Archive for August, 2008
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
Doosan Infracore, South Korea’s largest construction equipment maker, has recently acquired Bobcat, the world’s largest compact construction and concrete equipment company, from Ingersoll-Rand for a sum of US $4.9 billion.
The buy-out is the biggest ever overseas acquisition by a South Korean company. It is also the biggest recorded consolidation in the construction equipment industry. The deal also includes Ingersoll-Rand’s attachments and utilities equipment businesses and comes just two years after Doosan moved to take over its national rival, Daewoo Heavy Industries.
The takeover is expected to almost double Doosan Infracore’s sales revenue to an estimated US $7.4 billion and take the company into the top seven of global construction companies. The acquisition of Bobcat will serve to strengthen Doosan Infracore’s existing product line, while also extending it’s presence in the North American and European markets.
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Thursday, August 7th, 2008
It’s a bit deceptive. At first peek, Howard Henry’s truck is instantly recognizable as a ’36. There’s no mistaking that nose. When you stop and think about it, though, eventually the thought hits you that Ford didn’t use that grille on their trucks—ever. That’s actually a leftover from a ’36 roadster that Howard had built previously, but that also happens to blend perfectly with the truck’s styling.
Howard’s truck boasts a long, convoluted history with more twists and turns than a bowl full of earthworms all hopped up on caffeine—or not. It spent its youth in typical pickup truck fashion, hauling stuff. It eventually found its way into Howard’s driveway via Boyd Jarrett. Howard then used it as a daily driver, hauling himself back and forth to work at GM for a number of years. When Howard retired, he and his wife, Kathy, up and moved to Nokomis, Florida. Once settled in, Howard decided it was time for a rebuild. He tackled the vast majority of the modifications himself and after two years of cutting, welding, grinding, sanding, and wrenching, he hit the road, quickly logging over 57,000 miles in his hot-red hauler. Howard has much in store for his truck in the future, 99 percent of which involves driving it.
Drivetrain: A 355ci small-block resides under the hood. It’s mostly stock with lots of shiny stuff for maximum flash. It sports an Edelbrock carb and an HEI distributor. Exhaust routes through a pair of ram’s horn manifolds and dual exhaust. A TH350 backs it up and turns a Ford 8-inch rear.
Chassis: The stock ’35 Ford truck frame was modified by Howard with a ’72 Nova clip, which retained its disc brakes and was lowered 2 inches. Out back, a pair of Chassis Engineering parallel leaf springs support the 8-incher.
Wheels & Tires:Wheels are Corvette Rally wheels with smoothie caps. Up front are 15×6s wrapped in Coker widewall radials, while out back rests a set of 15×8 rallys with Coker bias-plies for a nice rubber rake.
Body: Howard handled the body modifications himself. He chopped the top 4 inches, tunneled a pair of ’59 Cadillac bullet taillights into the rear fenders, and recessed the running boards to accept the lakes pipes. The truck’s front fenders were modified to accept the ’36 passenger car grille, hood, and side panels. A ’36 car bumper was also used in the front to complete the look. Howard fabricated bumper bracket covers and painted them body color. The hard tonneau cover is also an owner-built piece and integrates a third brake light for max safety.
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
“RVing,” so to speak, is something that many people dream about. Driving down the open road in a recreational vehicle with everything that you need right at your fingertips can be an unforgettable experience. RVs will make your vacations better, and enhance your life in extraordinary ways. Owning an RV can be very freeing, allowing you the ability to have limitless adventures, whether camping or traveling. If your first recreational vehicle is going to be a used one, do your research. Used RVs, in great condition, are sold everyday; the key is in knowing where to find them.
Used RVs are typically sold by RV dealers. Finding a dealer that has a good reputation for selling used vehicles is not hard to do. Ask people that own an RV if they have a dealer that they can recommend to you. Let your friends know what you are looking for. Word of mouth is an excellent way to locate a dealer who will treat you right.
RV dealers will often have perfectly good used RVs on the lot that have been traded in for bigger and better models. Find out if they have one that had just a single owner before being traded in. Be sure that you walk through the RV, that is has the accessories you want, and that everything is in working condition. Don’t forget to test drive it as well. Your RV dealer will help you with every step, and answer any questions that you might have.
Finding a used recreational vehicle in great condition ss not difficult to do. Be sure that you are looking in all of the above places, and you will locate the vehicle of your dreams. That next family vacation does not have to be a distant dream; make it a reality and take your family on the best vacation they can imagine in a great used RV.
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
Manufactured by Honda, the Prelude was a front wheel drive I4-engined coupe that was introduced in 1978. The third main model in Honda’s modern lineup, the styling of the vehicle was a mixture between the Accord and Civic. Developed as a better-equipped and more stylish step up from the Accord, the first-generation Prelude featured a wealth of standard equipment that included a power glass ‘moon-roof’ that eventually became a Prelude standard. The Honda Prelude used the floor-plan and the 1.8-liter CVCC with the upcoming second-generation Civic, and the SOHC engine from the first-generation Accord sedan. It also borrowed the strut suspension and brakes from the Civic, the only difference being in the location of the front anti-roll bar that was mounted behind the axles rather than in the front, where it doubled as a trailing arm. A rear sway bar was also fitted into this first generation Prelude.
Spanning five generations of cars, it was eventually discontinued upon the release of the fourth-generation Honda Integra in 2001. In 1987 Wheels magazine featured the Honda Prelude as Car of the Year.
Equipped with a 1751 cc SOHC CVCC I4 engine, the Prelude was capable of producing 72 hp and had 94 lbf-ft of torque. It came with a 2-speed automatic called the HondaMatic, and was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and 68 hp. In 1982, The second generation Prelude came available with a 12-valve carburated engine, and in 1985, fuel injection was introduced. The first to have pop-up headlights, allowing for a more aerodynamic front, the second generation Prelude was available with a DOHC 16-valve PGM-FI engine in Japan and Asia. This engine was released in Europe until 1986.
In 1983, the Prelude model was lower and wider than the earlier models. The 1.8 liter CVCC, SOHC engine was fed through two side-draft carburetors, the end result being a additional 25 more horsepower than the old Accord. The MacPherson strut front end with a double A-arm front suspension was replaced by Honda to accommodate the low hood line and improve camber control.
The 1984 Prelude model was declared the best sports coupe for under $12,000. Car and Driver rated the Prelude’s handling second only to the Porsche 944.
The 1988 Prelude received recognition in the 1987 Road & Track for beating every car of that year including Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsches. Phenomenol for those days, the Prelude reached 65.5 mph compared to the 1988 Corvette that did the same in 64.9 mph. Receiving a facelight in 1990, the Prelude now featured slightly larger tail lights with clear indicators rather than the previous yellow from before. Other updates included the front bumper changed to feature clear indicators along with park lamps, and different styling.
The fourth generation Prelude was released in 1991, (outside of Japan in 1992) and featured a major overhaul. The adaption of a electronic version of the four wheel steering system, and increase in engine size went from 2.1L to 2.2L for the base ‘S’ model. This new model mainted a close to perfect 58% front and 42% rear weight distribution. These fourth generation models marked the end of the era of pop-up headlights as well as other features that had earned the ‘Prelude standard’. The glass sunroof no longer retracted intro the car but extended out and over it, the front fascia of the car became wider with fixed headlights. The rear end became wide, rounded and fairly high in comparison to the flat and wide design of earlier models.
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
While it’s likely that men have been racing trucks in some form since the first models appeared on the landscape to see work or military duty, the world of truck racing today is as far a field from the farm fields and backcountry roads of America as it can be–and the trucks that are raced look nothing like the vehicles they are derived from, as well. It should come as no surprise that racing trucks is big business, but just how big the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) racing has become in a relatively short period of time could clearly be a shocker.
Truck makers, like Ford Motor Company, know that racing helps sell trucks. “Alliances such as NCTS are really important to Ford, since we know that 50 percent of our F-Series buyers attend or watch NASCAR racing, in all forms,” explained Todd Eckert, Ford’s Manager of Truck and SUV Communications, while attending the Built Ford Tough 225 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race, sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Ford dealers at the Kentucky Speedway. Eckert and other Ford spokespeople attended the race at this 66,089-seat Speedway to announce the three-year extension of the entitlement partnerships associated with NCTS. “Even in a time of budget constraints, Ford wants to establish ties (such as this) with customers at a grassroots level,” said Eckert. “Giving what’s happening in the industry, we can’t go silent. Plus, truck racing is more of an old-fashioned racing and it’s very family-friendly.”
For 2007, Ford NASCAR Truck Series team drivers include Travis Kvapil, Joey Clanton, David Starr, Rick Crawford, Jon Wood, Peter Shepherd, Eric Dranell, and Jack Smith. Kvapil, who drives for car owner Jack Roush and is sponsored by K & N Filters, is currently in third place standing, in this year’s series.
Ford Racing is a division of Ford truck and is also the title sponsor of the season-ending “Ford Championship Weekend”, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where NASCAR officially crowns its NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series champions.
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Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Since 1990, Hoss Equipment Co. has become one of the largest dealers of rebuilt and used Caterpillar equipment in the world. In fact, on average, 35 to 40% of the heavy machines sold by Hoss, are sold to franchise and independent equipment dealers. Our highly trained staff employs the latest technology to repair and service our rebuilt and used CAT equipment so that it is available and ready for work when you need it.
Caterpillar is the world’s largest machines manufacturer and a leading supplier of agricultural equipment. Caterpillar produces construction, mining and logging machinery; diesel and natural gas engines; industrial gas turbines; electrical power-generation systems; and more! The Holt Caterpillar, introduced in 1904, was the first to incorporate a pair of chain treads for movement.
With over $50 million in inventory, Hoss has the used equipment you need available for shipping anywhere in the world today. We have rebuilt and used equipment solutions for heavy highway construction, mass excavation, landfill, quarry/aggregate, coal mining and other surface mining applications including precious metals.
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Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
A new online site, Save on Construction Equipment, has just announced a new offering of pre-owned heavy equipment, available online for discount prices. They are working to help construction equipment buyers find the heavy machinery, parts, and equipment they are looking for, while saving money.
Many construction companies are beginning to find this new site and they are using the site to find the low cost supplies they need, including machinery, equipment, and other construction supplies. Whether consumers are looking for machinery, heavy equipment, or even equipment parts and manuals, they can all be found for discounted prices at Save on Construction Equipment.
This new website offers a full range of heavy construction equipment. Some of the equipment they offer on a regular basis include Backhoe Loaders, Crawler Dozers & Loaders, Trailers, Asphalt & Concrete Pavers, Lifts, Graders, Cranes, Excavators, Wheel Loaders, Stump Grinders, Wood Chippers, and a whole lot more.
Attachments can also be purchase from Save on Construction Equipment. Available attachments include Backhoes, Buckets, Augers, Blades, Plows, and even Bucket Thumbs. Manuals for most equipment and machinery parts can also be found as well.
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Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Ford trucks has announced plans to transform its North American manufacturing and vehicle line-up to be smaller and greener.
Starting in December this year, Ford is planning to convert three of its truck and SUV plants into small car production facilities. By 2011, two of the company’s assembly plants will also be converted to small cars.
“While we have no intention of giving up our longtime truck leadership, we are creating a new Ford in North America on a foundation of small, fuel-efficient cars,” says Mark Fields, president of Ford in America.
The plant conversions will support Ford’s strategy to introduce six of its successful European small cars into the North American market. This will include the Ford Fiesta, which has just launched an ECOnetic model in the UK.
The ECOnetic version of the Fiesta claims to do 76.3 mpg with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km – exempting it from UK road tax. The savings come courtesy of a stripped down version of the model – lowered suspension, low resistance tyres and low friction oil.
Ford is also expanding production of its fuel-efficient EcoBoost V-6 and four-cylinder engines, as well as its hybrid vehicles. Production of two new hybrid models – the 2010 Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan – is scheduled to begin in December.
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Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
If you’re a first-time purchaser, you may be wondering what kind of All Terrain Vehicle to choose. These recreational vehicles, which are also often referred to as ‘quads’ or ‘4 wheelers,’ are immensely popular. In fact, there are hundreds of groups in North America alone dedicated to the ATV hobbyist. Owners love them because they’re fast, and they provide a sense of freedom, convenience, and also closeness to nature.
If you’ve ever purchased a car (new or used) then you should apply the same types of rules to buying a 4-wheeler as you would to purchasing a car.Some tips when looking for the right one:
* Look for safe handling. 4-wheelers are safer than their 3-wheeled predecessors, which became obsolete in the 80’s due to their high rate of rollovers. However, ATV’s are still prone to tipping over. Look for a vehicle which has its weight evenly distributed, as well as a good center of gravity, which will minimize this risk.
* Good tires are important. ATV riding is all about high speed and fast cornering. Therefore, quality tires with deep treads are crucial, both to safety and to performance.
* Don’t overlook performance. Like cars, 4-wheelers perform differently from model to model. Consider qualities like fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, and how a specific model will handle under the conditions that you plan to drive it in.
* Size matters. It can be dangerous when someone operates a vehicle that is too big or small for them. Buy yours according to the size of the principle driver. Quads are made in various sizes for riders from child to adult. Make sure you always heed the advice of the manufacturer with regard to weight restrictions and distribution.
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Monday, August 4th, 2008
Land Rover, one of the most prominent names in the SUV realm unveils its freshest and hottest lineup for 2007. The growing Rover family welcomes its new additions - Range Rover, Range Rover Sports car, and LR3. These vehicles use the latest car technology and upgraded Rover auto parts.
Range Rover
Its flagship - Rover Range Rover, a luxury SUV, has benefited from several modifications and additions like new engine options. Said vehicle made use of enhanced OEM Range Rover parts including the supercharged V8. This year, it is given an improved interior for added comfort and enhanced Range Rover climate control. The latter has expanded its capability to minimize noise without compromising comfort. The Terrain Response, which is an exclusive Rover trademark originally introduced on the LR3, is now a standard on Range Rover vehicles. By using the system, the driver simply turns a knob to control the settings of the suspension, powertrain, and electronic systems. This is especially opted by drivers during off-road conditions and the car responds well.
Range Rover is now equipped with redesigned cabin, redesigned frontal airbag, new cup holders, dash, twin glove boxes and an improved center console. Side air bags were relocated to maximize comfort and performance. Range Rover HSE is priced at $77,250 while the Supercharged version costs $92,750.
Range Rover Sport
The Manufacturer claims that SUV fanatics who also are into sporty drive feel can be well served by its new Range Rover Sport. The latter combines handling capability and power to conquer different types of road, speed and distance. The latest version of the vehicle is equipped with Personal Telephone Integration System with Bluetooth ® capability as standard. In the Supercharged version SIRIUS satellite radio is standard. Options for Supercharged Range Rover Sport include light Cherry or dark Oak wood accents, LUX or sporty Supercharged-unique leather upholstery, and light Cherry or dark Oak wood accents, light Cherry or dark Oak wood accents, LUX or sporty Supercharged-unique leather upholstery, and optional Stormer 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and LUX or sporty Supercharged-unique leather upholstery, and optional Stormer 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
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