For more than 30 years, Arbor Age magazine has been covering new and innovative products, services, technology and research vital to tree care companies, municipal arborists and utility right-of-way maintenance companies
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The 2016 Nissan Titan XD is set to shake up the highly competitive full-size pickup segment when it goes on sale in the United States and Canada beginning in late 2015 — with a bold all-new design that stakes out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries. Called the "XD," it offers the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks — including an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds (when properly equipped) — yet has the fuel-efficiency and affordability of a half-ton pickup. The new Titan XD Crew Cab is the first of three cab configurations, two frame sizes, three powertrain offerings and five grade levels to be available in the full Titan lineup. BUILT FROM THE JOB UP WITH COMMERCIAL STRENGTH While the original Nissan Titan is known for its consumer-focused in- novations such as the wide-open rear doors, bedside storage compart- ment, factory spray-on bedliner and Utili-track bed channel system, the next-generation starts with a focus on commercial strength components — from the radiator to the rear axle and everything in between. Nissan Titan XD models utilize a unique frame and chassis to han - dle its Cummins diesel and its expanded towing and payload potential. Starting with a durable, proven chassis design from Nissan Commercial Vehicles, the new fully boxed, full-length ladder frame is extensively re- inforced and strengthened for use with the Titan XD with added stiff- ness, vertical and lateral bending, and torsional rigidity. It also features an extended 151.6-inch wheelbase — about 20 inches longer than non- XD Titan models. To maximize stability, handling and ride comfort, Titan XD uses a new heavy-duty, highly stable suspension design. The new Titan XD rides on 17-inch, 18-inch or 20-inch aluminum- alloy wheels with LT245/75R17, LT275/65R18 or LT265/60R20 tires for strong all-weather/all surface traction. CUMMINS 5.0L V8 TURBO DIESEL The Titan XD Cummins diesel is the first commercial application of the new Cummins M2 two-stage turbo system, which helps reduce tradition - al turbo-lag through precision balancing between high-pressure and low- pressure turbos. The patented Rotary Turbine Control provides solid per- formance across the powerband and manages exhaust gas temperatures. The new engine also features a Bosch HPCR fuel system to deliver precise fuel control and multiple injections per combustion stroke, which helps increase efficiency and reduce traditional "diesel clatter." And, the advanced, maintenance-free Bosch ceramic glow plugs provide quick engine starts, even in extreme low temperatures. Another key advantage of the new Cummins diesel design is that it provides maximum durability and power in a lightweight package. Weight was reduced by building the cylinder block out of compacted graphite iron (CGI), which is stronger and lighter than traditional iron. The new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel exhaust system has a par - ticulate filter and selective catalytic reduction that enable the engine to run cleaner. That technology also serves a second purpose — reducing typical diesel noise. TOWING AND HAULING Titan XD has a maximum payload of more than 2,000 pounds (when properly equipped) and a maximum towing rating of more than 12,000 pounds (when properly equipped). It is also snow plow-capable. Among the list of new available towing aids are an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer sway control (TSC), tow/haul mode with down - hill speed control and a trailer light check system that allows one-person hook-up operation — checking turn signals, brake lights and running/ clearance lights from inside the Titan cab. Also assisting trailer hook-ups is the Titan XD's available rearview monitor with trailer guides, while the available around view moni - tor provides a unique "bird's eye" view of the surrounding area from front, rear and side cameras. The system also includes moving object detection (MOD). SMART DESIGN, SMART UTILITY The profile of the Titan XD, with its extended front overhang, was influ- enced by the engine, to incorporate the high-performance grille, charged air cooler and two-battery installation. Aerodynamics also played a role in the exterior design, which is improved from the previous Titan and incorporates a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers, front tow hook hole cover, underbody covers, rear tire wind deflectors and a seal be - tween the cab and bed. The all-new Nissan Titan XD Crew Cab is the first in a lineup of Titan trucks that will be offered in Crew Cab, King Cab and Single Cab configurations, along with three available bed lengths. Nissan Titan XD WORK TRUCKS 28 FALL 2015 ARBOR AGE www.arborage.com