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MARCH 2021HEAVY-DUTY SHOWCASE: WESTERN STAR 49X A VOCATIONAL DREAMWWW.MWSMAG.COMLANDSCAPE BODIES& TRAILERSFIT YOUR NEEDSTRUCK BODY 101WITH READING TRUCK BODY TIPSFEATURING FEATURING LANDSCAPELANDSCAPETRUCKS INTRUCKS IN

CONNECT WITH US on Twitter (@mwsmag) and Facebook at www.facebook.com/modernworktruckINDUSTRY NEWS .............................. INDUSTRY INSIGHT ........................... PRODUCT SHOWCASE ......................IN EVERY ISSUEUWSIMPOSSIBLY STRONGUWS offers tough and reliable storage solutions for professional tradesmen and truck enthusiasts alike.www.uwsta.comINSIDE THIS ISSUEMARCH 2021 VOL-6 NO-344LIGHT-DUTYVAN STABILITY  ................. COVER STORIESWESTERN STAR 49X REVIEW HEAVY-DUTY22SHOWCASEUPFIXLANDSCAPE BODIES & TRAILERS ..................26Fit your needsOPERATIONSTRUCK BODY 101 WITH READING ..............36Truck body tipsFEATURING LANDSCAPETRUCKS INHYDRAULICS 10140MEDIUM-DUTYMARCH 2021HEAVY-DUTY SHOWCASE: WESTERN STAR 49X A VOCATIONAL DREAMWWW.MWSMAG.COMLANDSCAPE BODIES& TRAILERSFIT YOUR NEEDSTRUCK BODY 101WITH READING TRUCK BODY TIPSFEATURING FEATURING LANDSCAPELANDSCAPETRUCKS INTRUCKS INLETTER TO THE EDITOREXPLAINING VISCOSITY ................... 10

OPERATIONS LIGHT THAT DELIVERS ..........................................................28 OPERATIONS 2020 OEM CHASSIS REPORT .................................................32 OPERATIONS A RAMP FOR ALL APPLICATIONS ...........................................38  FEATURED PRODUCT REAL POWER .......................................................................47  job donewww.mwsmag.com  DONNA CAMPBELL Editordonna@mwsmag.com JADE BRASHER Editorjade@mwsmag.comRANDY MOON Arandym@mwsmag.comVAL CARRIER val@mwsmag.comGARY BARKER gary@mwsmag.comTIM O’HARA tim.ohara@mwsmag.comLISA AVERY Art Director lisa@mwsmag.comCAMILLE BLACK  camille@mwsmag.comSETH SAUNDERS INGRID BERKY Modern WorkTruck Solutionsjade@mwsmag.comSUBSCRIPTIONS FOR ALL CHANGES, GO TO MWSMAG.COMCLICK THE "SUBSCRIPTIONS" BUTTON IN THE MAIN MENUCHRIS GARMONDONNA CAMPBELLwww.highlandspublications.com TIM GARMONRUSSELL HADDOCKTONYA BROWNING EditorEDITOR’S NOTETalk soon! Jade38283247

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THE QUESTION: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OUR READERS CONCERNING OILS AND LUBRICANTS? SOME BACKGROUND BACK IN AUGUST, WE PRINTED A Q&A WITH THE MANAGER OF CHEVRON LUBRICANTS’ INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, DAN HOLDMEYER. A READER REACHED OUT TO US WITH MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CONCERNING ONE OF DAN’S ANSWERS. READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE. A LETTER TO THE EDITORRESPONSE TO AUGUST 2020’S INDUSTRY INSIGHT Dear editor,As new technology becomes available for engines it remains critical to understand its limitations and that there are very few panaceas. In the recent article “Get Your Fleet Ready for Winter with these Tips,” regarding preparation for winter, the author suggests that usage of “synthetics” (the “new technology” now available for various oils) is sufficient to prepare for cold weather operation at lower temperatures. Though these products do offer performance benefits over “standard” oils, it remains crucial to know the recommended fluid viscosity needs for given operating conditions and possibly switch over to a lower winter viscosity product if necessary. Viscosity remains the initial selection criteria for engine oil and one can then determine if a “standard” (mineral) or a semi-synthetic (blend of mineral and synthetic) or a full synthetic oil is most appropriate. Sincerely, John Fischer Palatine, IllinoisWant to submit a letter to the editor? Email Jade Brasher, editor of magazine.jade@mwsmag.com

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202112INDUSTRY NEWSLINK OBTAINS HADLEY’S SMARTVALVE AND SAMS BRANDSORIGOSAFEDRIVER LAUNCHES ON THE GEOTAB MARKETPLACEUNLIMITED PARAMETER UPDATES AVAILABLE WITH VOLVO, MACK

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202114INDUSTRY NEWSJ&M SANITATION DEPLOYS BYD, AMREP ELECTRIC REFUSE TRUCKSFONTAINE MODIFICATION ESTABLISHES GM BAILMENT POOL TO PROVIDE READY-TO-WORK CHEVROLET TRUCKS ISUZU ANNOUNCES MAJOR ENHANCEMENTS TO N-SERIES DIESEL 

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MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202120AQINDUSTRY INSIGHTMARTY NELSONAll About Trucks in LandscapingMWS: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT LANDSCAPING VEHICLE?NELSON:MWS: WHAT ARE TRENDS YOU’RE SEEING IN THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY?NELSON:yourMWS: HOW IMPORTANT IS SAFETY WHEN IT COMES TO TRANSPORTING LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT, AND HOW CAN A CERTAIN BODY/PRODUCT MAKE EMPLOYEES AND EQUIPMENT SAFER?NELSON:REASONS TO ORGANIZE, WHAT'S TRENDING, SAFETY TIPS, AND MORE

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   23A VOCATIONAL DREAMBy Jade BrasherWestern Star 49X Review

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202124IModern WorkTruck SolutionsPRACTICAL DASHSIMPLE UPFITHEAVY-DUTY WORKTRUCK SHOWCASE

MARCH 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 25IN THE DETAILSLET’S RIDEFOR MORE INFORMATIONJade Brasher is the editor of Modern WorkTruck Soluons magazine. A her at jade@mwsmag.com. Find out www.westernstartrucks.com.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202126UPFIXTrailers and Bodies for LandscapingFIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS NEEDSY CM Truck Beds’ PL body is a platform bed that features the strongest, most durable materials on the market with features to get the job done. The PL is available with multiple options such as wood flooring, a cargo light, stake sides, an underbody tool box, and more. CM Truck Bed's LB body keeps crews organized and productive. This body makes it easy to load and unload equipment, while its construction delivers lasting durability and strength. Its dovetail design features two 72-inch rear ramps. It features a built-in, lockable storage compartment.CM Truck Beds offers two different body styles for landscapers: the LB Landscape Body and the PL Platform Stake Body.TRUCK BODIES

MARCH 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 27A big name in trailers (literally), Big Tex Trailers has several options for the landscape market. Those options include trailers with high sides to keep equipment, landscaping materials, and yard debris secure. Big Tex Trailers’ Tandem Axle Vanguard Trailer, the 70TV, features a larger width and higher v-crimped steel sides. This protects your cargo and equipment while hauling. Standard sizes range from 12 ft to 18 ft with payloads from 5,065 to 5,335 lbs. The Big Tex 35SV is a Single Axle Vanguard Trailer with pipe-top rail, higher sides, and a variety of width options. This gives owners the versatility to haul anything they need. Its standard sizes are 10-ft, 12-ft, and 14-ft long with trailer payloads of 1,515 to 1,895 lbs.HIGH-SIDE TRAILERSUTILITY TRAILERSWhen you think of an equipment trailer, it’s possible you picture something similar to PJ Trailers’ Utility Trailers. The brand manufactures several different sizes and styles of utility trailers including its 83-inch Tandem Axle Channel Utility (UL) and the 77-inch Single Axle Channel Utility (U7). What’s more, PJ Trailers’ Ready-Rail options are available with both trailers. These options include tool boxes, trimmer rack adapters, and more. The 83-inch Tandem Axle Channel Utility (UL) trailer is available in lengths of 10 to 20 ft. It can carry 5,500 to 7,749 lbs. This trailer also features a 4-inch channel frame and wrap tongue and a sealed wire harness as well as straight deck and dovetail options. The PJ Trailers U7 is 77-inches wide with lengths from 8 ft to 14 ft. It can carry loads from 1,990 to 3,575 lbs. Choose between a straight deck and a dovetail to best fit your needs. It features a 4-inch channel frame and wrap tongue as well as a sealed wire harness for extra reliability and dependability.FOR MORE INFORMATION 

  28OPERATIONSAINSIDE JOBLight that DeliversINNOVATIVE LIGHTING ADVANCEMENTS MAKE LAST-MILE DELIVERY FASTER, SAFER, AND EASIER Optronics’ high-mount combination stop and strobe light comes in a convenient easy-to-install kit that includes a 6-inch oval LED warning light, plug-and-play adaptor, and pre-terminated lead wire. WITH SUCH A WIDE VARIETY OF SHAPES, SIZES, PRICES, AND RAW LUMEN OUTPUTS RANGING FROM 1,000 TO 20,000, OPTRONICS’ ENTIRE FAMILY OF LED UTILITY AND WORK LIGHTS CAN MATCH ANY BUDGET AND ANY APPLICATION.

  29STRIP LIGHTING The MCL80RCB lamp can be used anywhere an ID bar is mounted, and because that’s usually up high, a customer can use it to light cargo, liftgates, and the ground below. The ILL38CMB Corner-Mount Interior LED Lamp comes with a passive infrared (PIR) sensor that provides flexibility to the user and can be programmed to trigger either individual light segments or a vehicle-wide interior lighting array.

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202130OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE BOXtwo VARIOUS APPLICATIONS Each ILL23CB Modular LED Strip Light comes with a power cap on one end and trim finish cap on the other. Both caps are detachable, revealing modular connecting ports that enable up to six of the lamps (almost 7 ft) to plug together, giving the resulting lamp configuration a long, clean, seamless look. The ILL02 and ILL03 Opti-Brite Diamond Series Lamps offer four activation options. Users can choose SmartTouch with its dimming and memory feature, PIR with its infrared motion-sensing feature, a manual on and off switch, or a no-switch design.

MARCH 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 31PACKAGE DEAL design FOR MORE INFORMATION 

  32OPERATIONS2020 OEM Chassis ReportHOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT THE INDUSTRY?I commercial truck chassisUS/Mexico commercial van sales Figure 1USMCA monthly factory shipments and sales andUSMCA monthly commercial van salesFigure 3USMCA chassis salescutaway, low cab-over-engine, and stripFigure 2Figure 4

  33USMCA monthly factory shipments, sales, and cumulative inventory – standard roof USMCA monthly factory shipments, sales, and cumulative inventory – high USMCA monthly factory shipments, sales, and cumulative inventory – all cab types USMCA monthly factory shipments, sales, and cumulative inventory - all cab types Graphs courtesy of NTEA.Figure 5 Figure 6Figure 7 Figure 8

  34OPERATIONSFOR MORE INFORMATIONUSMCA monthly factory shipments, sales, and cumulative inventory – all cab types USMCA monthly factory shipments, sales, and cumulative inventory - all cab types Figure 9 Figure 10How do the best stay on top of the rest?BY USING THEIR NOGGIN FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PLACE TO HANG THEIR HARD HATStaying on top of what is happening in the world of work trucks is a great start! Visit www.mwsmag.com and click on the digital edion tab to access the enre MWS digital library. Or subscribe. It’s up to you and it’s all free.

How do the best stay on top of the rest?BY USING THEIR NOGGIN FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PLACE TO HANG THEIR HARD HATStaying on top of what is happening in the world of work trucks is a great start! Visit www.mwsmag.com and click on the digital edion tab to access the enre MWS digital library. Or subscribe. It’s up to you and it’s all free.

  36OPERATIONSGQ: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRUCK BODY?A:toQ: WHAT TRUCK BODY IS GREAT FOR LANDSCAPE AND WHY? AQ: WHAT STYLE OF TRUCK BODY DO YOU SUGGEST FOR COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPING?A:Landscape Truck Body 101WITH READING TRUCK BODY

MARCH 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 37Q: WHAT STYLE OF TRUCK BODY DO YOU SUGGEST FOR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING?A:pickup trucksQ: WHAT ARE SOME TRUCK BODY MAINTENANCE TIPS YOU CAN SHARE FOR SMOOTH OPERATIONS AND LITTLE DOWNTIME?A:Q: WHAT TRUCK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO CUSTOMERS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A READING TRUCK BODY FOR THEIR LANDSCAPE APPLICATION?A:FOR MORE INFORMATION of Reading Truck contributed to manufactures truck bodies for more about landscape bodies and Mechanically lift a tandem wheel or dual axle vehicle from 1.5” to 8”. Constructed of aircraft grade aluminum the EZ Jack comes with a life-time guarantee. Great for Trailers, Long Haulers, and RV owners.BLAYLOCK AMERICAN METAL™ 866-871-0170www.blaylockind.cominfo@blaylockind.com5600 Midway Road Fort Worth, TX 76117THE VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE EZ Jack™

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202138OPERATIONSLRAMPANT RAMP USAGEA RAMP FOR ALL APPLICATIONSA LOW-COST, LOW-MAINTENANCE SOLUTION FOR VARIOUS APPLICATIONS Link Manufacturing developed a variety of lightweight, low-profile aluminum ramps that vertically mount inside the rear or side doors of commercial vans and box trucks, protecting them from the elements.

MARCH 2021 WWW.MWSMAG.COM MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS 39EASY DOES IT ALL INDUSTRIESFOR MORE INFORMATIONwww.linkmfg.com. Link’s Swivel Ramp mounts in the rear stored position like a traditional folding ramp but can also be stowed inside behind the wheel well.

  40MAINTENANCEIMEASURE PERFORMANCE Hydraulic Horsepower hp = gpm x psi x .0007 • gpm = gallons per minute• psi = pounds per square inch • hp = horsepower • .0007 = conversion constant FINDING PROBLEMS REMOVE WATER Hydraulics 101UNDERSTANDING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONSBy Roger Wareham KEEP YOUR HYDRAULIC SYSTEM RUNNING SMOOTHLY BY TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS AND MAINTAINING THE SYSTEM.medium-duty feature

  41             REMOVE CONTAMINATION SYSTEM NOISES HIGH FLUID TEMPERATURE

MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS WWW.MWSMAG.COM MARCH 202142MAINTENANCESLOW OPERATION RUN SMOOTHLYin ABOUT THE AUTHORRoger Wareham is the southeastern 

WSTABILITY = SAFETYA          44SAFETYAdd Stability to Top-heavy VehiclesDELIVERING MORE SAFETY FOR YOUR FLEET OF COMMERCIAL VANSlight-duty feature

 SUSPENSION SOLUTIONS AEON VS AIR   45FOR MORE INFORMATIONFind out more about Timbren’s  Timbren Aeon® hollow rubber springs help to slow the bounce while delivering a soft, stable ride.

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   47REAL POWER® GENERATORS PROVIDE MORE THAN 60W OF 480V POWER TO GET THE JOB DONEfeatured productWMORE PAYLOAD, MORE ROOMEASY TO OPERATE, MAINTAIN CUSTOM IS STANDARDwww.realacpower.com.Need Power? Get

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