Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/835233
commercial carrier journal | june 2017 63 OEMs boost medium-duty options, efficiency BY JASON CANNON W hile Greenhouse Gas Phase II regulations have prompted most Class 8 truck OEMs to debut new or refreshed product lines over the last 18 months, the medium- duty segment also has seen varying degrees of refinements and facelis. Manufacturers now or will be bring- ing many of these changes to market as part of their 2018 model-year lineups. Ford's F-Series Super Duty With those federal mandates looming, the most significant changes coming to Ford's heaviest truck models will be compliance-related upgrades. For the 2018 model year, Ford is making electronic stability control and traction control brakes standard on all F-650 and F-750 tractors. e system initially will be optional on certain F-750 diesel air-braked straight trucks with high-center-of-gravity body upfits. Other updates by the automaker include an available high-output 240- amp alternator for F-650 and F-750 trucks equipped with a 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine; an optional auto- matic regeneration inhibitor on diesel models; relocated oil and transmission fluid dipsticks on diesel models; and an available 3-inch extension for the full- width front bumper. e high-output alternator was designed for tow trucks, road service vehicles and other truck applications with high electrical demands. Ordering the higher-output alternator to power auxiliary lights and equipment can eliminate the need to specify a second alternator or generator. e available bumper extension, which was designed to limit potential hood wear and front-end collision damage, moves the full-width front bumper from flush with the grille to 3 inches in front of it while providing ad- ditional protection to the grille and the components behind it. e relocated oil and transmission Isuzu's 2018 FTR F-Series truck is available in eight wheelbase lengths ranging from 152 to 248 inches and can accommodate bodies from 14 to 30 feet.