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www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation April 2017 29 ■ What is the primary purpose of the truck? ■ What are the towing payload requirements? ■ What is the unit's operating environment? After addressing these basic functional questions, look at performance requirements and technical solutions for increasing efficiency. What is the desired maximum speed at full capacity? Have you accounted for special equipment — dimensionally and operationally? Consider the operating conditions and environment. Will this equipment be used in urban or rural conditions? What is the anticipated topology (e.g., is terrain mostly hilly or level)? Take environmental factors into account. Will the vehicle operate in snowy and salty conditions? Adjusting your truck design to these metrics can decrease costs through risk mitigation, reduced maintenance and extended truck life. For example, consider upgrading transmission and engine cooling systems for vehicles operated in high-temperature regions. Relocate air tanks or use remote drain systems in humid climates. Use heated mirrors, windows and upgraded air dryers in extreme cold regions. Review maintenance histories of your existing fleet. Looking at failure points can help identify where adjustments are needed. Either changing the specification or matching the proper type of equipment for the defined job will ensure optimal efficiency. Leveraging data Using accurate data to drive design changes can improve performance and assist in reducing operating expenses. Taking a few steps to capture specific data can help fleet managers increase operational output and productivity. For most businesses and organizations, resources are limited. Collecting specific information on units that consume the highest amount of resources (i.e., fuel, maintenance, acquisition cost) will likely provide data that can be turned into savings by analyzing and adapting operations. Although many organizations function within their own parameters, it's important to look at industry trends and find the balance of being innovative without reinventing the wheel. Christopher Lyon is director of fleet relations at NTEA, The Association for the Work Truck Industry. NTEA represents 1,900 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the Association. NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces The Work Truck Show. NTEA offers data and resources to help fleet managers optimize their operations and benchmark with others in the vocational community. Learn more at ntea.com/fleetresources. PHOTO ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/123DUCU