Reference guide
Yokohama Tire Corp. has published a reference guide for tire dealers to help in plus-sizing customers' vehicles.
The ``Inch-up Reference Guide'' is designed to help ``sell up'' to enthusiasts who want the look and performance of lower aspect ratio tires and larger wheels, Yokohama said.
The guide involves three steps: determining the overall width of the tire; multiplying the width in inches by the aspect ratio multiplied by two; and adding that answer to the rim diameter.
Original equipment sizes and Yokohama tire size availability are cross-referenced on the wheel.
Contact: Yokohama Tire Corp, marketing department. Phone: (800) 423-4544, ext. 3914.
Ergonomic pliers
S-K Hand Tool Corp. is offering Comfort Grip ergonomic pliers.
The new plier line, made by Facom, a European manufacturer of hand tools, features handles molded from a flexible non-slip material for softness, comfort and secure grip, the company said.
Comfort Grip pliers' handles are resistant to corrosive chemicals, including chlorothene, acetone, gasoline, oil, skydrol, brake fluid and mineral-based oils, the company said, and carry a lifetime warranty.
Now available are 10-inch Multigrip pliers (No. 180.TE), 8-inch long-nose pliers with side cutter (No. 185.TE) and a 6.3-inch heavy-duty diagonal cutter (No. 192.16TE), which also are available in a three-piece set (No. 76013). Available individually but not as part of a set is a 10-inch locking multigrip pliers (No. 181.TE).
Contact: S-K Hand Tool. Phone: (708) 485-6658. Fax: (708) 485-7265. Internet: www.skhandtool.com.
Literature
Arnco has published a brochure highlighting the uses and advantages of ReSeal Tire Sealant and Conditioner.
The tri-fold, full-color brochure illustrates the benefits of ReSeal, which uses Kevlar, a DuPont fiber product known for its use in flak jackets and bullet-proof vests.
Included in the brochure is a side-by-side comparison of ReSeal and other sealants, along with answers to common questions about the product. Usage instructions also are detailed, as is an explanation of how the product works.
ReSeal is useful for off-the-road and non-highway tires when performance, efficiency and elimination of downtime are required, Arnco said. The company suggested the product can be used for farm vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, gardening equipment, golf carts, trucks and motorcycles.
ReSeal is available in 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums and 275-gallon drums.
Contact: Arnco. Phone: (800) 821-4147. Fax: (423) 499-3788. Internet: www.arnconet.com.
QuickChange unit
Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. has introduced the IMT QuickChange, a service unit designed to fit in the bed of a three-quarter-ton pickup truck.
By using an existing pickup, the QuickChange unit offers customers a low-cost solution for servicing small fleets.
The QuickChange includes 32 cubic feet of tool compartment storage, a covered area with a 12.5 horsepower gas-driven compressor, a hose reel, 1,000-lb. capacity liftgate, flood lights and an emergency beacon.
Contact: Iowa Mold Tooling. Phone: (800) 247-5958. Fax: (641) 932-6063. Internet: www.imt.com.
Waste management
Kaeser Compressors Inc. has introduced the Aquamat condensate management system, which separates oil and water condensate from compressed air systems before it is discharged into sanitary drains.
The oil/water mix of compressed air system condensate is classified as a hazardous waste, Kaeser said, and can't simply be discharged into sanitary drains. Using a four-state separation system, the Aquamat separates the oil from the condensate, virtually eliminating the need for disposal by outside contractors, Kaeser said.
The Aquamat is available in six sizes. An integrated manifold system allows several lines to be attached to one unit. The system requires no electricity and Kaeser said maintenance is minimal.
Contact: Kaeser Compressors. Phone: (540) 834-4520. Fax: (540) 898-5520. Internet: www.kaeser.com.
Tool box
Daws Manufacturing Co. Inc. has introduced the SEC Low Profile Crossover Tool Box.
The tool box features a low-profile lid design that Daws said complements the sleek lines of today's trucks. Beveled edges and a full pan lid brace are designed to give the box a strong, rigid lid.
Also included are ``auto-lift'' shocks and interacting latches that afford easy, single-handed access, the company said. A patented up-and-over rod leaves the box front open for use. A heavy-duty, five-pocket removable tray is available for small parts storage, as are integral ends.
Daws said the SEC tool box will fit most full-size, mid-size and compact pickups.
Contact: Daws Manufacturing. Phone: (800) 366-8269. Fax: (850) 202-0004. Internet: www.dawsbetterbuilt.com.
Pressure monitors
Fleet Specialties Co. has introduced the Sentry models of tire pressure monitoring systems for all classes of trucks and buses.
The wireless system uses superheterodyne and Surface Acoustic Wave technology to monitor tire pressure either in transit or while stationary, Fleet Specialties said.
The Tire Sentry is designed to help maintain optimum tire pressure and inform drivers when air pressure falls below normal operating conditions. The system continuously monitors pressure by means of pressure-sensitive electronic valve caps that attach to existing or dedicated valve stems.
The sensors weigh less than 1 ounce and are powered by batteries that last up to three years and are easily replaceable, Fleet said.
A 2-inch dashboard instrument indicates if a tire is losing pressure before tire damage, extensive heat build-up or tread loss occurs.
Installation of the Tire Sentry does not require removal of tires, special tools or technical knowledge. Sentry models are available for most classes of highway and off-highway vehicles from four to 18 wheels.
Contact: Fleet Specialties Co. Phone: (818) 889-1716. Fax: (818) 889-3982. Internet: www.tiresentry.com.
Software
Tracks of Paradise Corp. has published a new software package designed to help tire dealers sell tires.
The Tracks of Paradise system is designed for single or multiple stores, keeping track of business and sales data, which are encrypted for security purposes. The system is designed for MS Windows XP, ME or 98.
At the point of sale, the system handles inventory, sales, commissions, re-order levels and accounts receivable needs.
Remote reporting and administrative updating for all stores also is available with convenience and security via the Internet, the firm said.
Contact: Tracks of Paradise. Phone: (309) 527-3860.
Wheels
Boyd Coddington Companies has introduced an aluminum wheel for new three-quarter-ton series trucks and sport-utility vehicles with two- or four-wheel drive.
Called Infusion, the wheels fit all standard eight-lug trucks and SUVs, including the Chevrolet Suburban, C2500 and 3500, Ford Excursion, F-250 and 350, Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500, Hummer and IHC.
Infusion wheels are available in 16x8, 17x7, 18x8, 20x8 and 22x10 sizes. Like all Boyd Coddington wheels, Infusion models are certified to a 3,800-pound capacity, the company said, which exceeds manufacturers' and Department of Transportation requirements. All wheels have a lifetime structural warranty.
Contact: Boyd Coddington Companies. Phone: (888) 254-3400. Internet: ww.boydcoddington.com.
Accessories
Ernst Manufacturing Inc. has introduced the Ultra-Flex Wheel Protector, a hand-held device to protect wheels from tire sprays.
Designed to replace ``soggy, homemade cardboard versions,'' Ernst said the Ultra-Flex protects 13-, 14-, 15- and 16-inch wheels. Larger wheels can be accommodated by pushing against the wheel, while smaller sizes can be protected by squeezing the handle.
The wheel protector keeps tire sprays on tires and off wheels, the company said, adding that cleanup of over-spray is reduced, if not eliminated.
The Ultra-Flex is available in high-visibility covers, is made of durable plastic and will store on standard pegboards.
Contact: Ernst Manufacturing Co. Phone: (503) 668-5597. Fax: (503) 668-5931. Internet: www.ernstmfg.com.
Storage
American Eagle Accessories Group, a division of Stellar Industries Inc., has introduced a line of drawer systems for use in service trucks, on shop floors or wherever a pull-out drawer may be needed.
American Eagle drawer systems are constructed with 300-pound capacity slides to ensure a solid, durable platform to carry tools.
Drawers are made of galvanized steel with a powder coated front. Drawer widths use American Eagle's T-latch mechanism that enables one-handed operation and conceals hardware for heavy-duty protection, the company said. The drawer systems are available in 10 standard models, with the option available to be custom built.
Contact: American Eagle Accessories Group. Phone: (641) 923-2425. Fax: (641) 923-4889. Internet: www.americaneagleacc.com.
Fluid exchanger
Snap-On Tools Co. has introduced the EETF103A Sun MFX Xtreme Fluid Xchanger for exchanging of power steering and transmission fluids.
The exchanger features flush and fill components for power steering fluid. The unit replaces up to 95 percent of power steering fluid in eight minutes or less, Snap-on said. Operators control the exchange with a remote pendant control.
New fluid bottles are placed in a special loading compartment to begin the exchange, the company said. Once old fluid is extracted, the unit drains directly into its waste tank.
The Xchanger, powered by a 12-volt battery, is capable of exchanging nearly all types of automatic transmission fluid in 15 minutes or less, Snap-on said, by connecting the unit directly to transmission cooler lines through vehicle-specific adapter hoses, allowing technicians to service vehicles without a pit, lift or ramp.
Sensors control the amount of fluid exchanged within a 5-percent accuracy rate, Snap-on said. Techs can add or remove fluid at 1/5-quart increments to increase accuracy.
Contact: Snap-on Tools. Phone: (262) 565-5200. Internet: www. snapon.com.