Hybrid F-150 to electrify the construction jobsite

HYBRID F-15O TO ELECTRIFY THE CONSTRUCTION JOBSITE

Onboard generator adds power to redesigned light truck for 2021 model year

By Lee Toop, Editor

Electrification has been brought to the fore in the newly redesigned Ford F-150, with the availability of a hybrid option tied in to an integrated power generator. The newest version of the venerable light truck, to be available in fall 2020, is targeting towing, payload, torque and horsepower as well as offering productivity features, the company says.

The brand-new 3.5-litre PowerBoost full-hybrid V6 powertrain aims to deliver the most torque and horsepower of any light-duty full-size pickup, Ford states. PowerBoost adds instant electric torque to the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6. Ford said it is targeting an EPA-estimated range of approximately 700 miles (1,126 km) on a single tank of gas, while delivering at least 12,000 pounds (5,443 kg) of maximum towing.

The system ties in the EcoBoost engine to the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and adds a 34-kW (47 hp) electric motor integrated in the transmission as well as software calibrated specially for truck use, including drive modes like tow/haul mode to help customers better manage towing heavy trailers. Regenerative braking energy capture charges a 1.5-kWh lithium-ion battery packaged under the truck, saving interior and bed space for hauling capacity.

PowerBoost is one of six engine options that will be available on the new truck. Ford says the F-150 will have the 3.3-litre V6, twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre and 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6, 5.0-litre V8, and the 3.0-litre Power Stroke V6 diesel. Each is partnered with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Full exterior redesign tops strongest F-150 ever

Looks-wise, the 2021 F-150 has a completely new look, with every body panel redesigned, according to Ford. Updated headlamp, a new power dome hood, wraparound bumpers and higher front fenders, among other things, combine to give the truck a more powerful stance both on and off road. Eleven grille options are available across the model lineup, along with multiple tailgate options.

Ford is supporting work with additions including new cleats mounted to the sides of the tailgate, which act as tie-down locations for extra-long items in the bed. Clamp pockets built into the tailgate of every truck allow customers to hold down materials for precision work, and an available flat tailgate work surface provides integrated rulers, a mobile device holder, cupholder and pencil holder.

Onboard generator offers power for jobsites

The available Pro Power Onboard system provides 2 kW output on optional gas engines, while the PowerBoost-equipped F-150 features 2.4 kW standard and an optional 7.2 kW of output. The truck features in-cabin outlets as well as up to four cargo bed mounted 120-volt 20-amp outlets, with a 240-volt 30- amp outlet on the 7.2-kW version.

Depending on the version, Pro Power Onboard can power a range of tools on the jobsite. The 2 kW base system can power a circular saw, portable speakers and battery charger together, for example, while the 2.4 kW unit can power a masonry crew’s jackhammer and compact concrete mixer. The 7.2 kW version can power an entire mobile metal shop, including a plasma cutter, TiG welder, chop saw, air compressor, angle grinder and work light.

The 2021 F-150 features an entirely redesigned interior with the most connectivity options ever, Ford states, as well as the ability to include work spaces in the cab, lie-flat reclining seats and more.

An all-new 12-inch centre screen is standard in XLT high series and above that allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously. Owners can use the screen to manage their navigation, music or truck features or review the digit

Pro Power Online is an onboard generator that can power many needs on jobsites.

al owner’s manual, as well as check the rearview camera. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on XL and XLT standard and mid-series trucks, with the 12-inch screen available.

An available new 12-inch digital gauge cluster features a large information-on-demand area, along with truck-specific graphics and animations that respond to the F-150’s selectable drive modes and can display off-roading data and turn-byturn navigation.

Interior designed for work

The optional Interior Work Surface provides a flat surface for a variety of tasks – signing documents, working on a laptop, or eating a meal. The surface is designed in conjunction with a new foldable console shifter that clears out of the way to allow the work surface to be folded out when the truck is in park.

Connectivity updates will include standard over-the-air updates to ensure trucks stay at the forefront of purposeful technology, Ford states. They will support preventative maintenance, reduce repair trips, provide improved performance and ultimately result in more vehicle uptime. Bumper-to-bumper updates are capable of including all-new functions and additional features throughout the life of the truck. Customers will be able to take advantage of Ford’s SYNC 4 system for more natural voice control; the FordPass mobile device app gives drivers a variety of functionality to start and unlock the truck or control various features.

Drivers get plenty of support from the new F-150, with a range of assist features available. Ford has included a pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, as well as a rearview camera with dynamic hitch assist, auto high-beam headlamps and auto on/off headlamps.

Intersection Assist detects oncoming traffic when the driver is making a left turn, and if there’s risk of a collision the truck will apply brakes to mitigate or avoid the crash. Available Active Park Assist 2.0 handles all steering, shifting, braking and accelerator controls during parallel or perpendicular parking.

A feature unique to the F-150 is Active Drive Assist, which is, essentially, hands-free driving on around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) of divided highways in Canada and the U.S.: the system will feature a driver-facing camera that monitors head position and driver eye gaze so that, on pre-mapped portions of highway, the driver can take their hands off the wheel as long as they’re paying attention to the road. The Active Drive Assist prep kit will include the necessary hardware for this feature, while software to enable functionality is scheduled to be available in the third quarter of 2021. HEG

LYTX MAP-BASED SEARCH FEATURES LOCATE KEY VIDEO CLIPS QUICKLY

Lytx has released two new map-based search features that allow users to quickly locate important video clips. Video Browse in Fleet Tracking and Map Search in Lytx Video Platform each enable fleets to more easily self-service to find and immediately retrieve video footage.

These fleet-management features make video more accessible and actionable for fleets, helping streamline workflows for greater efficiencies.

Video Browse, available within Lytx’s Fleet Tracking Service, brings together the power of video and the context of Fleet Tracking for a significant workflow enhancement. Map Search, available to all customers who use the Lytx Video Platform, allows clients to self-locate video using only an address or point of interest and general time frame, making Video Browse in Fleet Tracking takes searching up it easier to respond to claims, verify service or pinpoint an a notch, enabling users to browse video from a specific incident, even if the vehicle is unknown. vehicle’s driving history directly from the Fleet Tracking

The Map Search feature in Lytx Video Platform allows map, so they can quickly secure, trim and transfer the video fleet operations and safety managers to easily search for they need. video with only an approximate location of where and when The new Lytx feature introduces an improved workflow an incident occurred as their starting point, even if the that uses geospatial information and icons for easy access to vehicle is unknown. video. For example, a user can click an icon that indicates

After entering a general location and time frame in their idling and immediately preview and browse video from that Lytx Account, users are shown all available vehicle data vehicle to determine the cause. This unmatched level of within a search radius during the given period. Users can visibility and access allows users to better understand their then select a vehicle within their fleet and access video from fleet operations and as a result, improve their efficiency, perits on-board DriveCam Event Recorder on the spot. formance and safety.

VMAC_HeavyEquipGuide_July2020_STKG30.pdf 1 6/12/2020 1:25:38 PM

KENWORTH NEW FIXED GRILLE OPTION FOR VOCATIONAL TRUCK

The Kenworth T880S with set-forward front axle has added a new fixed grille option. A radiator-mounted grille is now available for the T880S equipped with the 114-inch BBC short hood. The new option allows the hood to be opened in applications where equipment is mounted to the front of the T880S.

“The fixed grille is an excellent option for truck operators who use the Kenworth T880S as snowplows, cranes, vacuum trucks or other applications that require equipment mounted in front of the hood,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing.

The T880S is offered with a set-forward front axle ranging from 14,600 pounds to 22,800 pounds, and is standard with the PACCAR MX-13 engine with up to 510 hp and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. For weight-sensitive applications, the 10.8-litre PACCAR MX-11 engine is 400 pounds lighter than larger displacement engines, and provides up to 430 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque.