What does Ad-Blue do? The inspiration behind this advice article began when a reader wrote in asking why modern trucks have a warning sticker next to the electrical master or isolator switch advising to wait at least 80 seconds before turning off after the engine has shutdown. The simple short answer is to the let…
How to change the Cabin Fresh Air Filter on a Kenworth K200 The cabin fresh air filter or pollen filter is a standard feature on all Kenworth trucks. Its primary function is to clean the air that comes into the interior of the cabin and filter out any pollen, dust and other airborne material. Over…
A Driver’s Guide to Bendix Wingman Fusion DIU operation, that can be optioned on all Kenworth Legacy models, new Kenworth T610, T610ASAR, T410, T410SAR and T350 models. The Bendix Wingman DIU (driver information unit) is the part of the Fusion system that provides information and allows the driver to select from the pre-set parameters to…
In this tech tips operating procedure, we’ll look at how to operate a Kennedy Folding Skel with Front Guard and Quick release fifth wheel. To Fold the Skel – load it up onto the prime-mover. Engage the PTO. Fold bolsters down. Push “Trailer up” button until the trailer rests on the truck ramps and the…
How to Operate Jost Sensor 5th Wheel The introduction of Jost’s JSK37CZ-S Sensor fifth wheel that incorporates a three-sensor coupling system a few years ago enables the driver to ensure their fifth wheel is properly coupled to the trailer from inside the cabin. Technical Editor Howard Shanks explains how the system works. Initial take-up of…
How a Series-Parallel Switch works. Words and Photography by Howard Shanks (Illustrations supplied) The other day my mate and I were having a yarn about an old W-Model I was allowed to take for a short run. The old girl hadn’t been started for ages, needless to say it needed a little coaxing into life,…
How truck air dryers work and how to maintain them Draining the air tanks daily was a lesson instilled into me at an early age in a very fervent manner, it became a routine task at the end of each day. For today’s drivers this is becoming a task rarely performed as more and more…
How a TRM module works (Trailer Response Management) Words and photography by Howard Shanks. Images supplied by Knorr-Bremse The Knorr-Bremse Trailer Response Management (TRM) module is a device that improves heavy vehicle brake response time and significantly reduces combination stopping distance. It is an essential piece of equipment for prime movers without an electronic braking…
How to drive an Eaton Ultrashift Eaton Ultrashift driver’s instruction manual available for download at end of article. Eaton’s Ultrashift Plus 18-speed transmission is arguably the simplest of the heavy-duty line haul ATM gearboxes in the market to operate. There are only a few selections required to get your rig moving. For instance, to go…
How to change 10-stud truck wheels Words and Photography by Howard Shanks Changing a 10-Stud wheel on the side of the road is one of those inherent unpleasant tasks that occasionally requires doing when we’d least expect or like, nevertheless if performed correctly the inconvenience to your journey can be minimised. Before commencing any tyre…