scania logo on the front grille, had to be sourced in Holland.” In addition to the standard Loadmaster spec, Reed’s first new truck features full-length detachable steel bodyside extensions that sit between the body’s headboard and the tailgate hinge. These are removable, and provide additional load retention and security, although extra payload volume can also be achieved with lighter cargoes. Beyond that, though, it’s about the paint job. Reed went for shades of blue and grey combined with white stripe detailing – with the finished job taking no fewer than nine months . “All in all, it’s been one incredible project, and the result is a tipper that’s truly unique,” insists Reed. .

Paul, back then, the 304 cubic inch V-8 powered Gremlin with the 4-speed manual transmission was a fun car to drive. It was basically an American 2-door Golf.

The Volvo brand will always be the priority, sitting alone in the front row. The acquisition of the other brands was always about acquiring market share and/or absorbing competitors. They are a means to an end. Volvo doesn't understand the value of the Mack brand. And under Volvo today, none of the Mack brand leadership have a background in trucks. Volvo doesn't listen to the voices of its US dealer body (the general consensus of Mack dealers coast-to-coast is that Volvo doesn't think these Americans could possibly know anything). The end result is, you have an unhappy dealer body, product line-up shortcomings and stagnant sales growth.

Dagens Industri / June 27, 2016 Volvo is slowing down truck production a little further over the summer in North America, in order to balance inventory with production and classes of dealer. At Tuesday's investor meeting, CEO Martin Lundstedt spoke of a weak market in North America at the moment. "As usual when you have a downward movement, it takes a while to adjust inventories [of customers]. At the beginning of the year, we said that it would probably take until late summer or autumn before that adjustment had been made, but now we think it may take the entire year," said Lundstedt. He also mentioned the company's landscape prediction on a annual market for heavy trucks in North America at 250,000 vehicles. “The competition has roughly the same projections”, said Martin Lundstedt. He said that Volvo is secure in being able to handle market fluctuations in North America.

Bolagsfakta / June 27, 2016 Volvo is willing to sell its businesses that are not performing, but the company is silent about which business units those are. The chart below of possible sell-off candidates reflects which units are underperforming in Volvo Group. "It's a bit early to say how much revenue these stands for, it was more a schematic way to look at it," said CEO Martin Lundstedt at a meeting with investors in London on Monday. The chart can also refer to both truck operations, for example, and the whole group, "he said, stressing that the purpose also, therefore, was not taking the chart too literally. Sandvik, whose share stake controls Industrivärden, and Volvo board member Helena Stjernholm, Industrivärden's CEO, showed a similar chart in its capital market day a month ago. .

Dagens Industri / June 27, 2016 Volvo has several strengths: favorable global market positions with high market share and high operational capacity in various regions, a steadily increasing profitability and well dedicated staff. With an increasing scale, however, Volvo has increased in complexity, and to some extent even the bureaucracy, something that must be handled. Furthermore, a problem is that the market share of some acquired operations has declined, and the reasons for this must be analyzed and addressed. At the start of his meeting with investors in London on Monday, Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt said Volvo has over the past years had too much focus on the structure and portfolio, at the expense of operational efficiency. Furthermore, he said that Volvo should be able to expand the service by selling more to the existing fleet of 900,000 vehicles in service. He feels the term “aftermarket” is a funny expression, because service is a market in itself. He also mentioned that investment, i.e. capital expenditure (CAPEX), at Volvo is too high and exceeds depreciation, which in the long run is not sustainable and must be addressed. A new cost cutting program does not seem to be appropriate, according to Martin Lundstedt: "Now it's more about continuous improvement in all areas on a daily basis," he said, and spoke of pragmatism. "Setting goals is easy, but it does not change the underlying behavior," he said after mentioning that the right company is key to the success of the company. Volvo's highest strategic priority is to strengthen the right qualities of the Volvo brand as a global premium heavy truck, as well as strengthening the sister brands Renault, Mack and UD Trucks' position and market share. Lundstedt will attened an investor meeting in London on Tuesday. For all truck brands, Lundstedt said, the future is characterized by concentrating on core markets and not go into each other's strong geographics.

Okay. When you gave Barry the 1QHA number "stamped" on the front of your axle beam for him to reference to, what are the two 10QH part numbers he came up with for tie-rod ends? 10QH11A/10QH12A? 10QH35/10QH36?

http://www.marmontruckparts.com/site/Truck_Parts.html Also, is Dutchman's Truck Service (Denver, PA) still in business? They were a huge and knowledgeable Marmon distributor. (It's founder, Melvin Sauder, passed away in 2013)

Transport Topics / June 27, 2016 Daimler AG and other truck makers are fighting to delay new emissions standards in Mexico as the government struggles to control the worst smog in the capital city in 14 years. The Latin American nation [next door to the U.S.] published draft rules in December 2014 to slash emissions on all new trucks and buses. Since then the regulations have stalled as companies such as Daimler, which is Mexico’s largest builder of heavy-duty vehicles, call for less stringent controls, saying the tighter standards could make new trucks too expensive for consumers. “They have been pushing for delays and interim standards which could actually make emissions from these vehicles worse,” said Katherine Blumberg, of the International Council on Clean Transportation, or ICCT. Daimler and other truck manufacturers say Mexico should focus on renewing the country’s aging fleet of vehicles to clean up the smog and are calling on the government to provide subsidies as well as slowing the expensive new emissions standards. The government, which is cutting spending after a slump in oil prices, wants industry to bear the cost. While the two sides argue, the 20 million residents of Greater Mexico City typically wake to a blanket of smog so thick it cloaks volcanoes as high as 18,000 feet that ring the capital. The authorities estimate that smog kills 2,700 people each year in the city. As pollution has worsened, that estimate may need to rise, says Mexico’s Environmental Rights Center, known as Cemda. Ozone levels climbed to their highest this spring since 2002, forcing authorities to impose emergency restrictions. Daimler says that the retooling needed to comply with the new regulations would raise truck prices as much as 20%, making them so expensive it would deter the purchase of new vehicles. That would lead companies to keep older polluting trucks on the road in a country where the average age of heavy vehicles is already 17 years. The equivalent shift in standards in the United States pushed prices up by about 17%. "We need to get many more new vehicles on the road and lower the age of those vehicles," said Stefan Kurschner, chief executive officer of Daimler Vehiculos Comerciales Mexico. "That will clean up the air." While Mexico is proposing to raise standards to Euro-6 from the current Euro-4, the nation’s truck and bus chamber Anpact is seeking simultaneous implementation for at least four years of both Euro-5 and Euro-6, the first being a standard that Europe no longer uses. This will prevent a collapse in sales, says Anpact, which also seeks tax breaks and incentives equal to about 20% of the price of a vehicle. "Publishing a new environmental standard alone doesn’t reduce emissions," said Miguel Elizalde, the president of Anpact. "The success will happen when transporters buy the new technology." He also faults the government for delaying new standards since at least 2009 by not making the cleaner fuel needed for the vehicles available nationwide. Publication of the new standards has been tied up in part by the industry’s insistence on a four-year transition from 2018, said Rafael Coello, an official with the nation’s environmental protection agency. Anpact’s "proposal is a big threat for public health," said Axel Friedrich, a former German environmental regulator and co-founder of ICCT, the group that raised concerns about VW test results. "If you have two standards, operators will buy the cheaper vehicle. Is the life of a Mexican worth less than the life of a European?" While Euro-6 standards requires a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to be fitted to trucks, Euro-5 doesn’t. The ICCT also points out that it isn’t only the wealthy nations of Europe and the U.S. that have imposed the new restrictions. Beijing will begin their implementation in 2017, with the rest of China and India following in 2020. In Mexico, the government gave initial approval to the Euro-6 standards in a draft proposal published in the official gazette in 2014, but has yet to publish the final rules a year and a half later. Deputy Environment Minister Rodolfo Lacy Tamayo told Bloomberg a final draft of the standards will be published next month after a meeting with Anpact. Mexico offers some inducements to junk old vehicles for new ones, but direct monetary incentives would be "impossible, and even more so with our budget cuts," he said. In Europe, Daimler has praised the Euro VI standard that came into operation in 2014, saying in one statement they would reduce nitrous oxide and particulate emissions by more than 90%, and that the company’s early adoption of the rule turned an obstacle into an "opportunity." What’s more, truck and bus makers in Mexico already make vehicles that meet the new standards for shipment to the U.S., said Cemda spokeswoman Margarita Campuzano. Mexico’s government is at fault for letting pressure from the automobile industry, whose $26 billion in new investment since the beginning of 2010 has been a motor of economic growth, delay the new standards, she said. The government must decide how far it can push the industry. Trucks dumped 5 million kilos of tiny particles into the atmosphere last year and were the source of 85 percent of those pollutants, known as PM2.5, which pose the greatest health risk, Blumberg said. "It’s totally unacceptable" that companies are pushing for two standards,said Antonio Mediavilla, Mexico City’s director of air quality control. "Why would you unnecessarily expose millions of people to higher pollution levels just because of economic interests?"