Archive for September, 2008
Friday, September 12th, 2008
The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets designed by Bill Lear and produced first by Canadair until that company was bought by Bombardier Aerospace in 1986.
The aircraft was an independent design by Lear in 1976, who had resigned as Chairman of Lear Jet seven years previously. Originally dubbed the LearStar 600, Lear sold exclusive rights to produce and develop the design to Canadair, who renamed it the CL-600 Challenger.
While similar in general configuration to Lear’s previous designs, notable changes were made that distinguished the new aircraft from the Learjets, including the use of a widened fuselage that allowed a ‘walk-about cabin’, a feature not shared by any other business aircraft of the time.
On November 8 1978, the first prototype of the aircraft took off for the first time in Montreal, Canada. An April 3 1980 test flight in the Mojave Desert resulted in disaster, the aircraft crashing due to a deep stall, killing one of the test pilots (the other parachuted to safety). The second and third prototypes flew in 1979.
Despite the crash, both Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States certified the aircraft in 1980, albeit with both handing over some restrictions to pilots including a limited maximum take-off weight. A large program to reduce the aircraft’s weight was then implemented to improve the aircraft’s range.
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Everyone out there loves a muscle car. From the roar of that huge engine to the flames on the hood, it is hard to resist looking when you hear one rumbling down the road. But, most people don’t really know the history behind the “muscle car”, like who created the first one and when were they introduced on the market?
Almost every historian and car buff credits Pontiac with the first “muscle car” on the market, which was a variation on the Tempest, the 1964 GTO. This first muscle car offered a huge V-8 engine that boasted 389 cubic inches and a floor-shift manual transmission instead of on the column. With a newer, sleek look and trim inside and out that was to die for, who could resist the car that was born that year. These cars sold like hotcakes, even though Pontiac was in direct violation of a General Motors policy on the size of the engines that are placed in their vehicles. It didn’t matter, the muscle car was born, and everyone rushed to get in on the action.
These muscle cars had great performance that was fit for the street or the races, and allowed them to completely dominate every race that they were placed in. It wasn’t long before other auto companies wanted a piece of the action, and more styles of muscle cars were born. While some of these other muscle cars bragged about bigger engines and more options, the youth market in America didn’t care. The muscle car was all the rage because they embodied rebellion, style, and “coolness”. But, with every era comes an end, and in the later 1960’s there was an uprising about the prices and weights of these muscle cars, which prompted the auto manufacturers to create a “budget muscle car”, which carried names like the “Road Runner”.
Though they were wildly popular, the muscle car didn’t quite sell as many as their car manufacturers would have liked, but their rise in popularity has not been matched since. No other type of car in history has been able to create such an air of personality as the muscle car has. But, toward the mid 1970’s, these smaller, budget muscle cars once again got a boost. The competition in the auto industry was heating up once more, and the muscle cars produced during this time boasted some of the biggest engines ever thought of, like the 450 big block. Although this created yet another spike in sales and popularity, concerns about the safety of these cars gave way to more protests and problems. With some of the other industries, like the insurance agencies, protesting the larger muscle cars and refusing to insure them, the sales of these powerful icons plummeted. Then, another crushing blow to the muscle car, the oil problems that plagued the world in the late 70’s and early 80’s ended the muscle car altogether, and auto manufacturers removed them completely from the market.
But, even today, the muscle car is still sought after by car buffs, collectors, motor-heads, and rebels in general. They are sought out, fixed up, and rumbling down the road in every town across the United States, and even all over the world. No matter how old or young you are, the muscle car still holds unquestionable bragging rights as well as an instant pass to “coolness”.
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Freightliner is the leading producer of medium and heavy duty semi trucks, commercial vehicles from classes 5 through 8, customized chassis and semi truck accessories.
Freightliner trucks have a rich heritage that can be traced back to as early as the 1930s, when Consolidated Freightways realised the lack of powerful heavy trucks that could negotiate the mountainous roads in the Western part of the U.S. and decided to build trucks known as ‘freightliners’. In 1981 Mercedes-Benz bought the truck manufacturing business from Consolidated Freightways, while the latter focussed on traditional trucking business.
Today Freightliner is owned by Daimler-Chrylser and its logo also appears on the Sprinter or the Class 2 Merecedes-Benz van that is sold through Freightliner dealers. The company is also a leader in the school bus, diesel Class A recreational vehicle chassis, and walk-in van markets.
Merecedes-Benz Sprinter is a tall delivery van, pick up truck and mini bus and essentially caters to corporate clients rather than private users. Companies such as Microsoft are using Sprinters as campus shuttle buses, while companies like DHL and FedEx are drawn to it because of its aerodynamic design that adds to its speed and fuel efficiency. Freightliner trucks are designed well and to run smart but they also cater to the comfort of the driver. When you buy or drive a Freightliner truck you are assured of its service. The enormous network of Freightliner dealers allows truckers to remain stress free about the service, spare parts and maintenance. This combined with its constant customer support and warranties and financing options make it the best choice.
Freightliner trucks such as Freightliner Classic XL, Argosy, Freightliner Classic XL, Freightliner Coronado, Freightliner Century Class are featured on Rig ‘n’ Roll, a trucking simulation game, set in the future in California 2024. The game explores the exciting aspects of hauling loads in the smart and sleek trucks such as the Freightliner and has various modes such as racing, missions, regular truck driving and cruising. The game attempts to capture the thrill and satisfaction of driving a Freightliner truck.
Freightliner trucks, due to their diverse design structures can be used by businesses big or small, for many purposes and vocations. From hauling heavy loads, as transportation for businesses that need to move fast such as courier service to school buses and converted mini homes. Freightliner is a name that is trusted by thousands of truckers in the U.S. and also across the globe and helps truckers run smart, always.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
A crawler loader is useful for moving up all kinds of materials. You should look into crawler loader machines if you need to move huge piles of dirt or other materials from one to another. Crawler loader tractors are highly useful – and often comfortable.
Crawler loader machines are large, mobile machines that can move loose or solid materials from one place to another and pile or load them. Crawler loader machines deal especially well with moving heavy loads around. Essentially, these heavy equipments lift and move stuff from here to there. Crawler loader machines usually have tracks instead of wheels. They offer you great power and poise on difficult terrain with their excellent traction and comfortable seating. The undercarriage is tracked rather than wheeled, giving you better traction on mud and sand. No tires means that you will get no flat tires! Also, the soil will be disturbed less; the site will not need extra recovery work after your job is done.
If you need prodigious digging and moving capabilities, crawler loader machines are a great solution. Many crawler loader machines can carry over a ton of material, which is much more than what regular backhoes can handle.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
Wheel loaders are a type of heavy machinery that is used in construction, as well as for many other non construction tasks. Wheel loaders, as opposed to track loaders, have sturdy tires equipped with large, rugged tread that allows for optimum maneuverability. Mini, small, large and super wheel loaders; skid steers; front loaders and backhoe loaders are the most common types of wheel loaders.
Wheel loaders are a variation on tractors that are designed for more laborious work. The biggest difference between wheel loaders and tractors can be seen in their steering systems. Most wheel loaders’ steering systems use a hydraulically actuated pivot point, which allows the front and rear axle of the wheel loaders to bear more weight than automotive steering systems.
Wheel loaders have a square bucket, called the loader, which is maneuvered by flexible arms. The loader is either a permanent fixture or an attachment secured to either the front or back of the machine. Some wheel loaders, such as a backhoe loader, have a bucket in the front and a backhoe in the rear. This kind of machine is able to dig with the backhoe and remove the unearthed material with the loader.
Wheel loaders have the ability to perform four general tasks; scooping, digging, dumping and carrying. They are commonly used for carrying construction materials like bricks, pipes and rock. Wheel loaders are also efficient for snow removal in commercial areas. Farms also employ various types of wheel loaders for many reasons, including scooping and transporting hay and excavating the land. Mini wheel loaders can be used inside buildings.
Wheel loaders have an advantage over track loaders, because wheel loaders are easier on paved roads and other sensitive environments. Track loaders are more suited to tasks that involve digging, because wheel loaders are unable to dig much below the tires without getting stuck. When a task involves transport or shallow excavation, wheel loaders are less destructive and therefore more efficient in the long term.
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
All those who have set their eyes on the ultra cheap cars like Nano and saying that car market is booming also need to look a little higher. Luxury car market is booming. It is no longer the Maharajah’s who are buying Rolls Royce and Mercedes. It is also the young hardworking top executive of MNC’s and who has a thriving business. Luxury car manufacturer are running to banks with big smiles like never before in Inadia.
Recently a popular US online magazine for cars commented that India has a market for only 4,000 luxury cars and wondered how they will survive with such a thin margin. But now analysts estimate that the luxury car market will grow to 10,000–12,000 units in two years.
Luxury cars are coming in not only from established names but also from Indian car designer Dilip Chabbria. DC has re-interpreted the aristocratic Ambassador and came up with the super luxury Ambierod. It was the most expensive car displayed at the 9th Auto Expo in 2008. It cost Rs 4 crore! All those super rich people who like to own a part of Ambassador will surely like to buy one of them. It could be India’s answer for super luxury cars.
It consists of sleek instrument panel integrated with a satellite navigation system, 3 LCD televisions, internet video-conferencing facility and a flat bed to sleep during long journey. It also has multi-colored mood lighting.
Among European car manufacturer it has traditionally been Bentley, Rolls Royce, Maybach, Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Audi and Cadillac.
Bentley has brought in Azure and Continental GTC. They are manufactures in UK and shipped to India. They come with a fancy price tag of 3.8 crore and 2.1 crore. Bentley officials say that they entered India knowing that they were car connoisseurs for exclusive vehicles. The Azure is the ultimate statement on glamour, sophistication and accommodation for the rich. The Continental GTC convertible offers performance, style and classic Bentley motoring technology. One can immediately feel they are driving through race circuits instead of crowded Indian lanes. It comes with the latest technology in GPS, LCD, Audio, cabin ambience, seating and shifters.
People do not want to drive convertible to prove a point anymore. It is technology that is driving the new generation and Bentley cars offers just that with exclusivity.
The traditional luxury car manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are trying to beat each other in sales performance. BMW has increased its luxury car sales target to 2000 units this year. Those are the famed BMW M cars, BMW Individual cars and BMW 7-series.
Mercedes Benz needs no introduction in India. It has launched the super luxury CL and S class vehicles in India this year. The manufacturer of Mercedes vehicles-Daimler Chrysler plans to sell 3000 units in 2008 only. Following it are the Lamborghini cars- Gallardo Coupe, Spyder, Gallardo Superleggera and Murcielago LP640. These models are priced anywhere between Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore. We can already see several of these cars on Indian streets. Whoever said that luxury cars are not affordable in India? It could just be the style statement that one was looking for in the country, starved of glamorous cars.
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
Founder Clyde Cessna built his first airplane in 1911, and taught himself to fly it! He went on to build a number of innovative airplanes, including several race and award winning designs. In 1934, Clyde’s nephew, Dwane Wallace, fresh out of college, took over as head of the company. During the depression years Dwane acted as everything from floor sweeper to CEO, even personally flying company planes in air races (several of which he won!) Under Wallace’s leadership, the Company making Cessna Aircraft eventually became the most successful general aviation company of all time.Cessna first began production of two seat light planes in 1946 with the model 120 which had an all aluminum fuselage and fabric covered wings. This was followed by a nearly identical model 140, with aluminum clad wings. More than 7,000 model 120-140’s were sold. Cessna stopped production of the 140 in 1951 in order to focus on four seat aircraft.
In 1966 Cessna restyled the airplane, adding a jaunty slant to the tail. The new style was enormously popular with pilots. Cessna made 3,000 model 150’s that year, the most of any year in the airplane’s history. That year Cessna also began assembly of 150’s at Reims Aviation in France. A total of 2,452 planes were built by Reims, including 47 assembled in Argentina.
The Cessna 150 standard engine is a four cylinder, 100 horsepower, Continental model 0-200. During it’s 18 year production history there were many changes to the 150 airframe and configuration.In 1970 Cessna introduced the model 150 “Aerobat” which became very popular in the Aerobatic training market, and remains a popular sport airplane.
In 1978 Cessna introduced a revised model, the 152, with a 110 horsepower Lycoming 0-235 engine. The Lycoming was chosen to make the 152 more tolerant of the extra lead in the new 100LL fuel, as well as provide a long overdue increase in horsepower. The cabin was also widened slightly to make room for the increased girth of late 20th century pilots. Unlike the Model 150, there were few changes in 152’s from one year to the next.
By the end of production in 1985, 31,533 Cessna 150-152’s had been manufactured worldwide. More pilots have flown Cessna 150-152’s than any other single model of airplane. Like most light plane companies in the US, Cessna stopped building light aircraft all together in the mid 1980’s because of excessive product liability lawsuits. The last Model 152 rolled off the production line in 1985.
Today Cessna is once again in the light aircraft business, building 172’s, 182’s and 206’s. Unfortunately, the high cost of production and insurance premiums make it unlikely that Cessna will reintroduce an affordable two seat aircraft. In the meantime, used 150-152’s are selling for three to five times their original price. Still, by comparison, the low quantities and astronomical prices of most other airplanes make the Cessna 150-152 one of the few genuine bargains in private aviation. Remarkably, 48 years after production began and 19 years since it ended, more than two thirds of all Cessna 150-152’s built are still flying.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008
Pontiac muscle cars can easily be traced to the hot 389- and 421-cid-powered full-size models that tore up dragstrips and boulevards alike in the early 1960s.
But Pontiac’s lasting claim to muscle car fame stems from a bit of mix-and-match that appeared on Poncho order sheets for the 1964 model year. It was a stroke of marketing genius that earned Pontiac credit for initiating the classic era of the muscle car.
Pontiac wasn’t the first to place one of its largest engines (a 389-cid V-8) into an intermediate-size car (the Tempest). It was the first to sugar coat the whole thing with bucket seats, heavy-duty suspension, hood scoops, and all the other cues that screamed “cool car” to the nation’s young adults.
Pontiac called it the GTO. It stood for Gran Turismo Omologato, an Italian term generally meaning a car suitable for both racing and street use. That Ferrari also offered a car bearing the GTO tag didn’t hurt the image. The Pontiac GTO was as much image campaign as muscle car, and was part of Pontiac’s early-’60s push to reverse the stodgy impression of the brand left over from the 1950s.
Pontiac had begun that makeover with the 1962 and ‘63 Super Duty Catalinas, midsize cars with a race-prepped 421-cid V-8 and aluminum front sheetmetal. When the Grand Prix debuted in 1962, it also affected a sporty sort of luxury and offered Tri-Power carburetion as an option.
But the GTO was the breakthrough, and its success forced every other General Motors division — indeed, every other American automaker — to create midsize muscle cars of their own. The GTO arrived with a four-barrel 325-bhp, 389 V-8. An option with triple two-barrel carburetors was rated at 348 horses. Ram Air was introduced in 1965, and a handsome new body was rolled out for 1966. The 389 and Tri-Power option lasted through 1966, after which the larger 400-cid V-8 took over. The 1966 GTO was the most popular ever, with sales of more than 96,000 units.
The ‘67 Firebird’s performance engines included a High Output 326-cid V-8 rated at 285 bhp, and the 400 HO, rated at 325 horsepower. In 1968, the 326 was replaced with a 350-cid V-8 rated at 320 bhp in HO form, while the Formula 400 had up to 335 ponies.
For 1968, the GTO/Tempest line received a curvaceous new body. In 1969, Pontiac introduced one of the most memorable GTOs ever: the striped and spoilered Judge. Its standard Ram Air 400 was rated at 366 bhp. Also in 1969, Pontiac built the first Firebird Trans Am, although only 697 saw the light of day.
The big news for 1970 was Firebird’s swoopy redesign and the availability of the 455-cid V-8 in the GTO. The following year, GM engines lost horsepower, as they were made compatible with unleaded gas. That marked the beginning of the end for many muscle cars.
But while some manufacturers killed theirs off quickly, the true believers at Pontiac kept the flame burning into 2002 with the Firebird Trans Am. It flickered anew for 2004 when Pontiac took a midsize coupe from GM’s Australian branch and christened it the new GTO. The car’s Corvette V-8 power gave it muscle-car performance, but the U.S. performance-car market never warmed up to the car as worthy of bearing the name of the muscle car that started it all back in 1964.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008
As an industry, the manufacture of trailers dates back only half a dozen years, but it has grown rapidly until today there are seventy-five or more trailer manufacturers in the country, and several are exporting to foreign countries. Trailers are made in a wide variety of types and capacities for all sorts of purposes, ranging from the little pneumatic tired two-wheel trailer of 500 pounds capacity, to be attached behind runabouts and touring cars, to ten-ton and fifteen-ton trailers and semi-trailers, hauled by powerful tractors and motor trucks. These include car haulers, dump trailers, utility trailers, equipment trailers etc. Size is one of the main considerations while looking for a trailer. The maximum towing capacity and maximum tongue weight of your tow vehicle are limiting factors.
Utility trailers are of great use for both home owners and contactors as well. These multipurpose utility trailers are available in varied sizes so as to cater to your specific requirements like for lifting lawn mowers, vehicles, golf carts as well as ideal for hauling small equipment too. Car haulers are used for specific purpose of hauling your vehicles, including personal car or racing car. Apart from car haulers, another variety is equipment trailer which are used to transfer skid loaders, excavators, and small tractors. Dump trailers are used for small purposes at homes as well as for commercial purposes. These types of dump trailers are available in various types of models, sizes and weights.
The use of dump trailers has been gaining in popularity as one of the most cost effective means for handling tear-off removal. Licensing fees, insurance costs and maintenance expenses associated with a dump truck are astronomical in most parts of the country. The use of dump trailers is a more cost effective and more versatile method for handling tear-off debris.
A gooseneck trailer is also an important variety of trailers that has been introduced especially for heavy loads and towing of equipments as these trailers have an enhanced stability and tighter turning of radius.
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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
Caterpillar hit a dial of power and performance with its top of the line 446 backhoe loader when it first introduced the D series version of the machine. The 102 HP machine also features a new operator station and offers optional joystick controls. The dig forces on the bucket have increased 10% on the backhoe.
Bobcat gave its compact backhoe loaders a power boost when the company introduced the second generation B series to the lineup. The 31.5 HP B100 received a 45% increase in backhoe bucket breakout force and a 27% jump in the breakout force of the dipper. The 46 HP B300 received a 44% increase in dipper breakout force and a 21% boost in the breakout force of the bucket. The three model line also includes the B250, which is a 31.5 HP sideshift unit. Similar to the larger B300, the B250 also features all wheel steering and four wheel drive.
Each one of the four models of backhoe loaders in the New Holland lineup use the new 4.5 liter turbocharged Tier 2 engine. This new engine and a number of other upgrades were the basis for the B series machines, which offer low effort pilot controls which will give you a choice between excavator or loader style patterns.
Case added quite a bit to its M series backhoe loaders, by switching to family 3 engines to meet Tier 2 emission standards. The new machines of the M series have quieter, larger displacement engines for better lugging capacity. They also have increased torque rise for faster cycles of loader and backhoe operations.
With 500 hour intervals of oil changes and easy to access transmission mounted hydraulic pumps, the M series is surely a force to be reckoned with in the world of backhoes.
The newest compact backhoe loader from this company can reach digging depths of up to 12 feet with its backhoe. Working as a loader, the BL-580 has an operating capacity of 3,406 pounds with a breakout force of 9,370 pounds. Both the loader and backhoe are equipped with standard auxiliary hydraulics with a two way flow to accommodate a variety of attachments, which includes booms, breakers, augers, and even compactors. Other nifty features include hydrostatic four wheel drive for power and traction, and all wheel steering for a tight radius.
Komatsu announced that the optional excavator style joystick controls would be offered on its five model lineup of backhoes. The lineup has also been upgraded with increased hydraulic speed, stronger components, and Tier 2 engines. The entire Komatsu equipments consists of the 87 HP WB140 series, and teh 94 HP WB150 series.
The standard model found with each series features a four speed mechanical transmission complete with a torque converter. The fifth model from Komatsu is the WB150, with offers an all star wheel design with a powershift transmission and anti theft prevention system.
The 410H is the hallmark of John Deere, offering 92 HP. The 410H also offers the total machine control system, which integrates control for the engine, transmission, hydraulics, and brakes so that the system can respond in an efficient way to the many different job demands.
Since acquiring the Fermec line, Terex has marketed a full and impressive line of backhoes. The models include the 92 HP TX760B and the 100 HP > TX860B. At 100 HP as well are the 860SX, 860 Elite, and the 970 Elite. Both the 760 and 860 models feature four speed shuttle gearboxes and travel speeds of up to 25.8 miles per hour.
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