Heavy-Industrial Vehicle Manufacturers Key Terms

Understand terminology used by heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers

By B. Lumadue

There are many heavy-industrial vehicle manufacturers to choose from when shopping for new or used vehicles for your company's fleet. Companies often specialize in specific models, or in vehicles geared toward specialized tasks. Trucks and equipment make up a large investment, so choosing the right manufacturer and model is an important task. Get to know some of the key terms in the heavy-industrial vehicle field to find more information, compare manufacturers and select a vehicle.

Municipal trucks

Municipalities purchase and use many types of heavy duty vehicles, including refuse, garbage, recycling, dump and tree removal trucks. Some of these vehicles are used by non-municipal businesses like tree removal, construction and private refuse collection companies.
Try: See V & H for photographs and descriptions of various types of municipal vehicles.

Heavy duty construction equipment

Heavy duty construction equipment includes backhoe loaders, loaders, dump trucks, excavators, scrapers and articulated trucks. Some vehicles may fall into medium or light categories based on size and weight.
Try: Check out the Heavy Duty Construction Equipment website for information about construction vehicles, including classes and categories.

Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association

The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) is a national association dedicated to the interests of heavy duty equipment manufacturers. Member benefits include access to news, market research and government representation.
Try: Visit the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association website for more information about programs and membership.

Specs

Specs, or specifications, are variables used to evaluate heavy duty vehicles. They include such parameters as towing capacity, weight limits, comfort, braking and fuel usage. Specs dictate driver comfort, fuel efficiency, hauling capacity, vehicle performance and safety.
Try: See the Spec Optimizer from Sterling Trucks to find tools to optimize efficiency, maintenance, performance, safety and comfort (PDF).

Regulations

Heavy duty vehicles' emissions standards are regulated by the federal government. There are requirements for testing and usage, as well as specific requirements, like on-board diagnostics, for emissions control systems.
Try: Check the Environmental Protection Agency for information on 2010 requirements for on-board diagnostic systems. See Ecopoint for information about emission testing requirements.

Hybrids

Companies like Paccar have begun production of hybrid engines, that use a combination of battery and fuel power, in medium and heavy duty vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are designed for improved emissions and fuel efficiency.
Try: Read an article from Industry Week that highlights the growth of hybrid heavy duty engines. See the Environmental Defense Fund for a listing of available heavy duty hybrids.