General Motors and Chrysler Unveil 'Two-Mode' Hybrid Pickups

This fall, General Motors Corp. will begin selling a new two-mode hybrid powertrain developed with Chrysler LLC on the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups, which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in early February. The company thinks this system will be a bigger hit than its discontinued Silverado mild hybrid, which was little more than an electric-power source for tools dressed up as a green car. The guts of the new gasoline-electric system, packaged inside a typical transmission housing, replaces traditional gearing with two 60-kW electric motors, three planetary gear sets and four traditional hydraulic wet-clutches. Powered by a 332-hp, Vortec 6.0L engine and a 300-Volt bank of batteries, the motor yields variable gear ratios that draw on output from the engine, batteries or both at the same time to achieve up to 40% fuel-economy improvement in the city (at least 20-22 mpg for in-city driving) and 25% overall. During driving, the engine shuts down cylinders to save fuel and powers on just like a full hybrid should at about 30 mph. The range is 500 miles on most fill-ups. Prices are still up in the air.

The 2009 vehicles will be offered only in a crew cab, but buyers will be able to choose between two- and four-wheel drive. Brakes are equipped standard with regenerative action as well as electronic stability control, traction control and four-channel ABS. Most options are the same as the gas-only truck.

The half-ton pickups sacrifice some performance, with slightly lower horsepower and torque than their gas-only counterparts. Cargo and towing capacities are cut 30%-40%, though GM argues core hybrid drivers will mostly use them to transport people and limited payloads to and from urban jobsites. General Motors Corp.; www.gm.com

Heavy-duty Tracks: Resists Cracking and Wear for a Smooth Ride

The NextGen TDF series of heavy-duty rubber treads are designed with the extra load of a compact track loader in mind. The rubber formula in the treads features the Crack and Cut Quarantine System, which contains minor damage to the tread before it can compromise the rest of the tread. The track's continuous belt system increases the overall tensile strength, extending its life span. An offset tread pattern reduces wear and allows for a smoother ride. McLaren Industries; 800-836-0040; www.mclarenusa.com

Rugged Air Compressor: Takes a Beating and Keeps On Going

The Hardhat portable air compressor has a specially designed polyethylene canopy that resists rusting, denting, corrosion, fading and extreme temperatures. The compressor has an EPA CARB-compliant 49-hp John Deere engine and guaranteed 185 cfm at the discharge valves. It features removable baffles on all four sides for easy cleaning and maintenance.Atlas Copco; 803-817-7440; www.atlascopco.com

Versatile Drill: Works in Rough Conditions

The LoDril DH 60 drill attachment features a 62,000-ft-lb running torque rotary drive capable of a 60-ft drilling depth. It sports a Pullmaster 25,000-lb line-pull capacity kelly winch, a five-element square kelly bar set and a 41/4-in.-solid 4140 heat-treated inner kelly bar. Custom cab joystick controllers and a variable speed drilling controller give the operator fine control over the drill in poor conditions. Bay Shore Systems Inc.; 888-569-3745; www.bayshoresystems.com

Remote Litter Collection: Robotic Arm Easily Reaches Tough Spots

Intended for high-volume litter collection in hard-to-reach areas, the LT500 Compact Sweeper's high level of automation reduces the physical strain of picking litter. The joystick-controlled vacuum hose arm allows an operator to collect litter from the comfort of the ergonomically designed cab. The No-Jam fan does not come into direct contact with the litter, reducing clogs, and dust suppression in the hopper ensures all the waste is contained in the welded stainless steel receptacle. Allianz Madvac Inc.; 800-862-3822; www.madvac.com

Vacuum Lifter: Lifts Cleanly Without Damaging the Load

The Custom Vacuum Lifter is a crane-supported lifter that can handle high-volume loads such as machines, aluminum structures, optical spheres and stainless-steel tank heads. The twin VPE1 Vacuum Packs with VacGuard II Control Systems ensure complete redundancy, while the spring-loaded suction pads see that only rubber touches the load. Able to handle loads up to 20,000 lb, the lifter features integrated remote controls and thermal overload protection. Anver Corp.; 800-654-3500; www.anver.com

Compact Gen-set Engine: All the Power in a Smaller Package

The PowerTech E 9.0L engine is a compact 60-Hz engine intended for gen-set applications. Unlike large-displacement engines, it does not have cooled-gas recirculation or a variable geometry turbocharger. It features full-authority electronic controls, a fixed geometry turbocharger and a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, allowing for a better cold start and more precise control of engine speed. The PowerTech E 9.0L has a prime engine power of 279 hp to 384 hp and meets Tier 3 emissions standards. John Deere Power Systems; 800-533-6446; www.deere.com/jdpower

Telescopic Handler: Improved Visibility and Handling

The TX945 telescopic handler is able to handle a wide range of load-and-carry and material-handling tasks. It features a low-boom/high-cab design for improved handling and visibility, as well as three different steering modes. Operated by a single joystick, the boom has a 153-in. turning radius for operation in tight spaces. Frame-level control can level the machine up to 8°, while the rear axle automatically locks if the boom angle exceeds 30°. Case Construction Equipment; 866-542-2736; www.casece.com

Making Utility Vehicles Convertible: Modular Cab System Allows for Quick Changes

The Curtis Rapid Convertible System is a modular cab system for Yamaha Rhino utility vehicles that can be changed from a fully enclosed vehicle to an open-air setup in only 60 seconds. Mounted on a basic ROPS frame, it has a roof, windshield and a rear panel connected by tool-less pin-in-hole connections, held on by quick-release latches. The windshield is lightweight polycarbonate, while the other panels are thermoformed TPO material. Curtis Industries; 800-343-7676; www.curtiscab.com

Securing Equipment: Keyless Lock for Skidsteers Brings Peace of Mind

The Skidsteer Lock is a locking mechanism designed exclusively for securing skid-steers. It does not require any keys to unlock it; the built-in mechanical four-digit combination lock secures the bar in place, preventing unauthorized usage. Both control levels of the skid-steer are immobilized by the lock, preventing anyone from operating the vehicle while it is in place. The combination can be reset when the lock is opened for ongoing security, and the bright red color of the locking bar clearly indicates the vehicle is nonoperational. The Equipment Lock Company; 866-565-4887; www.equipmentlock.com