Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
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it typically has a temperature of about -260 degrees Fahrenheit when liquefied at the liquefaction plant, and about -220 degrees when it goes into the truck tank. Special insulation is required, but again, to the untrained eye, the overall look is not too different from a conventional tractor-trailer tank configuration ��� a testament to the thought and effort Westport has put into its integration efforts. Kermit���s first impression is a positive one: The Westport 15L engine noticeably is quieter than a conventional diesel, both at idle and at road speeds. Even more important, I can���t tell any discernable difference from a diesel in terms of torque when launching the truck; acceleration is smooth with predicable shift points. Even with twice the weight I���m accustomed to pulling, getting Kermit up and moving is clearly no sweat for this natural gas engine. That initial impression holds true as the drive to Boston Bar progresses. Any doubts you have concerning the ability of a natural gas engine being able to perform in a severe-service application will be cast aside quickly. The driving experience ��� in terms of engine performance ��� is a nonevent compared to diesel; in terms of every considerable metric, this engine performed just as well. I pulled out of Abbotsford heading East on Trans-Canadian Highway 1. This road runs straight through the pancake-flat Fraser Valley ��� on this day notable mainly for the surprising amount of traffic present. On this portion of the run, things deceptively were easy. Once at speed, Kermit and the natural gas engine weren���t sweating a bit. I always find Peterbilts a delight to drive with great visibility and superior handling characteristics; both features were a bonus given the traffic around us. But I was more delighted to discover that there was plenty of oomph available from the Westport 15L if I decided to ease over in the left-hand lane and pass. Once again, putting my foot to the floor brought an instant response and impressive acceleration ��� even with 140,000 pounds behind me. Things got more interesting when I turned north onto Trans-Canadian Highway 1 leading into the Cascades and eventually to Boston Bar. It���s one of the Howes CCJ_S13.pdf 1 2/8/13 most fundamental tasks a driver faces: to take power and torque from a powertrain and apply them in the most effective way to make a rig respond effectively and efficiently to meet the road conditions at hand. Drivers don���t have to be concerned that they���ll start out with a deficit in that area with a natural gas engine ��� even in 7:48 AM severe-service high-capacity hauls into the Cascade Mountains. C M Release your rig���s inner beast! Y CM MY Summer���s here, and with it comes conditions capable of degrading the performance of even the most well-maintained rig. That���s when it���s time to harness the muscle of Howes Meaner Power Kleaner. Release the beast! CY CMY K ��� More power with less emissions ��� Cleans tanks, lines ��� the whole fuel system ��� 5% improvement in fuel economy ��� Guaranteed ��� Enhanced lubricity for less wear ��� Particulate ���lter friendly and warranty safe ��� Removes water harmlessly $10 Rebate! when you purchase 2 bottles of Howes Meaner Power Kleaner Qts. Download coupon at www.howeslube.com or call 1-800 GET HOWES (438-4693) O���er ends: 9/30/13, available while supplies last. Professional Grade Performance Since 1920 1-800 GET HOWES (438-4693) ��� www.howeslube.com Text INFO to 205-289-3554 or visit www.ccjdigital.com/info commercial carrier journal | april 2013 Untitled-31 1 0413_Equipdept_Jack.indd 29 29 2/8/13 10:47 AM 3/19/13 3:42 PM