Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/85437
TRUCK GALLERY ONE HOT WHEEL Richard Carlson of Bolingbrook, Ill., pulls a flatbed with this 2005 Peterbilt 379, hauling anything from bedding materials to steel. It's equipped with an 18-speed transmission and a C15 twin-turbo Caterpillar. Leased to Mercer Transportation, he bought the truck new in 2005 and added sleeper panels, shaved the roof and applied custom 3-D flames on the fenders. Because other drivers have told him it looks like a toy truck, he dubbed it Hot Wheel. Back to classic Bismarck, N.D., resident Jeff Christensen bought his 1973 Kenworth cabover in 2011. He uses the rig to haul fuel for Summit Oil Co. He's added 7-inch straight pipes and a cus- tom paint job. "I just wanted a cabover, and I like older models a lot better than the newer ones," Christensen says. The tractor's powered by a 400-hp Cummins and Eaton 13-speed. Christina – unlike a woman "I call her Christina, because a woman you can find anywhere, but a good truck is hard to find," said Mark Baumann of his 2005 Peterbilt 379. The Plymouth, Wis., resident hauls cheese and produce for Wisconsin Refrigerated. Among additions are a 22-inch visor and custom bumper, 10-inch pipes, a custom grille, aftermarket headlights and some tweaking of 550-hp Caterpillar engine, geared through an 18-speed transmission. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO To display your truck online and have it considered for Overdrive's Truck Gallery, go to the Reader Truck Gallery at www.OverdriveOnline.com. Will low viscosity engine oils provide benefits for my engine and my bottom line? By Dan Arcy Shell Lubricants has competition from lower viscosity grade oils that promote better fuel economy and other benefits. A number of diesel engine manufacturers recommend lower viscosity lubricants in their newest engines, and the move to lower viscosity lubricants is reinforced by the recent announcement that one of the focus areas for the next generation of heavy-duty diesel engine oils will be fuel economy savings, which lower viscosity oils have demonstrated the ability to provide. This is particularly important as the first-ever fuel economy regulations for heavy trucks will begin in 2014. Less energy is consumed when starting a cold engine when it is lubricated by a synthetic SAE 5W-40 than is consumed with a conventional SAE 15W-40. Lower viscosity oils also help reduce friction in an engine, which can result in fuel savings. Anti-idling laws mean the days of 40 percent idle time are over. Idle times of 10 percent or less are now common, meaning more start-ups. The better cold temperature flow of a lower viscosity oil such as SAE 5W-40 full synthetic or SAE 10W-30 synthetic blend versus SAE 15W-40 will provide easier starting and faster lubrication in colder weather. 10W-30 have been shown to deliver fuel-economy savings, extended- drain capability, enhanced engine cleanliness, and excellent wear protection. Low viscosity oils, Shell Rotella® T5 Synthetic Blend SAE Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or Shell Rotella® This monthly column is brought to you by Shell Lubricants. Got a question? Visit ROTELLA.com, call 1-800-231-6950 or write to The ANSWER COLUMN, 1001 Fannin, Ste. 500, Houston, TX 77002. The term "Shell Lubricants" refers to the various Shell Group companies engaged in the lubricants business. JUNE 2012 OVERDRIVE 15 T6 The reasons to switch to using lower viscosity, full synthetic or synthetic blend motor oils continue to build. The tried and true SAE 15W-40 conventional motor oils that many use Circle 171 on Reader Service Card or visit overdrive.hotims.com