Heavy Duty Information About The Truck

Truck Basics and Other Facts

The word “truck” is believed to be a derivative of the Greek word “trochos” which takes the meaning of a wheel. The word “lorry” is yet another term used in this conjunction in the United Kingdom whereas wagons with large wheels are known as trucks in North America. Pickup trucks, semi-trucks, GMC trucks are the variants that are available. In countries like New Zealand and Australia, a small vehicle with open back is known as ute (abbreviated form of utility vehicle) or also known as pick-up. In the US only large vehicles used for commercial purposes are called trucks. Let’s not forget about Broncos, they are a class of their own!

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BREAKDOWN: What makes a truck run?

Engine: An Engine forms the most important part of a truck as it decides the running capability of a truck and has to be carefully chosen to match the application for which the truck is intended to be used. Gasoline engines are generally used by small trucks like pickups or SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) and also by the medium-duty trucks. However heavier trucks generally use four-stroke turbo intercooler diesel engines and highway trucks employ locomotive-type engines which are either two-stroke or a V12 Detroit diesel engine. Most of the truck manufacturers in North America outsource the engine, whereas companies like Volvo and Mack Trucks use their own engines. Euro 5 regulations are complied with by all the truck engines in European nations in the interest of the environment.

Drive Train: Light duty trucks use transmission methods similar to that of the cars which are either automatic or manual with synchronizers. Heavier trucks, however, use manual transmission without synchronizer that is less bulky. Crash boxes (transmissions without synchronizers) have a requirement of employing double clutching for every shift, called floating. Generally, North American setups include 9,10,13,15 and 18-speed levels. The semi-automatic or fully automatic transmission system is generally preferred to reduce fuel consumption. In the European market, the gears may be of 8, 10 and 12 in case of a manual transmission while for automatic transmission it might range anywhere between 5-12 gears. The trucks generally have a range shift pattern in the gear system.

Frame: Two parallel boxed rails held together by cross members are the main composites of the frame of a truck. They may also be called as ladder frames since they resemble that of a ladder when tipped on end. Crossmembers are mostly attached to frame rails by using rivets or bolts, but sometimes maybe welded in case of heavy-duty application. The material used to make the frame is generally steel but aluminum can also be a substitute to it.

Ford Trucks from History: Rouge 100 Vehicles

About this photo:

A collection of vehicles manufactured throughout the years at Ford’s Rouge complex. Front row (left to right): 1930 Model A Deluxe Coupe, 1924 Fordson Model F, 2018 F-150 Diesel Platinum, 1965 Mustang GT Hardtop. Second row: 1969 Cougar Convertible, 1936 Ford Deluxe Fordor Sedan, 1964 Ford Ranchero, 1962 Mercury Meteor Custom 4-Door Sedan, 1982 Mercury Capri GS, 1972 Ford Maverick 4-Door Sedan. Third row: 1957 Fairlane 500 Club Victoria, 1964 Falcon Sprint Hardtop, 1971 Mercury Comet GT, 1932 Model 18 DE Luxe Coupe (V-8), 1956 Thunderbird, 1939 Deluxe Convertible Sedan, 1959 Fairlane 500 Galaxie Skyliner. Fourth row: 1956 Customline Tudor Sedan, 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Tudor Sedan, 1949 Ford Station Wagon, 1954 Customline Tudor Sedan, 1940 Mercury 8 Sedan Coupe, 1932 Model B Pickup. – Ford Media Center

 

Gallery: The Ford Rouge 100

 

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