4. Retaining Engines
Key to Success
A
t a time when many other trucking companies are
struggling to stay competitive, Kane Transport,
Inc. is growing exponentially.
The Minnesota-based bulk and petroleum carrier has
grown from a handful of trucks in the 1970s to more
than 200 rigs today.
Growth has been accomplished primarily through the
acquisition of other trucking firms, as well as the expan-
sion of gasoline hauling services for a major petroleum
marketer into the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
“A lot of it has been strategic business growth,” said
Peter Kane, operations manager – Twin Cities Terminal.
“We look at who the prospects are, and if they will mesh
well with us. We look at whether they’ll fit into a market
that we’re in, or are they in a new market that we want
to enter.”
Acquisitions have enabled Kane Transport, Inc. to
expand petroleum product delivery into the Dakotas,
Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois,
Indiana, and parts of Canada. (The company also delivers
freight in Wisconsin and Illinois.)
“We’re aggressive,” said Kane. “We like to think that
we are making the sound decisions necessary to be suc-
cessful for the next three decades.”
In growing the company, Kane learned that he can’t
control all aspects and must delegate responsibility to
his 180 employees.
Strong employees are essential to the company’s suc-
cess. “We rely on our people,” said Kane. “They know
the market, and have a great drive to become better. We
work well together, and know we’ll find a solution to
any problem.”
Long Life
Keeping Cat®
engines far longer than in the past is
also key to Kane Transport’s success. “The savings from
running the older Cat engines are compensating for the
heavier and more complex new truck builds,” Kane said.
Forty-two of the company’s fleet of primarily Peterbilt
and Kenworth tractors are powered by Cat engines (425
hp C13s).
Refurbishing at 1/4 to 1/3 the cost
of new trucks
4
5. Eleven of the Cat engines run like new after being
rebuilt with Platinum Precious Metals In-frame Overhaul
Kits. Many of the Cat engines are 10 years old, and are
near or exceed 1 million miles. “They’re well-maintained
trucks, and with the overhauls, the engines are running
like new,” said Kane.
Previously, Kane Transport had sold or traded in trucks
when they reached 800,000 to 900,000 miles.
“Now, who knows? As long as the frame and the cab
and the chassis are fine, we’ll keep them,” said Brandon
Smith, service manager at the Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
facility. “How can we lose with the overhauls? It’s like put-
ting a new engine in the rig, and the overhauls include
any technology upgrades.”
Improved power and fuel economy are added bonuses
that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Success Guaranteed
The rebuilt engines are backed by OPT (Overhaul
Protection for Trucks), which includes a four-year war-
ranty on all components inspected or replaced during
the overhaul.
When work is completed at a Cat Dealership, inspected
components are backed by warranty. “If we have a
camshaft with a million miles on it, and it passes the
inspection, it’s covered by the warranty,” said Smith.
Components, such as pre-coolers and oil coolers, are
also covered by warranty when replaced at the same time
overhauls are done. “When we do the overhauls, we do
whatever else needs to be done to keep them running
another four years,” Smith said.
Overhauls are done at Ziegler Cat, and the trucks are
back on the road quickly—typically in two days. The
Ziegler Cat Service Department is always available to
answer any engine questions company technicians may
have. “They’ll walk us through it. They’re willing to help
us,” said Smith.
Other than engine overhauls, Kane Transport techni-
cians do all other refurb work.
“We’ll clean them up. We might paint the frames.
Steering wheels, seat cushions may need to be replaced,”
said Smith. “When we’re finished, it’s like having a new
truck.”
The work saves the company quite a bit of money.
Refurbished rigs typically cost one-quarter to one-third
the cost of buying a new truck.
The company employs five mechanics at the Twin
Cities facility, and another seven in Sauk Centre, Minn.
“We have an excellent group of techs,” Smith said.
A strong preventive maintenance program is also essen-
tial to engine longevity. Oil sampling and oil changes at
20,000 miles are key components of the program. “Oil
is sampled every oil change,” Smith said.
In addition, technicians have been tracking mainte-
nance and repairs for each unit by computer since late
2011. “Drivers also let us know when they experience
any problems, or hear unusual noises, and we take care
of them,” said Smith.
Company technicians also repair trailers. Petroleum
and gasoline are hauled in 43-foot, four-compartment,
9,500-gallon tankers. Asphalt is transported in 7,500-gallon
trailers, and bio diesel is moved using single-compartment,
8,500-gallon tankers. In addition, the company uses 10
flat bed trailers to move freight.
The rigs continue to deliver petroleum and other
products, and Kane Transport keeps growing.
The trucking company now called Kane Transport, Inc. was
founded by Joe Kane and his brother, Louie, in 1949 in Sauk
Centre, Minn. The brothers delivered gasoline and fuel oil
in western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota using a
single truck.
A second truck was added in 1966, and a third in 1972.
When Joe passed in the 1970s, his wife, Lucille, headed the
company. Joe and Lucille’s sons, Dave, Tom, Bob, and Mike
expanded the company in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Today, the company is headed by Bob’s children, Angela,
CFO; Pete, operations manager; and Patrick, vice president
operations.
From a single-truck
firm in the late 1940s,
the Kane family—and
theiremployees—have
grown Kane Transport
into one of the largest
petroleum common
carriers in Minnesota.
“The company has
evolved over time, and
will continue to do so,” said Pete Kane.
The one constant in the ever-evolving company—the Kane
family.
Third generation leads Kane Transport, Inc.
Brandon Smith, left, and Pete Kane.
5
7. O
ne hundred miles deep in the big woods of North
Maine, a Western Star tractor powered by a Cat®
C-16 engine hauled a trailer brimming with fir
trees toward a company-owned woodlot.
Hauling loads of 40-foot logs miles through the woods
is hard work, and tough on equipment. To meet the
challenge, Northern Timber Trucking, Fort Kent, Maine,
utilizes 17 Western Star tractors powered by Cat C-16
Reman engines (600 hp).
“We work in the woods, off-road. A lot of our work is
hauling big loads to Canada,” said J.R. Theriault, a driver
and member of the family that has owned and operated
the company for 40 years. “We do some on-road work in
spring and again in the fall when it’s too muddy to work
in the woods.”
Installing Cat Reman engines into glider kits (which
replace virtually everything in the tractor but the engine)
maintains uptime and reliability. “When we’re working
100 miles in the woods, we can’t have breakdowns,” said
Theriault. “That’s why we run Cat Power. We’ve had no
problems with the Cat engines—they’re very reliable.”
Northern Timber Trucking began installing Cat Reman
engines in 2008, and has replaced all engines in the fleet
over the past five years.
For the rigors of off-road trucking in North Maine,
the power of the C-16 engines is essential. “It’s a tough
engine,” said Theriault.
Like-New Performance
Cat Reman engines provide excellent productivity and
efficiency at an affordable price, and are remanufactured
using only Genuine Cat Parts. State-of-the-art techniques
and advanced remanufacturing processes return each
engine to like-new specifications.
In addition to like-new performance, Reman engines
lower repair and operating costs, improve uptime, and
include an upgrade of critical design improvements,
dynamometer testing, and warranty protection.
Continued on page 8
The Facts
• Herman Theriault is president of Northern
Timber Trucking. Herman’s wife, Claire, serves
as secretary, and the couple’s seven sons are
all employed by the company.
• Fort Kent is Maine’s northernmost town.
• The city lies across the St. John River from the
small town of Clair, in Madawaska County, New
Brunswick, Canada.
• A fort, named for Governor Edward Kent, was
constructed in what is now the city of Fort Kent
between 1838 and 1840. It was built to assert
Maine’s authority and protect American settlers
during the bloodless Aroostook War.
7
8. Northern Timber Trucking’s Reman
engines come complete from the fac-
tory with a same-as-new warranty,
and an option to purchase additional
insurance.
The extended warranty cover-
age purchased by Northern Timber
Trucking enables the company to
avoid unexpected costs that can wreak
havoc on the equipment budget and
adversely affect the bottom line.
The engine warranty work is com-
pleted by Milton Cat technicians. “The
service is very good,” said Theriault.
Reman engines run by Northern
Timber Trucking are covered by five-
year warranties. “By the time they’re
complete, it’s usually time for engine
rebuilds. When we do that, we receive
another warranty,” Theriault said.
The Long Run
In this way, Northern Timber
Trucking has kept the fleet of Cat
engines running years longer than
other trucking companies.
A strong emphasis on maintenance
also helps keep the fleet running
efficiently and reliably. “We do main-
tenance every week,” said Theriault.
“That includes weekly greasing.”
When working in rugged condi-
tions, reliable starting and strong
performance are essential. Cat Power—
and Cat Reman engines—provide
Northern Timber Trucking with the
muscle to complete the work in some
of the roughest conditions truckers
face anywhere in North America.
8
10. 2013 Spring Savings Specials
expires June 30, 2013
BENDIX BRAKE SHOE KIT $42.95* exchange
* Installed price per axle, labor only $169.00
16.5” X 7” “Q-Plus” shoe kit. Includes 2 shoes and hardware kit.
23,000 pound rating. Part# KE4707Q23KPREM
TUFFLINE BRAKE SHOE KIT $32.95* exchange
* Installed price per axle, labor only $169.00
16.5” X 7” “Q-Plus” shoe kit. Includes 2 shoes and hardware kit.
20,000 pound rating. Part# RK6204707Q
BRAKE CHAMBERS
Alumiline 30/30 brake chamber complete.
$34.95 STANDARD STROKE - 2 Year warranty. Part# 3030TA2A
$38.95 LONG STROKE - 2 Year warranty. Part# 3030TA3A
NEW CLUTCH SPECIAL $1,499.99
Includes: Resurface flywheel, pilot bearing, clutch brake,
parts and labor. 2 year clutch parts and labor warranty.
2050# torque clutch 15.5” X 2”. Made in USA. NEW!
Part# EZ208925-82H
2 YRCLUTCH PARTAND LABORWARRANTY
FAN CLUTCH KIT 324.95*
*CALL STORE FOR SPECIAL INSTALL PRICE.
Gold Top high torque fan clutch rebuild kit for most
Horton applications. Part# 14-256
tps.service@ringpower.com | rptrucks.com | All Makes and Models | Parts and Service
11. For additional parts and service specials,
visit the back of this catalog for all Ring Power locations.
ONE STOP
TRUCK CENTER.
Bumper to Bumper Service, Sales
and Parts, Extended Warranty
Programs, and Zero Percent
Financing Options.
DIAGNOSTIC
COVERAGE FOR:
Vehicles including Freightliner,
International and Kenworth.
Engine Coverage for Cat, Detroit,
Cummins, and more. Engine
components including Allison,
Bendix, Eaton, Haldex and Meritor
WABCO.
CAT’S EYE $119.95/pair
Check your tire pressure in a blink of an eye!
100PSI with stainless steel hoses. Part# 6100-AB001
LED LIGHT $12.95/pair
4” LED Stop/turn/tail light. 24 high output diodes. Fits all popular
mounting grommets. Part# G4002-3
full service locations throughout North and Central Florida.
chassis dynos (Daytona, Orlando, Palm Bay, Tampa, Ocala, Lake City)
engine dynos dedicated service bays.
14
6
2 101
1
2
43
6
7
10
12
9
11
15
13
14
8
5
12. • Air Compressor
• Air Conditioning Heating
• Alternators Starters
• Axles
• Batteries
• Brakes
• Clutches
• Drivelines
• Electrical Instruments Controls
• Engine Cooling Radiators
• Exhaust
• Fuel System
• Steering
• Suspension
• Throttle Control
• Transmission
• Windshields, Wipers Washer
• Wiring
• DOT inspections
• Trailer and cargo bodies,
undercarriage decking
• Contract towing
• Pre-arranged after-hours service
• Drop-off service
• Chassis vehicle inspection service
• Preferred Maintenance Contracts
multiple-year service intervals
• Competitive engine ECU component
diagnostics
• Auxiliary Power Units
• Body Shop at selected repair centers
• Paint Shop at selected repair centers
• Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning
TRUCK REPAIR SERVICES
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS!
We offer full-service truck repairs and can handle any of your fleets repairs.
We have the experienced technicians and diagnostics tools to allow us to
work on more than just Caterpillar engines.
247
13. Produce hauling tips
H
auling produce coast-to-coast or to points in
between can be lucrative, but your drivers must
take some precautions to help ensure fresh fruits
and vegetables arrive at their destinations in good shape.
Here are ive tips that may help you and your
drivers:
1. Be especially careful with temperature-sensitive
products such as strawberries, tomatoes, green
onions, lettuce, and pretty much any leafy green
vegetables. If these products freeze, they’re junk.
Drivers should pulp the load as it is being loaded to
ensure produce isn’t damaged before it becomes your
company’s responsibility. There are certain types
of items that should not be on the trailer together
because of temperature differences or ethylene gas.
Loading a sensitive product like strawberries with
a hot product such as oranges, for instance, is an
invitation for trouble.
2. When your drivers haul a variety of products in
a single load, they must be aware of all shipping
temperatures. Temperatures should be on the bills.
If there is a discrepancy between the temps on
bills and what your drivers are told, have them
call the dispatcher to determine the correct temp.
Temperature guidelines can be strict—1 degree too
low or too high can make a difference whether
your driver can unload or not. And don’t forget the
temp recorder—it’s there to protect your company’s
interests.
3. Your company’s drivers have a right to be on the
dock watching shippers load produce onto your
rigs. Drivers also have a right to count the cases
and check the pulp temperatures to make sure they
aren’t loading it too hot or too cold. Drivers should
pulp at least every fourth pallet, and open a box
and smell and taste the produce. Typically, access
to the dock isn’t a problem. But if the shipper or
anyone else tells drivers that they can’t do this, get
it in writing on your bills or via fax/email before
the product is loaded.
4. Steps must be taken to ensure refrigeration units are
operating properly. Drivers should always arrive at
the shipper with full fuel in the reefer. Some ship-
pers won’t let your drivers on the lot without at
least ¾ of a tank. Drivers should also check the oil,
and carry some oil to add, if needed. Drivers should
also carry a long set of jumper cables. If they hook
to a reefer that won’t start, the cables quickly prove
their worth.
5. Washouts depend on the shipper. Some produce
sheds have a hose available for your drivers to use,
no charge. You don’t want to put your drivers in
the position of showing up with a trailer that hasn’t
been washed out, and being forced to find the near-
est washout (which may not be very close). Trying
to cheap your way out of a washout can cost you
in the long run.
Of course, good driving practices also apply to help
protect the load. Above all else, stay cool, but not frosty,
and produce delivery will be a valuable segment for your
trucking business.
Keep it Fresh
9
14. Diversity of services, fleet reliability keys to customer service
M
any factors contribute to the success of any
trucking company that has stayed in business
for any length of time. This is especially true
for PC Trucking Enterprises, Inc., Gary, Ind.
Diversity of equipment and services is one component.
“We’re kind of a one-stop shop in Northwest Indiana,”
said P.J. Wiltjer, owner and president. “It’s one of the key
reasons that we’ve done as well as we have. If one market
falters, another picks up.”
Since its beginnings in 1976, the company has regrouped
and retooled to enter a new marketplace niche approximately
seven times. Consequently, PC has acquired almost 100
trailers providing dump truck, flatbed, lowboy and trans-
fer services. They provide outstanding flexibility to meet
virtually any customer need.
Transfer services include: transporting aggregate for
concrete and asphalt plants, heavy hauling, the use of
flatbeds and drop deck trailers to meet fabricators’ needs,
and the transport of scrap, demolition material and trash.
Reliable Service
A reliable, dependable fleet also contributes to PC
Trucking’s bottom line.
The company runs 31 tractors. All are Kenworth T800s.
All are powered by Cat®
engines (3176, C12, C13, C15, and
C16 models). Power ranges from 430 hp in small block
C12 models to 550 hp and 650 hp in the C15 and C16
engines that are used for heavy hauling.
Engines have run between 450,000 and 650,000 miles.
Typically, PC works within a 200-mile radius of company
headquarters in Gary, but will travel farther if necessary.
Regrouping and
Retooling for Success
10
15. “We can’t afford engine failure. When we tell a customer
that we’re going to be there with five trucks, that’s exactly
what we do.”
– P.J. Wiltjer
President
“We’ve been to Colorado and Texas, when the customer
need arises,” Wiltjer said.
Services provided by Cat Dealership, Patten Industries,
Inc., have helped the company remain true to Cat Power,
and help keep PC Trucking in the black. “Patten always
accommodates us. They do whatever they can to help us
with OPT and warranty programs,” said Wiltjer.
OPT (Overhaul Protection for Trucks) provides extended
warranty protection on all components inspected or
replaced during overhauls.
Over the years, Patten technicians have completed a
half-dozen or so engine rebuilds with Platinum Precious
Metals In-frame Overhaul Kits to increase engine life and
restore power and performance.
When an engine reaches 500,000 to 600,000 miles, a
decision is made on when to schedule an overhaul. “It’s
good business to do the overhaul when it’s convenient
for us to take a truck out of service for a few days,” said
Wiltjer. “We can’t afford engine failure. When we tell a
customer that we’re going to be there with five trucks,
that’s exactly what we do.”
Internal engine services, such as major overhauls, are
done at Patten. PC Trucking’s three technicians perform
all other service and maintenance work.
Preventive Maintenance
“We go overboard on preventive maintenance, because
we don’t want the engines not starting or failing on a
job. That’s very important to us,” said Wiltjer. “We’re
selling service.”
Every two weeks, all tractors are greased and inspected,
including tire depth and wear. PC also utilizes oil sam-
pling to help spot any developing problems and to keep
uptime high.
Preventive maintenance includes a move to synthetic
oil. As a result, oil changes have been expanded to 15,000-
mile intervals. “It saves on labor, and filters,” Wiltjer said.
The company’s bottom line is also improved through
the use of Cat Reman parts, which are at least 1/3 less than
the price of new, according to Rob Sons, shop manager.
“You can’t tell the difference between Reman and new.
They look and perform like new. The only way that you
know they’re not new is the boxes are different,” he said.
Reman parts that PC Trucking uses include water
pumps, water coolers and turbos.
Resilience and Resolve
Since the recession began, PC Trucking has made
great efforts to reduce costs, wherever possible.
The company lost its largest
account when the economy
soured, and had to sell at a loss
some of the specialized equipment used for the work.
The company’s fleet is less than half the size that it was
before the economic downturn.
The loss forced the company to look at the way it did
business, and refocus its commitment to serving custom-
ers. “We’re working to grow our customer base, and that
means an emphasis on service,” Wiltjer said.
Diversity of services helped save the company, and
Wiltjer hasn’t forgotten that lesson. “That account was
75 percent of our business. We’ll never do that again,”
said Wiltjer. “In the future, I don’t think we’ll go that
hard into one account.”
Hard times continued in 2011, when Wiltjer’s business
partner, and brother, Stretch, passed away unexpectedly
from a heart attack at age 46. “He was my check, my bal-
ance. He was the office, and I was the field,” Wiltjer said.
“We were a great business fit.”
The loss of his brother changed Wiltjer’s role in the
company.
“I’m driving, wrenching, bidding jobs—anything that
needs to be done. I’m wearing 10 hats,” Wiltjer said. “I
have to be thoroughly involved in the company, and
surround myself with good people. Fortunately, I have
a great staff.”
Quality personnel in the shop and behind the wheel
help Wiltjer keep the focus on customer service. In addition
to Sons, Wiltjer relies on general manager Norm Brown to
help oversee internal operations and meet customer needs.
To Wiltjer, the company isn’t simply a paycheck, it’s
part of his family’s history. Wiltjer’s parents, Paul and
Cynthia, started PC Trucking. Wiltjer and his brother
hand-washed trucks, buffed trailers, and handled any
other jobs that needed to be done when they were kids.
He’s been with the company full-time, since joining
as a driver when he graduated from high school in 1982.
His 22-year-old son, Tim, is now learning the ropes at
another trucking firm, and is expected to take the helm
of PC Trucking when the time is right.
And just like his grandparents, dad, and uncle, the com-
mitment to customer service that Tim undoubtedly has
learned from his family will be a great asset as the company
evolves in pursuit of continued success.
16. Engines deliver beyond the 900,000-mile mark
T
he Small family’s roots run deep in Edenton, N.C.
Family-owned Virginia Fork Produce Co. is located
on land the Smalls have owned since the 1930s.
Leonard Small, Sr., who founded the company, was born
in a home (since razed) that once stood on the property.
Today, the farm supply, produce and trucking business
is headed by West Small, president, and Leonard Small,
Jr., vice-president. Their brother, Don Small, operates
the family farm, which produces watermelon, peanuts,
sweet corn and snap beans sold by the company. West
Small, Jr. also works for Virginia Fork Produce Co.
When the company began in 1970, the primary source
of income was peanuts. The product was purchased from
area farmers, dried, and then sold to peanut processing
companies. The company expanded with the purchase
of adjacent farmland, which was used to grow produce,
cotton and peanuts. “That’s how we started trucking, by
hauling our own product,” said Leonard.
In the summer months, the company’s trucks primar-
ily haul their own produce. Other months, the rigs haul
produce, meat, frozen food, like shrimp, and a variety
of other products. “We started that to give the trucks
something to do in the winter,” Leonard said.
The company owns two long-distance tractors, and a
local truck that generally stays within a 200-mile radius
of Edenton. The long-distance rigs work primarily along
the East Coast and in the Midwest.
Virginia Fork Produce Co. also employs 10 owner-
operators who work as private contractors for the company.
“They haul for us for three months, and we arrange loads
for them during the other nine months,” said West.
Cat Power
All three company-owned tractors are Kenworth (two
T600s and a T800). All of the tractors are powered by
Cat®
C15 engines (475 hp). “Kenworth and Cat engines
together seem to be the best combination for the work
Going the Distance
12
17. that we do,” Leonard said. “The C15s have plenty of
horsepower, and good mileage.”
The company’s first Cat engine was purchased in 1980,
and Virginia Fork Produce Co. has run Cat power exclu-
sively since that time. Power, performance, and excellent
dealer support have kept the company loyal to Caterpillar.
The two tractors that the company currently utilizes
to run long-distance routes have both exceeded 900,000
miles. That’s the kind of performance that Virginia Fork
Produce Co. relies on to deliver product on-time, year
after year.
In the past, the company would have sold or traded in
a tractor that hit 900,000 miles. But since the recession,
the Smalls have kept tractors longer than that because
it is less expensive to run an older truck than buying a
new one.
Compared to buying a new rig, a Platinum Precious
Metals In-frame Overhaul of an engine costs approximately
$130,000 less, and is backed by an extended warranty.
“That goes a long way in today’s economy,” said Leonard.
Virginia Fork Produce Co. had one of the C15 engines
overhauled last year at Cat Dealer, Gregory Poole Equipment
Co. The engine had run 918,000 miles at the time the
overhaul was done. “We didn’t have any real problems
with the engine,” said West. “We can’t be down, so we
decided to do the overhaul. It’s more expensive to run
an engine until it needs an overhaul.”
Technicians at Gregory Poole Equipment Co. completed
the work in less than a week. “That was key,” said West.
At the same time that technicians did the overhaul,
they also replaced the air compressor, oil pump, oil cooler
and both turbos. “We knew we hadn’t changed any of
those things in the years that we owned the trucks,” said
West. “After 900,000-plus miles, it was time.”
All the work is covered by OPT (Overhaul Protection
for Trucks), which provides extended warranty protec-
tion on all components inspected or replaced during
overhauls. “That shows how confident Caterpillar is in
their products,” Leonard said.
The Rest of the Story
The engine in the other long-distance tractor has run
905,000 miles, and it is expected to be overhauled this
year. “We’ll get to 920,00 to 940,00, and do it,” said West.
The Smalls aren’t sure how long they will run the
trucks, but believe the overhauled engines may be good
for another 900,000 miles.
An emphasis on preventive maintenance is key to the
engines’ long life. Virginia Fork Produce Co. changes oil
every 20,000 miles. Also, the company makes sure that
Cat filters are always used. “We don’t run anything but
Cat filters,” said West. “They’re so much better than the
aftermarket filters. They’re more solid.”
As the tractors accumulate more miles, the company
has started changing the transmission fluid every 250,000
miles, which is more often than in the past.
Of course, the rigs are the tools that the company uses
to make a profit. Drivers are the ones who actually earn
the money. Drivers must be on-time, dependable, and
unfailingly polite to customers.
The Virginia Fork Produce Co. has been fortunate
enough to employ excellent drivers over the years, and
that has been a huge plus to the company’s bottom line.
And at Virginia Fork Produce Co., success is a family
tradition.
“We can’t be down, so we decided to
do the overhaul. It’s more expensive
to run an engine until it needs an
overhaul.”
– West Small
PresidentLeonard Small, Sr. left, and West Small
13
18. Make More
Money
R
esourceful owners are hedg-
ing their bets by investing in
existing trucks, rather than
taking on the high cost of new trucks.
This phenomenon has proven to be
particularly beneficial for owners
of trucks powered by Cat®
engines.
Caterpillar and Cat Dealers are ready
with multiple, ready-made solutions
that make economic sense for your
operation. Precious Metals Overhaul
Kits for medium- and heavy-duty trucks
are proven, very popular options. For
some owners, Reman engines are the
option of choice.
Save 60% to 75%
Updating existing trucks runs the
gamut from a focus on the engine
only to complete rebuilds including
other driveline components, the cab,
interior and repainting. Compared to
the cost of buying new trucks, you can
save 60 to 75 percent of the cost for
great-performing, warranty-protected,
refurbished trucks. Bottom line: you’ll
have reliable performers that will help
you make more money for the next
three to six years.
Some owners of predominantly
Cat powered fleets are even purchas-
ing used trucks of the same vintage
as presently owned with the express
purpose of rebuilding them. Others
are powering glider kits with over-
hauled or Cat Reman engines. Your
Cat Dealer can help you determine the
best option for your operation based
on the condition of your trucks and
engines and your plans for continu-
ing to run them another 300,000,
500,000 or one million miles.
Reasons to Refurbish
In addition to the dramatically
lower costs, owners of Cat powered
medium- and heavy-duty trucks express
multiple reasons for continuing to run
their existing trucks as shown below.
To make more money with your
Cat powered medium- and heavy-
duty trucks, see your Cat Dealer for
complete details about Precious Metals
In-frame Overhaul Kits and the full
range of Cat Reman engines, parts
and components.
Learn from Your Peers
Asking others about their experi-
ences running upgraded Cat engines
and refurbished trucks will likely help
you decide the best approach to maxi-
mizing your ROI. Here are some short
excerpts taken from recent issues of
Intelligent Power that reveal the thought
processes utilized by others.
Economics favor rebuilt
or Reman engines
1. Lengthening the useful lives of their trucks and Cat truck engines
2. Adding warranty protection without mileage and hour limitations
3. Restoring power and performance to like-new standards
4. Increasing fleet reliability
5. Achieving better fuel efficiency compared to new trucks
6. Receiving favorable rates and terms from Cat Financial
7. Avoiding the high costs and financing charges associated with the
purchase of new trucks
8. Improving the return on the fleet capital investment
9. Increasing trade-in or resale value
14
19. Almost Like New
The NMC Truck Center in Omaha has completed seven
Platinum Precious Metals In-frame Overhauls. “They’ve done
a great job, and we’re glad we have them on our side. You bring
in a truck for a major engine overhaul on a Monday, and that
truck is up and running on Thursday. What more can you ask
for? Our Cat Dealer is always there to help us.”
Mario Silva
President
Masil Refrigerated Transport, LLC
Omaha, Neb.
Peace-of-Mind Protection
Platinum Precious Metals In-frame Overhauls at Ziegler Cat are generally
completed when engines reach 600,000 to 700,000-plus miles. Kohlwes
plans to run the 11 rebuilt engines for at least another four years or 400,000
miles. “I’m going to overhaul each of these engines at least once. What really
drives that is the warranty, which is honored at any Cat servicing dealer in
the U.S. and Canada.”
Brad Kohlwes
VP of Heavy Haul
Argee Transport Co.
Des Moines, Iowa
Stop-and Go Delivery
The 42 Cat C7 engines powering
the fleet were purchased in 2006, and
have run an average of approximately
100,000 miles. “I think it’s better to
replace everything with a Cat Reman
package and it’s all covered by war-
ranty. It’s a better way to invest our
money. This is nothing like over-the-
road trucking, where engines will go
for a million miles. We
shoot for 12 years, and
200,000 miles.
Carver Seay
Fleet Manager
Chesbay Distributing
Chesapeake, Va.Using Both Options
In conditions where dependability
can be a lifesaver, Cat engines are
proven performers. “With our extreme
applications, we try to draw the line
at 450,000 miles on an engine. Then
we shut it down and rebuild with
Platinum Precious Metals In-Frame
Overhaul Kits.” In addition, tractors
are rebuilt with rolling glider kits,
typically powered by Cat Reman
engines. The company has completed
six glider kits, so far, and has three
more on order.
Terry Davis
Operations Maintenance
Supervisor
Gardener Companies
Lincoln, Me.
Going for a Second Million
Ring Power completed Platinum
Precious Metals Overhauls on four
engines. “They’re still great trucks
and engines. We ran all of the 2000
and 2001 engines well over a million
miles before we had to do anything
to them. We made the decision to
keep the older trucks and sent them
to Ring Power to do the work. We
prefer the Cat engines. It’s what we
know, what we trust.”
Carrie Phillips
President
Dixon Auto Transport, Inc.
Jacksonville, Fla.
15
20. Six reasons Cat®
Advanced High Efficiency engine oil filters
are the best in the industry:
1. Spiral roving and beading creates pleat stability that traps and holds particles
2. Properly cured filter media ensures superior performance and long life
3. One-piece aluminum base plate delivers long life
4. Strong nylon center tubes prevent metal contamination
5. Heavy-gauge canister provides structural strength
6. One-piece molded urethane end caps eliminate leaks
Add it up, and Cat Advanced High Efficiency engine oil filters provide you with
unmatched performance and long life. Call us to schedule your next oil
change or to order oil filters.
Squeaky Clean Engines
247
INTELLIGENT POWER
1720 Dolphin Drive Suite D
Waukesha, WI 53186-1489
