Spot heater
SunStar Heating Products Inc. has introduced an infrared spot heater that doesn't run on electricity for use in areas requiring supplemental heat such as construction sites and unheated work locations.
The firm claims its SunStar RCH Series spot heaters can heat an enclosed area of up to 2,500 square feet without using fans or moving parts. The series includes four models of heaters, available in propane or natural gas versions. The heaters also come in manual or thermostatically controlled models.
On the thermostatically controlled models, the control does not use electricity to operate, making it ideal in freeze protection and thawing applications, the company said.
The 32-inch tall unit has a shipping weight of 40 pounds.
Contact: SunStar Heating Products. Phone: (704) 372-3486. Internet: www.sunstarheaters.com.
Vehicle rack
Hunter Engineering Co. recently launched the L434GS General Service Four-Post rack.
The rack carries many of the same features as Hunter's alignment racks, the company said. The L434GS has a 12,000-pound weight capacity and a maximum general service wheelbase of 180 inches. An absence of floor obstructions leave the area clear for the technician, tools and equipment. The runways are 22.5 inches wide and include rib rails that prevent technicians from driving off the lift.
A 3-horsepower pump raises the rack in 45 seconds, the company claims. A flow valve controls lowering speed to 45 seconds as well.
Optional 6,000-pound capacity swing air jacks can lift vehicles off the runways to perform services such as tire rotation and brake work. An optional 30-gallon oil drain pan also is available.
Contact: Hunter Engineering Co. Phone: (314) 731-3020 Ext. 375. Internet: www.hunter.com.
Cooling fan
Hoffman Group International Ltd. Co. recently introduced its 16-inch S-blade high-performance engine cooling fan.
Measuring 16 inches long, 16.8 inches high and 3.75 inches deep, the company said the fan offers low amp draw but also allows for upgrades in the future because of its easy-to-remove motor.
The fan also features balanced blades-reversible to operate as pushers or pullers-for low noise and smooth operation.
Contact: Hoffman Group International Ltd. Co. Phone: (800) 873-4038. Internet: www.zirgo.com.
Balancer
Bee Line Co. recently introduced the Smart Balancer to replace its 3088 Strobe Balancer Unit.
The Smart Balancer features new technology, including a vibration sensor and touch screen display to simplify the wheel-balancing process. The unit walks a user step-by-step through the process with instructions until the wheel is balanced, the company said.
The Smart Balancer is used in conjunction with the 2600 Bee Line Wheel Spinner or other heavy-duty wheel spinner. Typical balances require only two to three spins, Bee Line claims. The operation also requires a single-point floor jack to raise both front wheels.
The Smart Balancer-ideal for shops that balance truck tires-also can balance tires ranging from light-duty pickups up to cement trucks.
The company said the new balancer is designed to make on-the-wheel tire balancing easier than before.
Contact: Bee Line Co. Phone: (800) 728-7828. Internet: www.beeline-co.com
Loading system
Stellar Industries Inc. has introduced its X-Tra-Lift Utility Pro loading device for full-size, dual rear-wheel chassis vehicles.
The device includes a hydraulic/electric loading system with a 1,300-pound lifting capacity and a 9-foot long utility body for storage. The lift remains level with the ground during lifting and is stable at all levels of the load cycle, the company claimed.
Options available for the lifting device include a wireless remote control, casters, tie downs, various loading platforms and carriers, lights and paint.
The loading device also can be purchased separately for installation on most domestic full-size pickup truck boxes.
Contact: Stellar Industries Inc. Phone: (641) 923-3741. Internet: www.stellar-industries.com.
Balancer accessories
Hennessy Industries Inc. and Ford Motor Co. have introduced a balancer cone and fixed finger plate developed specifically for improving wheel service for certain models of Ford trucks and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs).
The Ultra Low Angle (ULA) 3-degree Cone and Fixed Finger Plate 12b (6X135mm; 40mm shaft) are designed for use on 2004-2006 Ford F-150 pickups and 2003-2006 Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators and are marketed under Hennessy's Coats brand.
The company claimed the balancer cone improves the quality and reliability of standard balance jobs on wheel and tire assemblies for those vehicle models.
The new accessories are aimed at helping shop owners and technicians minimize vibration and steering nibble complaints, the company said. When used together on any wheel balancer with a 40mm diameter shaft, the ULA unit and fixed finger plate effectively narrow the gap between the initial balance and the remount, Hennessy added.
Contact: Hennessy Industries. Phone: (615) 641-7533, Ext. 7259. Internet: www.ammcoats.com.
Wrench
Spec Tools recently launched a Twin-Action Box Wrench for use where conventional box wrenches lack swing room.
The company said the device has a low, half-inch profile and uses a patented, reversible mechanism to turn the wrench 45 degrees with each squeeze. The handle is a non-slip rubber grip.
Used as a box ratchet, the tool can fit over long bolts as well, the company said.
The squeeze-action mechanism delivers up to three times a technician's hand strength. The tool also can work as a conventional ratcheting box wrench, giving more power to turn a nut or bolt that's too tight for squeeze ratcheting.
The wrench set comes with 10 metric/SAE inserts, three low-profile metric/SAE sockets, four screwdriver bits and a 3/8-inch adaptor. The items are stored in a resin case.
Contact: Spec Tools. Phone: (800) 385-9695. www.spectools.com.