Episode 6: In this summer-themed episode of the Parts for Trucks Podcast, host Jamie Irvine dives into the critical topic of keeping commercial vehicles cool during the hottest months of the year. With rising temperatures posing serious risks to drivers and equipment, Jamie is joined by Ken Brandt from Horton and Mike Helm from Arctic Traveler Canada to explore preventative maintenance strategies, cooling system technologies, and practical tips for fleets. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive care to avoid costly breakdowns and ensure driver safety and comfort.

Key Topics Covered:

• Heat Risks for Drivers and Equipment: How extreme summer temperatures impact truck drivers, mobile technicians, and cooling systems.
• Cooling System Failures: Common causes of overheating, including fan clutch issues and AC system leaks.
• Fan Clutch Technologies: Overview of on/off, two-speed, and variable-speed fan clutches and their applications.
• Preventative Maintenance: Best practices for inspecting and maintaining cooling systems, including air pressure checks, component inspections, and rebuild intervals.
• Remanufacturing Insights: Horton’s high standards for reman fan clutches and how fleets can benefit from reman programs.
• Inventory and Support Tools: Horton’s VIN decoder, Quick View tool, and Power BI reporting to streamline parts identification and availability.
• AC System Maintenance: Tips from Arctic Traveler Canada on preventing AC failures, including running systems in winter and replacing dryers after repairs.
• Vocational Equipment Support: Specialized solutions for off-road, agricultural, and mining equipment cooling systems.

Resources Mentioned:

• Parts for Trucks Website
• Horton’s 17-digit VIN Decoder Tool
• Horton Quick View Inventory Tool
• Preventative Maintenance Checklists from Horton
• Arctic Traveler Canada’s HVAC support and custom coil manufacturing

Guest Bio:

• Ken Brandt – Director of On Road, Horton: With over 40 years in the heavy-duty industry and 25 years at Horton, Ken Brandt brings deep expertise in fan clutch technology and fleet support. He oversees Horton’s On Road division and is a passionate advocate for preventative maintenance and customer training. Ken has played a key role in developing Horton’s remanufacturing standards and support tools for distributors and fleets.
  
  
• Mike Helm – Arctic Traveler Canada: Mike Helm represents Arctic Traveler Canada, a company specializing in HVAC systems for commercial, agricultural, and off-road vehicles since 1960. With a strong focus on preventative maintenance and customer education, Mike supports fleets across Canada in maintaining reliable AC systems and minimizing downtime during extreme weather conditions.

Connect With Us: Available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc. for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more...

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.

Episode 5: In this episode of the Parts for Trucks Podcast, host Jamie Irvine explores how the right tools can significantly enhance both productivity and safety in the heavy-duty trucking industry. Featuring in-depth conversations with Jake Malpass from Milwaukee Tools and Mark Keegans from AlmaMates, the episode dives into innovative tool systems designed to reduce technician strain, improve workflow efficiency, and prevent workplace injuries.

Key Topics Covered:

• Milwaukee Tools Innovations
  • The evolution from pneumatic to cordless tools
  • M12 and M18 platforms: differences and applications
  • One-Key technology for torque precision and repeatability
  • RedLink Plus Intelligence for tool safety and performance
  • Packout modular storage system for mobile and shop-based efficiency
  • Ergonomic and safety-focused tool designs
• AlmaMates BrakeMate System
  • Philosophy of technician-first tool design
  • No strain, no pain approach to brake and wheel-end maintenance
  • Compatibility with various truck and trailer brands
  • Tools for air disc and foundation brake systems
  • Real-world examples of injury prevention and productivity gains
  • Scalable system for shops of all sizes
• Industry Impact
  • The cost of workplace injuries and lost productivity
  • How tool innovation supports technician morale and retention
  • Using advanced tools as a recruitment and retention strategy

Resources Mentioned:

• Parts for Trucks Website
• Milwaukee Tools M12 & M18 platforms
• Milwaukee One-Key and RedLink Plus Intelligence
• AlmaMates BrakeMate and accessory tools
• E-Service platform for Milwaukee tool repairs
• Training and demo opportunities through Parts for Trucks locations

Guest Bio:

• Jake Malpass is the Product Manager for Core Tooling at Milwaukee Tools. With over seven years at the company, he brings deep expertise in cordless tool innovation and user-focused design. Jake is passionate about improving safety and productivity for professionals in the heavy-duty trucking industry through cutting-edge tool solutions.
• Mark Keegans is the founder of AlmaMates, a company dedicated to creating technician-friendly tools for wheel-end and brake maintenance. With over 25 years in the trucking industry, Mark’s mission is to eliminate technician strain and injury through thoughtful, ergonomic tool design. His “no strain, no pain” philosophy is at the heart of the BrakeMate system.

Connect With Us: Available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc. for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more...

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.

Episode 4: The only thing stopping 80,000 pounds from crashing into you and your family on our highways are the brakes on commercial vehicles. Commercial fleets must balance safety for the public and their drivers with the economics of operating a commercial trucking fleet in Canada. The stakes have never been higher and one bad decision on brakes can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Key Topics Covered

• Brake Safety Week in Canada found 12.6% of inspections led to brake-related out-of-service violations
• Investing 8-10% more in quality brake components can significantly reduce total operating costs
• One fleet saved nearly $100,000 by upgrading to higher quality friction materials
• Air disc brakes now account for 50% of North American Class 8 trucks, expected to reach 75% by 2030
• Proper brake identification requires understanding differences between manufacturers and models
• Quality friction materials contain better lubricants, abrasives, and undergo more precise manufacturing
• Thorough brake inspections must check component wear, air system integrity, and proper adjustment
• Technicians must verify brake geometry and stroke measurements during installation and adjustment

Guest Bios

• Jay Kay: Joe has been with the Brake engineering team for 30 years. Joe started when the company was Rockwell International, then it became Meritor and now is part of Cummins.
• Robert Goodwin: Robert has 53 years of experience in heavy-duty parts and has been with PFT for 38 years, he is now serving as our Manager, Customer Care Help Desk in Eastern Canada.
• Phil Hutton: Service Manager in our Dartmouth. Phil leads his team as they service our customers equipment.

Connect with Us: This podcast is available on PartsForTrucks.com/podcast, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Disclaimer: The Parts For Trucks podcast is produced by Parts for Trucks, Inc for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Parts For Trucks, Inc. Read more...

Visit PartsForTrucks.com/podcast for all links.