Archive for September, 2008
Thursday, September 11th, 2008
In the 1960s there was a class of cars introduced to the world known as muscle cars. These cars were sleek and sporty and contained a powerful engine. Most of these cars boasted a V8 engine which was geared for speed. As these cars were produced the manufacturers were in stiff competition with each other. As each manufacturer tried to out do the other, we were led into an era of some of the fastest cars of our time. With no thought to gas and fuel efficiency, Americans seemed to be having the time of their lives. Their cars were fast and eye-catching, both on the road and on the race track. Racing stripes and flashy decals made a statement about both the car and the driver. It seemed the flashier the car the more desirable.
At a time when the luxury automobile was the king of the road for the married set, the younger crowd wanted something smaller, faster, and sportier. The Shelby Mustang and the 440 Roadrunner are two of the fast cars which were built to satisfy the desire for high performance and speed. There were many more fast cars to come. Camaros, Chargers, GTOs, and Firebirds all tried to pack as much punch under the hood as was possible. Chevrolet Corvettes offered speed and sleek style, but they also had a high price tag. Most of the other high performance cars offered a price that was affordable to the average working class people.
During the 1960s and 70s auto manufacturers were riding high on a wave of speed and performance. Then we entered an era where we were told gas was in short supply and we were destroying the ozone with our extravagant auto emissions. We reluctantly let go of our fast and sporty cars and took to the streets with a V6 and even a V4. Gas mileage and cheaper insurance costs forced the fast cars onto the race track and off the roadways.
The desire for speed will be with us always. We will probably never again see a time when speed and high performance engines are sold for the every day street car but we can get a glimpse of these cars at the raceway or at vintage car shows. The baby boomers were around to see these cars at their inception and they still carry a torch for them today. Many will spend a small fortune to restore one of these original fast cars back to their former splendor.
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Thursday, September 11th, 2008
The journey of Mack Trucks began in 1893 when the Mack brothers, Jack and Augustus, bought over Fallesen & Berry factory. Soon, the Macks started experimenting with various steam and electric motor cars. Inspired by the inventions taking place all around him, Jack envisioned the building of heavy-duty trucks and thus began an eventful journey. The first product from the house of Macks was a bus, which was used by sightseeing concessionaire Harris and McGuire, for eight years before it was converted into a truck. The success of this bus egged the Mack brothers to continue with truck development. However, old Mack trucks were known as ‘Manhattan Trucks’ as the brothers had sought a different name to distinguish the trucks from their other business, viz. their horse-drawn carriages.
In the early 1900s, Mack Trucks became famous as ever-reliable trucks that could easily endure rugged terrains. Soon enough, the brothers engaged in adding new features that would enhance the safety and comfort aspect of the driver. For instance, Mack Truck Inc. were the first truck manufacturers to introduce a constant mesh feature that protected gears from being damaged or stripped by inexperienced drivers.Mack Trucks Inc is known for building heavy-duty trucks that are capable of enduring a punishing terrain and the vagaries of nature.
In 1919, Manhattan Trucks was re-christened as ‘Mack’. Later, in 1922, it adopted bulldog as its corporate logo.The British government had chosen the sturdy Mack trucks for transporting important war supplies and food requirements to the soldiers on the front. These Mack trucks, with their blunt-nosed hood, resembled a bulldog. Besides, the Mack trucks were proving as tenacious as bulldogs. These qualities reminded the British soldiers of their official mascot the ‘British Bulldog’. In fact, when faced with a truck problem, the soldier would often say, “Aye, send in the Mack Bulldogs!” Now, Mack Truck Inc. viewed this as a matter of pride and hence they adopted the bulldog as a corporate symbol to represent all the future generation of Mack trucks.
Since then, Mack trucks have undertaken important missions of national and international importance. For instance, they played an important in the trans-continental convoy conducted by the US Army, which highlighted the need for a national highway system. Similarly, Mack Truck Inc. played a major role in the building of the Boulder dam. It also played an important role in the Second World War. Mack trucks found themselves adorning the role of prime movers, personnel carriers, wrecker trucks, tank transporters, and more.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
Backhoes come in a variety of sizes that are suitable for the garden, construction or industrial site. Backhoes are just one type of the accessories that consumers can buy for their tractor. A bucket on a mechanical arm with an elbow is one easy way of describing the backhoe.
To begin with, tractors are powerful machines that can be adapted to different jobs. With a backhoe accessory in place, the tractor may be used to operate the bucket with a straight armed position or while the mechanical arm is bent. When a backhoe arm is straight and the bucket is swung back and forth, the motion and weight can be used for demolition purposes. While using the mechanical arm in different bent positions, a backhoe bucket can operated to drop its contents, scoop up material and dig a hole.
A backhoe can be used for household, business and agricultural purposes. Consumers can use the small backhoe equipped tractor for gardening, landscaping and building purposes. It is possible to dig small trees and roots with the household tractor. Backhoes are available for tractors in a variety of sizes.
Backhoes are used for construction, engineering and industrial purposes. Mining, brush cutting, heaving lifting and placement of equipment can be achieved with a backhoe. Dragging the bucket along the ground will grade surfaces.
The excavator or bucket of the backhoe will come in different sizes. Variations in the bucket will be related to depth, blade, teeth and width. Backhoes will have different safety measures that will provide protection during operation and movement of the equipment.
Before digging, carefully consider the placement of the hole. Contact any utility authorities who may have underground equipment in your digging area. If you break any such equipment, you will be responsible for repair or replacement parts.
When making your inquiries, ask companies that provide services such as water, sewage treatment or fuel. Any underground cable or pipes could be affected by digging. Assess the ground area near the digging site for an uneven ground cover, holes or obstructions that could affect the motion of the tractor backhoe attachment.
Once a backhoe and tractor are in motion, the clearance of the front and back end are important considerations for the work site. When you know the location of all underground utility or service equipment, mark the location with red flags or cones that will be visible from the driving position of the tractor.
Digging, breaking down, smoothing out and moving heavy equipment are tasks that are performed at home in the garden or on a larger scale in the construction world. The digging power of backhoes makes this equipment a necessary tool for many tasks that would otherwise require much labor and time. The backhoe’s many abilities are attractive to different consumer groups, which makes the backhoe a popular choice of tractor accessory.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008
Thinking about buying a cargo trailer, horse trailer or even a motorcycle trailer but aren’t sure which trailer to buy? As you might have realized, choosing a trailer now-a-days can be perplexing. It’s not surprising given the amount of trailer manufacturers and different types of trailers available.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a trailer. One of the first considerations is to choose an established trailer manufacturer. As with most everything, you usually get what you paid for, so try to choose the best trailer that you can afford.
Deciding on what type of trailer you need for your application will help in narrowing down the manufacturers. There are trailers for almost every conceivable type of cargo, from motorcycles to horses to concessions. If you have to haul it, then there’s a trailer made to haul it or at least one that can easily be converted to do the job.
After choosing a manufacturer, figure out what size trailer you’ll need. Trailers come in several different widths and lengths. If you’re considering an enclosed trailer, you’ll also need to consider the height of the interior. If your trailer towing needs require that you spend very much time inside the trailer, choose one with enough interior height to keep you from bending your neck or back when standing.
Open or Enclosed Trailers
The next step in choosing a trailer is figuring out whether you will need an open or an enclosed trailer. An open trailer is one which exposes the cargo to the outside elements. If inclement weather isn’t a factor for your cargo, then an open trailer may be the most economical choice. Open utility trailers can range in price from about $900 to $2500 new.
Open utility trailers are well suited for many applications including small landscaping businesses that are just starting out and need a way to haul their landscape equipment. As their business grows and they decide to move up to an enclosed trailer, the open utility trailer will still be incredibly useful for hauling all sorts of material such as mulch, rock and plants. Another plus for open trailers is their weight. Open utility trailers tend to be lighter and provide less aerodynamic drag than enclosed trailers. While open trailers are economical and very useful, they do not provide the protection from the outside environment that an enclosed trailer will. Enclosed trailers also offer an added measure of security because the trailer functions as a portable, lockable storage building.
Enclosed trailers tend to be heavier and less aerodynamic than open trailers. Enclosed trailers usually cost in the $1600 to $5000 range new, but can go much higher.
Once you’ve decided on either an open utility trailer or an enclosed cargo trailer, you’ll need to decide whether the trailer should have a single axle, dual axle or possibly even three to four axles.
Single axle trailers have just one load bearing axle. Trailers with single axles come with and without brakes, but as a general rule of thumb, most single axle open and enclosed trailers come without brakes. If you plan on hauling more than 3000 lbs, trailer brakes need to be considered. In fact, it’s a legal requirement in most states.
Anything heavier than 3000 lbs should be hauled on a dual axle trailer, be it an open or enclosed trailer. Dual axle trailers use two load bearing axles and usually feature either leaf springs or independent torsion bar suspensions. Brakes are recommended for dual axle trailers and again may be required depending upon where you live. Also, dual axle trailers tend to track more accurately than single axle trailers over varying road surfaces.
The most important aspect of buying a trailer is to be an informed buyer. Ask lots of questions. Any reputable trailer dealer will be glad to answer your questions and in fact, should ask you a lot of questions regarding your intended cargo load. Ask about the warranty. Does the manufacturer stand behind its work? Most established manufacturers offer a very good warranty program and will go out of their way to satisfy a customer.
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
In the years just following the end of World War II, Cessna first began production of two-seat general aviation aircraft with the Cessna 120 and the Cessna 140.
The Cessna 140 is usually powered by an 85 or 90 horsepower (63 or 67 kW) piston engine, and has a metal fuselage and fabric wings with metal control surfaces. The later 140A model had entirely metal wings, most of the aircraft sold featuring a 90 hp Continental engine. Production ended in 1950, and was later succeeded by the Cessna 150, another two-seat trainer. Between the 120 and the 140, Cessna sold 7,000 airplanes in the four years they were in production. The larger Cessna 170 was essentially a resized 140 with a more powerful engine.
The Cessna 120 was a stripped-down version of the 140 produced at the same time, intended for the trainer market; it had the same engine as the 140, but did not have flaps. The cabin “D” side windows and electrical system (radios, lights, battery and starter) were optional.
Cessna 140Common modifications to the Cessna 120 and 140 include “metalized” wings, where the fabric is replaced with sheet aluminum, and the installation of landing gear extenders to reduce the tendency of the aircraft to nose-over on application of heavy braking.
The Cessna 120 and 140 are supported by a number of Aircraft Type Clubs, including the International Cessna 120-140 Association and the Cessna Pilots Association.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008
The current economy is making a lot of people consider the benefits of hybrid vehicles, including hybrid pickup trucks. Some people, however, are not very well informed as to what hybrid vehicles even are or what they do, which can make them a bit leery about even considering one. Between the faltering economy and gas prices constantly on the rise, a lot of the people who rely on pickup trucks, for whatever reason, may want to consider the possible advantages of switching to hybrid pickup trucks.
One of the benefits of even considering hybrid pickup trucks is the sheer cost of gas for trucks in general, especially those which are used to haul heavy loads. In understanding hybrid vehicles, it is important to realize that not all of them are “fully” hybrid. For instance, Chevrolet truck, which is one of the Big Three of trucks and a favorite among truck drivers, recently came out with a hybrid version of their Silverado. It is marketed as a “mild” hybrid, which means that it utilizes its electric motor for such things as the power accessories and assistance with the engine. Ford truck and its F-Series also implements hybrid technology. The Sierra is another model which has gone at least partially hybrid. As for the Silverado, reviews indicate that it comes with extra batteries which store extra power; these kick in to help when it is necessary, which can come in handy when you are carrying a heavy load. As well, on its own, the Silverado comes with a V8 engine. This is actually quite common for a lot of hybrid pickup trucks, so by all indications, buyers would not be giving up much in the way of power.
Many consumers who rely on or simply prefer pickup trucks also worry that hybrid pickup trucks will not have the features they have come to know and enjoy, but by all accounts, hybrids have most, if not all, of the same features and accessories that traditional trucks have. As mentioned, quite a few of them come with a V8 engine; it is simply a Hybrid Vortec 5.3 liter engine. They still look as rugged and powerful as “regular” trucks, and the same safety and luxury features are included, such as power windows, mirrors, and locks, anti lock brake systems, and air bags. Many of them also include the popular navigation systems, as well as DVD entertainment capabilities.
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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
Bulldozer mechanics are heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics who specialize in troubleshooting, repairing and preventing problems associated with bulldozers and other industrial equipment. Most people attend formal training programs; however, some people, with no formal training but experienced in the field, find employment in this occupation.
The occupation of bulldozer mechanic is a specialization in the larger occupation of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics. Actually, most bulldozer mechanics also are knowledgeable in all types of construction equipment. In larger repair shops, bulldozer mechanics may specialize in certain aspects of repair such as engine, transmission, brake, electrical or others.
In their daily activities, bulldozer mechanics may perform routine preventative maintenance on equipment, such as oil changes. In the event a malfunction occurs, bulldozer mechanics consult the operator to get a verbal description of the problem and perform tests, which help pinpoint the cause of the problem. Bulldozer mechanics must be knowledgeable with computers and electricity as modern equipment has on board computers and diagnostic equipment. Using special tools, they replace or repair parts as necessary.
The following are the bulldozer mechanic duties and responsibilities :
* ‘Determines vehicle condition by conducting inspections and diagnostic tests; identifying worn and damaged parts. Corrects vehicle deficiencies by removing, repairing, adjusting, overhauling, assembling, disassembling, and replacing major assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, parts, or systems, such as, power and drive trains, electrical, air conditioning, fuel, emission, brake, steering, hydraulics; completes machine shop operations; making adjustments and alignments including bearing loads, gear tooth contact, valve mechanisms, governors, oil systems, control linkages, clutches, and traction units.’
* ‘The Heavy Equipment Mechanic analyzes malfunctions and repairs, rebuilds and maintains power equipment, such as cranes, power shovels, scrapers, paving machines, motor graders, trench-digging machines, conveyors, bulldozers, dredges, pumps, compressors and pneumatic tools. This worker operates and inspects machines or equipment to diagnose defects, dismantles and reassembles equipment, using hoists and hand tools, examines parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges, replaces defective engines and subassemblies, such as transmissions, and tests overhauled equipment to insure operating efficiency.’
The overall employment of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow at a rate about as fast as that of the average occupation through the year 2016. The median annual earnings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians and mechanics were $40,435 as of May 2006. Experience, voluntary certification and education bring not only advancement opportunities, such as supervisor, manager or repair shop owner, but also increased pay.
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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008
A skid loader is a stiff frame machine with mechanical arms that can be fitted with attachments for a wide variety of different tools, including a backhoe, hydraulic breaker, pallet forks, angle broom, sweeper, auger, mower, snow blower, stump grinder, tree spade, trencher, and a wheel saw.
Modern skid loaders come in two varieties, a four wheeled system and a rubber track version. Wheeled skid loaders are typically are four-wheel drive and for additional maneuverability, the left and right wheels systems are independent. The track version also referred to as a track loader provides for better digging and pushes performance in higher end models due to less ground disturbance and better traction in un-ideal environments like mud and sand.
The first three-wheeled front-end loader was invented in 1957 by two brothers, Cyril and Louis Keller, in a small machinist shop in Rothsay Minnesota. The brothers conceived the idea to help a nearby farmer with the ignoble task of cleaning up manure for a pole barn. They wanted to help him, and out of this collaboration the first skidder was born.
This early machine was eventually purchased by Melrose Manufacturing Company and the Kellers brought on to continue development. Since then it has spread to become a highly valued piece of heavy machinery at construction and engineering site around the globe.
Due to the wide array of attachments available for these vehicles , they have many uses, but mostly are employed for scrape material from one place to another, carry materials in a bucket and proceed to load them into a truck or trailer.
Skid loaders can also be used in tight digging situations where factors limit the practically of using a large excavator, like digging a basement under an existing house. In this situation a skid loader would make use of a ramp at the edge of the site. The loader would proceed to use the ramp to carry materials out of the hole. The skid loader would reshape the ramp by making it steeper and longer as the excavation deepened. Major manufacturers for skid loaders include the Bobcat Company, Mustang, Case, New Holland, Komatsu, and Caterpillar.
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Monday, September 1st, 2008
Charter flight – hiring an airplane and a pilot for travel to a specific destination - goes all the way back to 1913 when an enterprising pilot started carrying passengers between San Francisco and Oakland (the only other alternative in those days before the Bay Bridge was a slow-moving ferryboat), it was actually the federal government who made the first use of charter flight in the sense of hiring individuals and small companies. The year was 1918, and the purpose was to carry the mail for corporate business and banking interests. The reason was to reduce the float time on checks during which funds were unavailable. By 1925, airmail was being carried on a regular schedule.
Corporate jet travel for executive travel has roots that predate the development of a viable jet engine – all the way back to the 1920’s, in fact when virtually all powered aircraft still used piston engines and propellers. The first private aircraft intended for business use was the 1932 Beech Model 17 Staggerwing. This sleek-looking aircraft epitomized futuristic, art-deco design, with retractable landing wheels and a luxuriously-appointed interior that featured mohair-cushioned seats with leather trim and room for five passengers. This was followed up in 1937 with the Beechcraft aircraft (18 Twin). It was the first aircraft designed especially for business charter flight, and 7,000 were built and sold over the next thirty-two years.
When it came out in 1958, the Gulfstream I considered the finest aircraft for charter fight yet built, and its $1 million dollar price tag did not prevent it from gaining a significant market share. Although later this aircraft and its successor, the Gulfstream II were later retrofitted with jet engines and renamed the Gulfstream 100 and 200 respectively, when it comes to corporate jet travel, the name most people remember is Lear.
The 1964 Lear Jet was the first private jet manufactured and mass-produced for the general civilian market. Today, its descendant, the Lear Jet 60 is one of the most common corporate jets in use.
Other business and corporate jets include the Gulfstream IV-SP, which not only features oak furnishings, leather sofas and a soundproof interior, it is capable of circumnavigating the globe in 37 hours. The Cessna Citation X is capable of carrying 12 passengers in comfort at speeds of nearly 1000 kilometers per hour, making it the fastest production aircraft made.
Along with the increase in comfort and capability have also come steep increases in price and upkeep costs, which is why companies find it more cost-effective to simply chart flights on corporate jets on an as-needed basis. A charter flight is not only more cost-effective, it can also result in significant tax savings for your company as well!
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Monday, September 1st, 2008
Many people have been attending antique autombiles shows for years, meeting like-minded individuals and seeing cars that were roaming the streets decades before. However, many people have yet to experience what it is like to attend an antique automobile show, and for the uninitiated majority, they do not know what they are missing out on! Antique cars shows, believe it or not, are about more than just seeing beautiful exotic cars – it is also about the atmosphere, the people and the opportunities for networking.
Antique automobile shows are a great day out for the whole family. Anyone in your family who has a passion for engineering or antique cars will not be able to take their eyes off everything that is going on. Even those who aren’t as passionate about automobiles will still be able to have a great day with everything that is on offer. Like what? Depending on which antique show you attend, you can usually count on good food, great people and an enjoyable day sun-drenched day(weather permitting of course)!
Sure, you have seen that dream car that you lust over in magazines, and you have even seen it from all angles on your favourite classic car website, however until you have seen it for real – right in front on your eyes – you will not be able to truly experience the culture and history that surrounds it. Also, if you are lucky you will be able to sit inside it, and come one step closer to what it would feel like to drive the car of your dreams.
Everyone who has a passion, has to have someone to share it with. Everyone has heard of the classic example of our serviceman talking about the war, much to the disappointment of their friends and family who have heard the same story thousands of times! Little do antique car lovers know, they are just as bad when it comes to talking about cars. When you attend a classic car show you will be able to meet people who are just as desperate to talk about cars as you, meaning you can waffle on and on as much as you like!
If you are thinking about buying or selling classic antique cars then an antique car show could well be the best place to do it. You will be able to meet people who are active buyers, and also people who own the kind of cars you like, meaning that the opportunities available to you are vast. If you know someone who is looking to buy a car that is on display there you could even consider ways to flip the car and make a profit! The opportunities available, in terms of buying and selling, are unlimited so get your thinking hat on and you could well make money and enjoy yourself at the same time.
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