The world around us is forever changing and getting faster by the second with the help of technology. The trucking industry is no different. From shipping expectations from consumers to needing trucks back on the road after maintenance, every second is important.
A major concern for everyone is always time. Time to make deliveries, time to let drivers rest from fatigue and, of course, time for truck maintenance. If time is saved during maintenance, then it can be used to put the truck back on the road which in turn creates money for the driver and the company. The average time to change the oil in a semi-truck is about an hour, but this is usually done during a scheduled maintenance stop, which can take up to two and a half hours or more. Another aspect of time that is separate from the maintenance normally done in one of these stops is the changing of tires. The amount of time to change a set of tires depends on the tire, where it is changed and the tools available. For a technician that has all the tools needed, a change in tires can be done in an hour and a half. On the road it is different and sometimes changing a single tire can take double that amount.
So what happens when there are complications in maintenance? The truck is in the shop longer and, of course, not making any money. Having new technology to battle complications faster saves not only time, but money as well. There is new technology to help separate dual truck wheels when they are corroded or rusted together. More technology also exists to clean off those surfaces and make it easier in the future to separate them again when needed. All of this helps the technicians get the job done faster and have the trucks back on the road sooner.
Constant technology changes have helped in the process of creating new tools that are helpful for technicians. One of the new tools on the market from Ken-Tool is the Shark Fin Dual Wheel Separation Bag. This device helps with the previous scenario in separating the rusted together truck wheels or separating the inner wheel from the hub without any damage being done. The process is simple and makes the task of separating tires easier and faster. The Shark Fin is made out of industrial Kevlar that is nearly puncture proof and it inflates in seconds. All the technician has to do is place the separation bag in between the wheels and inflate using an air compressor. During inflation, the Shark Fin adds enough pressure that it can even separate wheels that have been welded together.
The next step in the process once the wheels are separated is the cleaning of the surfaces. A new tool that helps with this is the Rust Hog Hub Cleaning Tool. This tool is used with an impact gun and is compatible with all 1/2” drives. Rust and debris is taken away quickly and the abrasive pads fit around wheel studs for thorough cleaning. Making sure to have clean surfaces helps eliminate balancing issues of the tires, improper torquing when tightening bolts, and makes future separation of these surfaces easier.
Another aspect and concern of doing maintenance is the safety of the driver and the technician doing the work on the trucks and trailers. Maintenance and upkeep helps the driver stay safe while on the road and, of course, prevent breakdowns that usually happen at the worst times possible. While doing the work, however, technicians also have to be safe and avoid injury. There is a lot of bending and reaching being done during the process but let’s not forget about lifting of parts and tires. A truck tire and wheel assembly can weigh as much as 200 lbs and the process of lifting those puts a lot of stress and strain on the backs of technicians. To alleviate the strain, Ken-Tool has crafted the Iron Man Wheel Lifting Bar. The leverage created is enough to lift the tire easily and safely without putting stress on the technician.
All of the tools mentioned, and even others made by Ken-Tool, are designed to making the work of technicians faster, easier and safer. It is important to save time when possible but still pay attention to fine details. Everyday work of a technician can be labor intensive and consist of long hours, but with the help of the right tool, work can go more smoothly. In the long run more money is being made by not only the technician, but by the drivers and fleet companies.
Elizabeth Holston is a senior at The University of Akron studying marketing Communications and marketing management. She is currently a marketing intern at Ken-Tool. While working on her goals for her career, she also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, working on cars, and a hobby in photography.
