On a roll: vendors show off new trucks, trailers and other wheeled equipment at Interbev Atlanta

Modern Brewery Age, Nov 11, 2002

Centennial beverage trailers from New Centennial, Inc.

New Centennial, Inc. of Columbus, GA displayed its Century Series 2003 beverage trailer at Interbev. According to Dan Burt of Centennial, the 18-bay single-axle trailer "is designed to be an industry leader in quality, durability, and ergonomic features." The Century 2003 features the Step-Rail bottom rail, "Ergo Handle" handholds, deluxe door straps, and what Centennial calls "the lowest working height in the industry." Other features of the Century Series include unibeam all-aluminum frame, patented door track inserts, felt weather guards, and adjustable handcart carriers. "Through years of refinement and leading edge engineering, Centennial has designed the most driver friendly units on the road," Dan says. "While others try to imitate our innovative designs, there is only one Centennial. We don't just sell our products; we build relationships with exceptional customer service, next day parts sales, and practical solutions for our customers."

Leverage hand trucks

Leverage Hand Trucks of Palm beach Gardens, FL, has developed a new hand truck that is designed to handle cargo more efficiently. A catch on the handle releases, allowing the handle to swing back, which allows the user to move cargo flush with a wall before releasing the handle, and sliding the hand truck back The company notes that there is "no need to rock or steady the cargo, and both feet remain firmly on the ground, so back strain, fatique, and the potential for injury are reduced."

The unit is built with 1-1/8-inch 6061 T6 aluminum tubing, a 5/8-inch 316 stainless steel axle and an extruded aluminum base plate that can handle up to 600 pounds. According to Leverage, the new hand truck can reduce injury potential, reduce worker fatigue, increase productivity, optimize storage space and reduce cargo damage.

Sterling introduces enhanced Acterra class 5-8 truck line

Sterling Truck Corporation of Willoughby, Ohio has announced major enhancements to its Acterra line of Class 5-8 trucks. The changes, focused on the chassis, are said to bring further advantages in handling, maneuverability, ride, weight savings, serviceability and ease of body installation.

"The Sterling Acterra is one of the fastest growing mid-range trucks in North America and these enhancements will only increase its popularity among work truck operators," said John Merrifield, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Sterling Truck Corporation. "We've improved the entire chassis--from the frame rails to the location of the battery box to the rear suspension. Now the Acterra delivers even more benefits in performance, durability and uptime."

According to Merrifield, the new Acterra incorporates new or redesigned components in several major vehicle systems:

The truck's frame features stronger single-channel steel rails rated at 50,000, 80,000 and 120,000 pounds per square inch, reducing the need for rail inserts for many applications. With less need for rail inserts, the frame is lighter overall, so operators can haul more payload. According to Sterling, the rails' single-channel design also helps diminish the chance of corrosion and reduces maintenance requirements.

The Acterra's new front suspension incorporates single-leaf springs as standard equipment Taper-leaf suspensions are available in a range of capacities from 8,000 to 18,000 pounds. with maintenance-free rubber bushings. Flat-leaf springs are also available rated at 14,600, 16,000 and 18,000-pound capacities. Maintenance-free front spring bushings are standard.

For 4x2 applications, a replaceable spring deflection pad is used instead of a shackle on the rear of each front spring. The 12,000-pound front suspension option is supplied with the single-leaf spring with a rear spring shackle, plus rubber spring bushings on both ends, for longer life and improved ride. According to Sterling, some of the most significant enhancements to the new Acterra models come in the rear suspension system. The suspension's rear shackles are spring-mounted, contributing to a smooth and quiet ride, and a slipper pad is standard. The improvements to the Acterra's rear suspension enhance the trucks ride, and the suspension is now lubrication-free.

Two suspension packages are available. The 52-inch variable rate taper leaf rear suspension is standard in a six-step range of capacities rated from 18,000 to 23,000 pounds. Shock absorbers can be added to improve the ride, and an optional low maintenance rubber helper pad provides extra load support and stability. An optional rear stabilizer bar improves handling.

The optional 60-inch two-stage spring rear suspension package comes in 18,000-, 21,000-and 23,000-pound ratings. This suspension design offers the best option for quiet and sure handling over demanding road surfaces without the added cost of an air suspension. Anti-friction spacers are standard, along with shock absorbers, rear shackle mounts and the rubber helper.

Optional 60-inch air rear suspensions are available in ratings from 10,000 to 40,000 pounds, plus extra-duty ratings of 40,000 and 46,000 pound capacities. The stabilizer bar is available for both the spring and air suspensions.