A/C equipment
Snap-on Inc. has increased its line of air conditioning shop equipment with the introduction of the Koolkare Xtreme A/C recycler.
The unit provides efficient service for A/C operations, including recovery, recycling, vacuum functions and oil and refrigerant recharging, Snap-on said.
The unit's ``auto sequence'' function saves time by allowing technicians to leave the unit unattended while it cycles through a range of A/C service functions.
A beeping tone notifies the technician when service is complete. A user-friendly interface guides technicians with step-by-step instructions with yes/no questions, which are asked in English, Spanish or French, the company said.
Technicians can operate all functions with four soft-touch buttons on the unit's front panel. A character LCD display shows menus and operating messages.
A software serial port allows for communication options and upgrades.
Contact: Snap-on. Phone: (877) 762-7662. Internet: www.Snapon.com
Heavy equipment
Stellar Industries Inc. has introduced the 138-215 tire service truck with the model 4500 crane, as well as the model 5728 telescopic crane for mechanical service applications.
The 138-215 tire service body has a ``user-friendly'' design featuring more than 80 cubic feet of tool storage space. This includes a front vertical compartment on the curbside and top-mounted compartment on the driver's side that houses the hose reels.
The 138-215 truck can be packaged with the model 2200, 3200, 4500 or 6000 Stellar cranes. It is also available in flatbed versions.
The 4500 crane meets the needs of the mid-sized OTR market, Stellar said.
Stellar's new 5728 crane features 28 feet of hydraulic extension and has a hexagonal-shaped boom for added strength and durability, the company said. The crane has a 36,000 foot-pound capacity and can lift a maximum of 2,900 pounds at 12 feet, 4 inches.
The 5728 uses a planetary winch system operating at speeds of up to 60 feet per minute. It also includes a proportional radio remote control. The 5728 is ideal for operators needing more reach with less lifting capacity, Stellar said.
The crane is available by itself or with a turnkey package including a chassis of the buyer's choice, heavy-duty steel body, a variety of air compressor systems and a welding system.
Contact: Stellar Industries Inc. Phone: (641) 923-3741. Fax: (641) 923-2812. Internet: www.stellar-industries.com.
Software
Link-It Software Corp. has introduced EZ Maintenance, a software package that manages and tracks all costs of routine preventative maintenance or random repair for any type of business property including fleets.
For fleet maintenance, the software package supports the recording and tracking of such areas as tire wear miles, tire position, rotation, engine miles and oil/fluid/filter changes.
The package includes a tracking system for all costs and inventory for an infinite number of parts/units, Link-It said.
The software is designed so beginning computer users will have no problem operating it.
It features pull-down menus and prompts on all features, which include maintenance scheduling, issuing work orders and parts and inventory control.
Other features include the support of bar coding for parts identification, maintenance instruction, supervisory password control and ability to link to Microsoft Excel programs.
Contact: Link-It. Phone: (901) 324-2821.
Flat-proofing materials
Arnco Inc. has unveiled Superflex, a soft-fill polyurethane flat-proofing material that eliminates flats in off-road tires and ``rides like air,'' the company said.
The product's formulation is designed for maximum deflection and is ideal for use when ride, footprint and flotation are needed, Arnco said.
Superflex protects operator and machine from vibration and jolting, increases tire life and performance, adds ballast and maintains proper tire pressure and footprint shape, the company said.
Arnco said Superflex is effective for skid-steers, mining tires, agricultural tires, ATV tires, snow kats, mowing sweepers, grader tires, ditchers, trenchers, uni-loaders and front-end loaders. The polyurethane liquid is pumped into the tire through the valve stem, replacing all the air in the tire.
It cures into a synthetic rubber-like core in 24 hours, Arnco said.
The process eliminates flats, blowouts or other damage from nails, glass or sharp objects that occur with air-filled tires.
Arnco also announced the ``new, improved'' ReSeal Tire Sealant and Conditioner. It features Kevlar fiber designed to eliminate flats and slow leaks and instantly repairs punctures up to 1/4-inch in diamater.
The sealant, pumped into the tire through the valve stem, remains in a liquid state. It is ideal for off-the-road or non-highway tires that require performance, efficiency and elimination of downtime, Arnco said.
Contact: Arnco. Phone: (800) 821-4147. Internet: www.arnconet.com
Literature
JohnDow Industries has published an equipment catalog for 2002, featuring EuroVent exhaust extraction systems that remove toxic fumes from automotive repair facilities.
The catalog also includes JohnDow lubrication products, including grease guns, oil and grease pumps and systems and a line of oil-handling products.
EuroVent is a modular, European-style system using a trolley that allows fewer drops than conventional exhaust systems.
New to the line is the MK-1 portable vehicle exhaust extraction system, which the company said is ideal for automotive repair facilities, motorcycle shops and small engine repair shops.
Contact: JohnDow Industries. Phone: (800) 433-0708. Fax: (330) 753-6419. Internet: www.Johndow.com.
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Kaeser Compressors Inc. has published a redesigned air compressor guide.
Entitled ``Getting the Most For Your Money,'' the eight-page guide offers a step-by-step look at the process of selecting and protecting air compressors.
The full-color brochure covers types of air compressors, evaluating compressed air systems, selecting of air compressors, maintenance and troubleshooting.
It also covers air requirements and the cost of compressed air as well as the six levels of compressed air quality.
The guide includes a compressed air glossary, rules of thumb and conversion formulas.
Contact: Kaeser Compressors Inc. Phone: (800) 777-7873. Internet: www.kaeser.com.
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National-Spencer Inc. has published a full-color brochure introducing the N-S Diamond Selection line of RAASM industrial-grade lubrication transfer and storage products for use in automotive service settings, among others.
The brochure details several products' features and benefits, specifications and recommended uses.
Products include oil and grease pumps, hose reels, a waste oil drain, grease handle and oil bar, among others. The brochure is free upon request, National-Spencer said.
Contact: National-Spencer. Phone: (316) 265-5601. Fax: (316) 267-2722. Internet: www.zeeline.com.
Tool sling
Steck Manufacturing Co. Inc. has introduced the Tool Sling, which the company said fits nearly any portable bench for easy reach of tools by the technician while assembling or disassembling engines, etc.
The Tool Sling serves as a catch-all for tools, parts, nuts, bolts and just about anything else, Steck said.
It is capable of supporting up to 100 pounds, spans 27 by 49 inches and can be set up easily and stored conveniently, the company said.
Contact: Steck Manufacturing Co. Inc. Phone: (937) 222-0062. Internet: www.steckmfg.com.
Workstation
S-K Hand Tool Corp. has introduced a 129-piece metric tool set and mobile storage cabinet.
The set was designed to provide the ``ideal tool mix required by today's professional automotive technician,'' S-K said.
The workstation is made of steel and high-impact plastic and is designed for durability, the company said.
It features roller bearing drawer slides, ergonomic drawer handles and a locking system to prevent theft or accidental opening.
The workstation was created by Facom, an official supplier to the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team, and is available in limited quantities, S-K said.
Each unit will include a numbered nameplate to illustrate the limited production.
Contact: S-K Hand Tool. Phone: (708) 485-6658. Internet: www.skhandtool.com.
Tire changers
Hunter Engineering Co. has introduced a pair of enhanced, traditional-design tire changers, the TC3000 and TC3100.
The TC3000 features a swing arm, clamping table and bead loosening side shovel that Hunter said will be familiar to most operators. The TC3100 features a pedal-activated tilt column that the company said saves time and effort by returning the column and mounting head to the same position when switching out wheels.
The TC3100 has an optional ``plus device'' package for servicing low-profile tires and custom wheels.
Contact: Hunter Engineering Co. Phone: (314) 731-3020. Internet: www.hunter.com.
Socket
Thexton Manufacturing Co. has added the Radiator Petcock Socket to its offerings of more than 150 automotive specialty tools and testers.
The molded plastic socket is designed to fit narrow-wing plastic drain fittings, both flow-through and plug types. It may be used with a 1/4-inch drive ratchet wrench.
The socket, part No. 473, helps prevent damage to soft plastic fittings and fits most vehicles, Thexton said.
Contact: Thexton Manufacturing Co. Phone: (800) 328-6277. Internet: www.thextontools.com.