Road Tools

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT!

Pry Wedge

The Patriot Pry Wedge, from Next Generation Tool Co., is a streamlined multi-functional wedge that creates space for an air wedge while protecting the vehicle with its rubber pivot. The Patriot Pry Wedge separates the door from the frame and does not damage weather stripping. Flip it over to use it as a conventional wedge, with a removable handle that provides extra leverage when needed. nextgentool.com

Holiday Cards with Your Truck

Stamp Works, the “Tow Truck Magnet People,” released custom greeting cards so you can feature your own tow truck on your holiday cards. They are full-color cards, fold to 5x7, with your own custom greeting inside and your full color logo. Envelopes included. stampworks.net

Muncie Rear-Mount PTO

Muncie Power Products’ new RS6S-P89M Series power take-off is a rear-mount, solenoid-activated, mechanical-shift unit. The PTO features an integral hydraulic mount for structural support of hydraulic pumps up to 60 lbs. without additional transmission support, but has a bending moment limit of 29.5-ft./lbs. maximum. The PTO is capable of different ratios, several different outputs and the ability to mount larger-displacement pumps. It is available with direct-mount or companion-flange output options. munciepower.com

Isuzu FTR Tops in Turning, MPG

The new FTR is being built at Spartan Motors in Charlotte, Mich. At a recent ride-and-drive event, Isuzu shared the results from independent testing done on the FTR vs. its Class 6 equivalents. The FTR rated best in class for fuel economy and turning radius.

The FTR proved tight in the corners and capable in acceleration at a recent comparison event.

Production recently began on the all-new 2018 Isuzu FTR, a Class 6 low-cab forward medium-duty chassis. The truck is being produced at a new 80,000-sq.ft. Spartan Motors facility in Charlotte, Mich. The FTR is powered by Isuzu’s 4HK1-TC 5.2L turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine—a first in the segment. It generates 520-ft./lbs. of torque and 215 hp, and is mated to an Allison 2550 RDS six-speed automatic transmission with power take-off capability. “We believe that the all-new FTR is the truck of the future,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “This truck’s combination of low-cab-forward design, Class 6 GVWR and fourcylinder diesel engine gives it fantastic maneuverability, the ability to carry more cargo than a conventional Class 6 truck, and outstanding fuel efficiency. “We’re also thrilled to be working with Spartan Motors in Michigan,” he said. “Much of the engineering for this truck was done at the Isuzu Technical Center of America in Plymouth, Mich., and many of the parts for it are U.S.-sourced. This is a true medium-duty Class 6 truck designed and built for this market, in this market.” There are eight wheelbase lengths, from 152” to 248”, to accommodate bodies up to 30’. The front axle has a capacity of 12,000 lbs., while the rear axle has a capacity of 19,000 lbs. Because of its low-cab-forward configuration and clean back-of-cab design, the FTR can provide more bed space within a given overall length than comparable conventional Class 6 trucks. The FTR’s low-cab-forward design also dramatically increases visibility and markedly improves maneuverability. A wide step and wide-opening doors allow easy entry to Isuzu’s exclusive Hexapod cab, which features threeacross seating and extra space for storage behind the seats. Available Vehicle Health Reports provide comprehensive analysis of the truck’s powertrain and emissions systems, fuel economy, brake usage and driver operating habits. (For more information on the future of telematics, check out Tow Boss on page 20.) isuzucv.com