Software
Snap-on Tools Co. has published Shopkey, a new single information software system it said is built from the automotive technician's point of view.
Shopkey consists of a series of related software applications covering information needed in a service shop. The software provides specific, comprehensive information on how to service and diagnose a variety of automotive components, Snap-on said.
For example, the transmission software gives fully illustrated procedures for troubleshooting, removal and installation, overhaul and maintenance service. Also available from Snap-on are Shopkey applications for an estimating guide and a shop management program.
Contact: Snap-on Tools Co. Phone: (262) 656-5200. Fax: (262) 656-5088.
Air conditioning
Snap-on Tools Co. has introduced the ECO Xtreme-diagnostic air conditioning equipment that performs a variety of functions, including coolant recovery and recycling, purging, evacuation, leak-testing and recharging.
The ECO Xtreme recovers and recharges from a 50-pound recovery tank to ensure plentiful refrigerant capacity, Snap-on said. The purge-and-single-pass recovery system ensures refrigerant quality every time, the company added.
The system is operated with menu-driven prompts, button controls, panel-mounted pressure gauges and control valves.
A 4x20-character liquid crystal display (LCD) screen shows menus and messages.
Contact: Snap-on Tools Co. Phone: (262) 656-5200. Fax: (262) 656-5088.
Lifts
John Bean Co. is offering the Value-Line four-post flat deck automotive service lift.
Constructed of one-piece roll-formed decks for added strength, the unit has a lifting capacity of 12,000 pounds and comes in lengths of 208 and 246 inches, the company said.
The lifting cylinder is hidden under the deck for better vehicle accessibility, eliminating potential door damage, John Bean said. Twenty-two-inch runways accommodate wide-track vehicles without runway adjustments.
A triple back-up safety system provides additional protection for technicians and vehicles, while 39-inch approach ramps will handle most vehicles, the company said. The lifts (model No.s 44102Q and 44102QE) can be converted to full-service lifts with optional surface mount alignment kits.
The company also has introduced a two-way wheel lift that it said can be connected between a tire changer and wheel balancer.
A tire technician rolls a wheel needing a tire changed onto the JB Wheel Lift, presses a button and the wheel is lifted to the pre-set height of the tire changer or wheel balancing equipment. This eliminates the need to physically lift heavy tires and wheels-reducing the possibility of serious back injuries, the company said.
Contact: John Bean Co. Phone: (800) 362-8326.
***
Eagle Equipment's new MobileMan portable hydraulic lift is adjustable for servicing cars, light trucks and recreational vehicles up to 7,000 pounds.
The lift raises from 6 inches to more than 6 feet, the company said, and features outriggers, fully adjustable beams and arms and a low pad clearance to fit under running boards.
The MobileMan was built for safety, Eagle said, including ladder bars supported by the frame instead of the hydraulic ram, as well as a manual safety release. It measures 4'6''x7'4'' inches when collapsed, has a heavy-duty 6-inch hydraulic cylinder and operates on 110 VAC.
Contact: Eagle Equipment. Phone: (800) 336-2776. Fax (800) 590-9814. E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.eagleequip.com.
Pumps
National-Spencer Inc. has released its new model 924 Zee Line Portable Electric Oil Transfer Pump, for use in various industrial, automotive and equipment service settings.
The pump is light and compact, making it easy to move and use, National-Spencer said. Designed for use with containers holding light oils, gear and hydraulic oils, it features a 12 and 24 dual-voltage motor capable of flow rates of 8 gallons per minute (12 volt) or 10.5 gallons per minute (24). The pump includes battery cables, clips and an inlet filter.
The company also has introduced the model 963 Zee Line Rotary Pump for use with 15- to 55-gallon drums containing gasoline, diesel fuel and similar light petroleum products.
The pump is made of cast iron for durability, National-Spencer said. It includes a 3/4-inch threaded discharge spout and an 8-foot watering hose and can dispense 71/2 gallons of fuel per 100 revolutions.
Contact: National-Spencer Inc. Phone: (316) 265-5601. Fax: (316) 267-2722. Internet: www.zeeline.com.
Wheel system
Equipment Supply Co. (ESCO) is offering its patented TRAP system for protecting aluminum truck and bus wheels against dents and scratches.
Cut to give the ring flexibility, the product uses high-strength rubber for perfect adherence to the rim, according to ESCO, which markets tire changing equipment for trucks, tractors and earthmovers. The TRAP can be used with any brand of truck or bus tire changer and on any rim size.
Contact: ESCO. Phone: (800) 352-9852. Fax: (352) 754-4508. E-mail: [email protected] esco.net.
Repair stands
OTC, a division of SPX Corp., has introduced three engine repair stands for servicing car and light truck engines.
The stands have heavy-duty mounting plates and adapter arms, fixed polyurethane rear wheels and poly-swivel casters to provide easy maneuvering, the company said.
A 24-inch swivel allows for easy 360-degree rotation of the engine, which is locked in place by a hitch pin. The model 2007 stand has a 750-pound capacity, the model 2010 can hold 1,000 pounds, while the model 2012 has a rating of 1,250 pounds and features a built-in tool tray. All three are covered by a lifetime warranty for materials and workmanship, OTC said.
Contact: OTC. Phone: (800) 533-6127. Fax: (800) 283-8665.
Retriever
E.C. Mitchell Co. Inc. has introduced the Mag-Attach, a reshapable flexible magnetic retriever that can be used to reach around objects to pick up heavy metal parts weighing up to 10 ounces.
The pliable 17-inch device-made of heavy-gauge wire coated with an elastomer-retains its shape to reach around objects. It has a handle on one end, a magnet on the other, and is strong enough to pick up nuts, bolts, spark plugs and tools, and is bright orange for better visibility, the company said.
Contact: E.C. Mitchell Co. Phone: (978) 774-1191. Fax: (978) 774-2494.
Web site
Doc's Blocs Inc. has launched www.docsblocs.com, a Web site featuring repair parts for air conditioning systems.
The site offers a range of ``original equipment quality'' automotive air conditioning blocks, fittings, tubes and kits that allow installers, radiator and air conditioning shops to repair air conditioning systems without replacing entire assemblies, the company said.
By ordering parts via the Internet, customers will save money, allowing installers to make more on labor, the company said. Overnight shipping is available.
Contact: Doc's Blocks. Phone: (888) 910-8844. Fax: (501) 967-0924. Internet: www.docsblocks.com.
Brake Lathe
Hunter Engineering Co. has introduced the BL505 combination brake lathe for handling a wide range of vehicle applications.
The unit's design allows operators to change the set-up from rotors to drums and back, improving performance and speed of operation, Hunter said.
The BL505 has a standard adjustable feed rate including dial-in fast rate for rapid material removal or slow speed for final surface finish, as well as three easy-access spindle speeds for pieces of all sizes, the company said.
The lathe, which features controls on the front-but no gibs or ways requiring adjustment-also has a disc/drum control with lockout and warning lights to eliminate ``crashing'' in drum or disc modes.
An optional electronic measuring system displays depth of cut for rotors and drums, as well as rotor thickness, drum diameter and total indicated runout of the workpiece, the company said.
Contact: Hunter Engineering Co. Phone (314) 731-3020.