What is Fleet Maintenance Management?

by: Jennifer Bailey

Fleet Maintenance Management is a critical position in any company that has a number of commercial vehicles. The individual responsible for the management and maintenance of fleet vehicles performs a variety of functions. It is imperative that companies such as delivery drivers or even taxi services know what is going on with their vehicles at all times. Preventative maintenance, order/vendor logging and fuel economy are among a few of the issues that fleet maintenance managers deal with on a daily basis.

One of the most important duties of a fleet maintenance manager is the maintenance of vehicles. With the number of vehicles many companies have on the road each day, maintaining quality vehicles is important. Regular and controlled fleet vehicle maintenance can assist in more efficient and lower cost repairs, fewer technical problems and more efficient tracking, management and budgeting of the fleet. An outstanding fleet vehicle maintenance program can save time and money by ensuring that vehicles are safe and on time.

Repairs and downtime for fleet vehicles can cost your company a considerable amount of money. High-quality fleet vehicle maintenance can mean the difference in your company’s reputation being one of top-notch service rather than undependable service. Preventative maintenance and scheduling routine maintenance or repairs can extend the life of your fleet vehicles. Many fleet vehicle managers find that using a specialized software program is the best way to organize these needed elements.

With the high cost of fuel today, fleet managers also take into consideration the fuel usage among the vehicles. Fleet maintenance software programs often have features that enable the manager to appropriately budget for gas. The ability to log and track the mileage of drivers can give the manager a good idea of the average fuel consumption of each vehicle in the fleet.

Fleet maintenance managers occupy important positions within a company. Most managers within top U.S. companies recommend the use of high-quality fleet maintenance software programs. These programs enable the fleet managers to keep detailed records and logs of everything that happens with each vehicle. For companies whose primary service depends on well-maintained vehicles, organization and tracking of the fleet and expenses is obviously a key responsibility. Your company’s business reputation is important and it is essential that the fleet manager is able to accurately maintain an exceptional level of quality of all vehicles in your fleet.

With all of the products available on the market, the fleet maintenance management needs to examine the company’s needs to find the product best suited for them. The manager may choose to examine some of the top products by taking advantage of free trials offered by most companies. During the free trial, you are generally capable of performing the full range of functions in order to get a good feel for the product. This is a critical first step in choosing the software program that is right for your company

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Save at the Gas Pump - Real Money Saving Tips

by: Robert Rogers

Real Money-Saving Steps

There are numerous no- or low-cost steps you can take to combat rising gas prices.
Most cars can run on regular unleaded – 87 octane. High performance vehicles will usually require 91 octane or higher. Check your owner's manual to determine the right octane level for your car. It’s also usually written inside your gas lid, door panel, and sometimes right on your dashboard under the fuel gauge. It will say something like “Premium Unleaded Only” which means 91 octane or higher. All gas pumps must post the octane rating.

Gas Cards

Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm

If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that’s $60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective cost per gallon just $2.85. It’s like getting a free gallon of gas with every fill up!


Drive more efficiently:

-- Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent. This is caused by the amount of energy it takes to push your car through the air and the amount of drag created by your cars body.

So if your car gets 25-mpg highway at 55 mph, driving 65mph will drop it down to 20 mpg! Driving 75 mph drops it down to just 16 mpg!

My personal experience with my 98 VW Beetle: I drove to New York at the posted speed limits between 55 and 65 mph. I got about 35mpg and 450 miles on one tank!!! When I drove to Florida the posted speed limits were between 55 – 70 mph. I actually drove about 75 mph most of the way. I only got 27 mpg and about 350 miles on one tank. I lost almost 100 miles distant per tank! I couldn’t believe it.

-- Use overdrive gears. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving. Your car's engine speed decreases when you use overdrive. This reduces both fuel consumption and engine wear. Most automatic transmission cars will have an overdrive button right on the gearshift. Look for a “D” and/or “O/D”. You will see a light on the dash indicating weather it’s on or off. Check your owner’s manual to be sure. If your car has a tachometer, you should be able to tell by watching your engine’s rpm speed on the highway. Buy switching the overdrive on, your rpm’s should drop significantly.

-- Use cruise control. For longer trips using cruise control can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption. Set it to 55 mph on highways.

-- Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration, and improve your fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent. In city driving, nearly 50 percent of the energy needed to power your car goes to acceleration. Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes. "Jack-rabbit" starts and sudden stops are wasteful. Let off the gas early when approaching yellow and red lights, stop signs etc… Most fuel-injected cars will cut off the fuel supply to the engine while you slow down saving you even more gas.

-- Combine errands. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for a car to reach normal operating temperature. Until then, your car is using almost twice as much fuel to keep the engine running!


-- Remove excess weight from the trunk. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by one to two percent.


Maintain your car

Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending on a car's condition. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner's manual; you'll save fuel and your car will run better and last longer.

-- Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Under inflated tires on a car is like running on the beach with no shoes. Car manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct tire pressure. The label usually is on the edge of the door or doorjamb, in the glove box, or on the inside of the gas cap cover. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range, use the higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency. Under inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase by 6%.

-- Change your oil. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. Change your oil as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

-- Check and replace air filters regularly. Your car's air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter improve your fuel economy, it also will protect your engine. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10% increase in fuel consumption. Imagine running up a flight of stairs with only using one nostril in your nose to breath.

Gas Cards

Check out gas card offers from gas stations and credit card companies. The can save you an additional 1% to 5% off every gallon or earn you free gas. One of the best cards out there right now can be found http://valueauthority.com/savegas.htm

If you put 20 gallons in your car at $3.00 per gallon, that’s $60. A 5% cash back would save you $3.00 making your effective cost per gallon just $2.85. It’s like getting a free gallon of gas with every fill up!

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Transporting Your Exotic Car

by: Thomas Morva

Exotic car transport is a growing branch of the car transport industry, a specialized field that includes auto transporters of custom-built automobiles, luxury cars, antique autos, exotic cars, and prototypes. Exotic car transport companies utilize state of the art satellite tracking and mobile phones to keep track of your vehicle every mile of the way. Secure and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates and unique tie-down systems provide security without damage to your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth and even travel are just some of the many special options available for shipping an exotic or special car.

Custom equipment designed to meet your specific needs is a standard in the exotic car transport business. When investigating exotic car transport companies check to see whether they maintain fleet of opened and enclosed transports at their facility, and whether they employ a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people to serve your needs. To protect your interests, also make sure they carry the finest insurance coverage available.

Some popular trailer options for secure exotic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of exotic vehicles will offer delivery from door to door or delivery to the customer wherever they choose. Most exotic car companies will accept non-running vehicles. Many exotic car transport companies will design an itinerary according, solely, to your car transport requirements.

When you are searching for a exotic car transport company ask if exotic and vehicle shipping is their main focus or a sideline of another business, further find out if they contract out shipping jobs to third parties. Be certain when you are investigating exotic car transport companies that exotic and custom-made cars are their specialty and they are experts.

Many exotic car transport companies will offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These car transport companies specialize in dependable, efficient service with numerous departures from major U.S. ports. Usually you will be assigned a very knowledgeable customer service person to insure the safe convey of your exotic car.

Exotic car transport companies use various methods and vehicles to move your car long distances, such as custom designed flatbed trucks, enclosed single and double non-stacking trailers and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains.

It should not be difficult to find an exotic car transport company with a crew of certified professionals who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the some basic information about the nuances and services of moving exotic cars will make finding the best exotic car transport company an assured success.

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Do You Want to Increase Your Car’s Resale Value? Here’s How!

by: Sarah McBride

If you are planning to resell your car in the future and buy a new and more advanced model, then you have to exert more effort in keeping it in good shape and excellent driving condition. Even if it’s already old, you can sell it at high price if it looks and performs like new. Anyway, let’s go straight to the question: how do you improve its resale value?

The truth is, you have a lot of options in preserving its good shape and condition, but there’s one store that can completely answer your question, Auto Parts Deal. Here, a great variety of replacement and aftermarket auto parts is available for your car’s proper maintenance and upgrading. Yes, there are thousands of other online auto parts stores that provide various kinds of aftermarket products, but there are few, which meet your needs and wants and help you save at the same time. This online store definitely does both.

Aside from regular check up like most of us do to safeguard our health, you need to replace some of your car’s parts and mechanical components even if they are still working to upgrade its performance and style. If you have an old Ford F-150 truck for example, which you frequently use to haul and transport heavy cargoes, you have to continuously upgrade its performance parts so it can always perform highly challenging tasks. Ford truck parts are known to be exceptionally tough but it doesn’t mean they don’t require much attention and care.

Among the auto parts that require your utmost care are the car wheels and tires. These parts are closest to the road and their quality affects significantly your vehicle’s ride quality and handling. Replace your worn out tires and wheels with top quality replacement wheels offered at Auto Parts Deal. Here you can find the most dependable line of replacement Ford wheels, Nissan wheels, Jeep wheels and Chevrolet wheels.

For your added safety, this one-stop auto parts store also offers durable and high quality auto parts like Chevrolet bumpers, Mazda mirrors, Toyota tail lights, BMW headlights, and Dodge fog lights. All these parts are helpful in keeping you away from accidents, which of course excuses no one and no vehicle. It’s always better to be on guard and prepared for any road accidents that might happen. Also, check out the store’s top quality safety Ford truck parts, GMC truck parts, Dodge truck parts and Toyota truck parts.

Simple things like accessorizing your vehicle can go along way. This can help you sell your car with a worthy price tag in the future. But more than this, it makes your ride more comfortable, more fashionable, more convenient and safer, which in effect reduces a lot of stress in driving. So be wise, get replacement parts only from a dependable dealer like Auto Parts Deal.

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How to Transport Your Classic Car

by: Thomas Morva

Classic car transport is a large branch of car transport; it is a specialized field that includes car transport companies that are dedicated to the transport of antique and vintage cars. Most trailers used for the safe and efficient transport of classic cars are specially designed for smooth travel and protection from road and weather.

Classic car transport companies usually employ only professional drivers who are experienced handlers of antique and exotic cars. Some popular trailer options for secure classic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of classic vehicles will offer delivery from door-to-door or delivery to the customer. Most classic car transport companies will accept non-running vehicles.

When you are searching for a classic car transport company, ask if classic and vintage vehicle transport is their main activity or a sideline of another business. In addition, find out if they contract out transport to third parties. Make sure when you are investigating car transport companies that classic vehicles are their main focus. To safeguard your interests, also make sure they carry the best insurance coverage available.

Many classic car transport companies will design an itinerary exclusive to you, this allows for greater flexibility on times of pick-up and delivery. Additionally in-transit contact between office and drivers through cell phones is a service that most classic car transport companies will provide as part of the basic transport service. Winching is also available at a modest fee.

Many classic car transport companies offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These classic car transport companies specialize in reliable, proficient service with frequent departures from major U.S. ports. Normally you will be assigned a very experienced customer service representative to insure the safe convey of your car.

Classic car transport companies use various methods to move your car long distances, such as flatbed truck, enclosed single trailer and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains. Easy and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates is usually a standard and most classic car transport companies have tie-down systems that provide security without harming your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth travel are other popular available options. Custom equipment designed to meet your needs is often available upon request.

It should not be difficult to find a classic car transport facility with a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the basic facts about classic car transport will make finding the best company a sure success.

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OEM-quality Ford Focus Parts Available at Top American Ford Parts Dealer

by: Jay Stevens

“It begs to be driven,” says Ford. Beyond doubt, this car is very inviting. It appeals to a lot of buyers not only because of its modern styling and excellent driving abilities but most especially, its reasonable price.

Now on its sixth year, Ford Focus remains to be a strong contender in the economy car class in America and in United Kingdom. Since its debut in 1998 (in UK), Ford Focus has garnered over 60 awards, including 13 Car of the Year awards, both in Northern American and in Europe. It was also included in Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best List from 2000 through 2004 and recognized as the world’s best-selling car in 2001 and in 2002.

The Ford Focus was substantially upgraded in 2005 so there are only few changes to the 2006 Ford Focus model. The 2005 Ford Focus came with restyled Ford hood, larger Ford grille, reshaped Ford front fenders integrated with the Ford headlights. These new Ford parts were maintained for the 2006 model; however, Ford offers this time a new Street Appearance Package for Ford Focus ZX3, Ford Focus ZX4, and Ford Focus ZX5, laden with safety and convenience features.

Ford Focus Street Appearance Package came with different front and rear fascias, adding new Ford lights(Euro Altezza); lower Ford air deflector, Ford spoiler and rear Ford Front bumper; and chrome exhaust tip. The S and SE trim levels got optional alloy Ford wheels. All these additional features gave the new Ford Focus a racing car look.

Continuing success of the Ford Focus only reaffirms Ford’s renowned excellence in creating vehicles of extraordinary performance, interior and exterior auto parts. Also it further proves Ford’s high standards on quality automobiles and its commitment to the customer’s ultimate satisfaction.
Because of this, manufacturers and dealers of aftermarket and replacement Ford parts like the country’s top quality Ford auto parts supplier, Ford Parts Online, feel the need to continuously raise their quality standards as well in order to meet higher demands of Ford car users and match the latest from Ford.

At one time or another, you would need to replace some auto parts in your Ford Focus or any other Ford vehicle, whether it’s simply for maintenance, for repair, for car enhancement or customization. No matter how well built and how well designed your Ford is, it is still subject to some car problems and of course, you can make it better.

Replacing your OEM Ford auto parts has never been easier than it is today. There are thousands of aftermarket auto parts dealers all over the country and even online. You can have access to virtually all of them in just a click on a mouse, making it more convenient on your part. However, you still have to choose what is best for you. Even if many offer rock bottom Ford Parts Discount deals, you are not guaranteed to get the best for your Ford.

Choosing a trusted and experienced auto parts dealer like Ford Parts Online can save you from worries. This auto parts dealer offers a great variety of Ford replacement and aftermarket parts including the finest line of Ford Explorer parts, Ford Mustang partsFord F-150 Pickup parts and Ford Escape parts. Sourced from well recognized Ford parts manufacturers, you can be sure that these parts meet the industry’s highest standards for car parts. Priced like Ford Parts Used, its Ford Parts Discount are the perfect answer to your high quality and inexpensive Ford replacement part needs. Ford Parts Discount

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Preventative Car Maintenance and Fuel Filter Replacement Tips

by: Boyd Norwood
As with health care, preventative car maintenance is the best thing you can do for those dependable vehicles that get you where you want to go everyday. With preventative car maintenance you might invest a little here and there, but in the end, you will always save yourself time, money and the aggravation that comes with ‘break-down’ surprises. Listed below are some additional reasons to get serious about preventative car care:

• Safety is the #1 reason to invest a little of your hard earned dough in preventative car maintenance. Vehicles that are poorly maintained make it that much easier for you or one of your family members to get in an accident.
• Increased performance. A well maintained car means improved fuel economy as well as a car that is easier to operate.
• A well maintained car will also improve the trade-in or resale value of your vehicle.
• Dependability and easy handling. A well maintained car means that you won’t have to worry about incorrect wheel alignment, worn tires and worn suspension components.
• Pride. Many people agree that your car definitely represents a certain extension of your own personality. Take car of your car!

Establish Car Maintenance Habits
It is fairly simple to get into the habit of getting your oil changed every three months but it’s a bit more difficult to make those yearly check ups and replacements that every car needs. You should, on a regular basis, (meaning annually or at least every two years) ask your auto technician about the status of your air cleaner filter, oil filter, air cleaner, air filter kn and your fuel filter.

Common Complaints that Can be Solved with a Fuel Filter Replacement
This article focuses on fuel filter replacement because experienced mechanics find that many people frequently complain that their vehicles are ‘experiencing’ power loss, hard starting, or hesitation.1 These problems are in general due to clogged fuel filters and can easily be avoided with a simple (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbb/Home.html) fuel filter replacement.

How Often Should You Change Your Fuel Filter?
As mentioned above, it is recommended that you change your fuel filter on a yearly basis. However, a yearly replacement only applies to high mileage vehicles. Those of you who use your vehicles only on occasion or only drive short distances on a daily basis, then you can probably get away with a filter replacement every two or even three years. If you have questions in regards to your vehicle, ask an (http://dakotafilterservice.samsbiz.com/page/17tbb/Home.html) experienced filter specialist how often you should change your fuel filter.

Don’t Fall For It!
Many new vehicles supposedly are equipped with a ‘lifetime’ fuel filter that the manufacturer claims will never have to be replaced. These newer vehicles may require a fuel filter replacement only every other year, but they will indefinitely have to be replaced at some time. Any fuel filter (including the new ones) can clog or be exposed to moisture and rust--so don’t fall for the lifetime fuel filter story.

Fuel Filter Replacement Services
You can replace your fuel filter by yourself, but today when there are literally dozens of service stations at your disposal, you will find that you will actually save more time and more money if you do your shopping right the first time. Take time to shop/compare and even ask for references. If you take the time now, it is unlikely that you will regret your decision later. Also, if you do decide to change your fuel filter by yourself, make sure that no one smokes around you as you work. Changing a fuel filter can be extremely dangerous.

Choose a Better Fuel Station?
Also, to prevent the quick ‘decay’ of your fuel filter you may want to consider patronizing only those fuel stations which have fuel filters within their gas pumps. These filters assure that the fuel you put into your vehicle will go through one final ‘filter session’ before going into your car. You would be surprised at the amount of dirt and other junk that is prevented from going into your vehicle because of fuel station pump filters.

1It’s simple science; a clogged fuel filter cannot allow the same amount of fuel to flow through it as a newly replaced one. This may mean that on roads around your home--as you drive slowly--your car will respond well, but at highway or freeway speeds your car may splutter and lack power.

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Fuel Flu Epidemic Sweeping the Globe

by: Dee Scrip

Ravaging the globe in biblical proportions is the Fuel Flu epidemic. Early signs include depleted budgets, indecision whether to drive or eat for the day, incessant complaining, and fear of the future.

Transport industries such as trucking, shipping, etc., found a temporary solution to the Fuel Flu – pass the rising fuel costs down to us consumers of such necessities as food, clothing and shelter.

Government response is to lift current requirements on fuel, so lower grade fuel can be released. Hmmm….let me think here – lower grade fuel results in further Fuel Flu complications such as dirtier engines which ultimately create an even greater need for more fuel and maintenance in order to function at all. That remedy looks like a “Catch 22” for sure!

Intensifying Fuel Flu complications occurs when consumers opt to forego basic maintenance like having the oil changed regularly, replacing spark plugs, keeping the engine tuned, or properly inflating tires for 50¢ (every penny counts!).

STOP!!! Take a deep breath. Listen!

You are not helpless when it comes to the Fuel Flu epidemic. You don’t have to sell your firstborn in order to purchase a tank of fuel. You can be proactive simply by immunizing your truck, car, etc.

Let’s take a closer look at why we need to immunize against Fuel Flu in the first place.

All fuel, regardless of gas, bio-diesel, or diesel fuel, contains sulfur and water. Sulfur and water when combined form sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid damages your engine and when not burned off, leaves behind carbon deposits that attach to vital organs inside the engine, e.g., spark plugs, fuel injectors, valves, etc. They can even be forced into your oil.

Carbon deposits in your engine create a sluggish response, increased toxic emissions and less miles per gallon. So, the primary focus to immunize against Fuel Flu should be on how to eliminate and prevent carbon deposits from forming.

Now, don’t go running out and frantically buying “spot” treatments such as fuel injector cleaners, new spark plugs, or fuel conditioners -- that may even clog your engine further -- in a futile effort to immunize your vehicle. Let’s seek advice of a trusted expert, the Fuel Doctor.


The Fuel Doctor highly recommends a simple solution to immunize against the Fuel Flu. One small pill combines all individual treatments, covers all engine sizes, and can be used with gas, bio-diesel, and diesel fuel.

This small pill, the size of a penny, known as the UBiee PowerPill, will eliminate and prevent carbon deposits from forming in your engine. Just by simply popping a pill in your tank every time you fill up at the pump, you will experience increased fuel savings, decreased toxic emissions, decreased maintenance needs, and faster response, thus complete immunization against the Fuel Flu.

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Repairing Your Own Machine Components

by: Thomas Yoon

Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the repair of worn shafts, the lathe machine is excellent. Keyway slots can be machined by using a milling machine, while a shaping machine can do machining of large flat areas. A drilling machine does drilling of holes.

A skilled Maintenance Engineer should know how to use all these machines in order to make his own repairs in a safe manner. Very often he has to supervise machinists. The information below should be useful for that purpose.

Lathe Machine

The lathe machine uses a single-point-cutting tool for a variety of turning, facing, and drilling jobs. Excess metal is removed by rotating the work piece over the fixed cutting tool to form straight or tapered cylindrical shapes, grooves, shoulders and screw threads. It can also be used for facing flat surfaces on the ends of cylindrical parts.

The work piece is clamped onto a horizontal rotating shaft by a 3-jaw or 4-jaw chuck. The latter chuck can be used to cut off-centered cylinders. The rotating horizontal spindle to which the chuck is attached is usually driven at speeds that can be varied.

The cutting tool is fixed onto a tool rest and manipulated by hand. It can also be power driven on straight paths parallel or perpendicular to the work axis. This is useful for screw cutting.

Internal turning known as boring results in the enlargement of an already existing hole. The holes are more accurate in roundness, concentricity, and parallelism than drilled holes. A hole is bored with a single-point-cutting tool that feeds along the inside of the work piece.

Shaping Machine

The shaping machine is used to machine flat surfaces, grooves, shoulders, T-slots, and angular surfaces with single-point tools. The cutting tool on the shaper oscillates, cutting on the forward stroke, with the work piece feeding automatically toward the tool during each return stroke.

Drilling Machine

The drilling machine is used to cut holes in metal with a twist drill. By changing the cutting tool, they can be used to do reaming, boring, counter boring, countersinking, and threading.

Milling Machine

The milling machine uses a rotating cutting tool to cut flat surfaces, grooves, and shoulders, inclined surfaces, dovetails, and T-slots. Cutters of many shapes are changed to cut different grooves.

Cutting Tools

Metal-cutting tools are classified as single point or multiple point. The lathe and shaping machine use single point cutting tool while the milling and drilling machines use multiple-point-cutting tools.

Metal is cut either by moving the work piece like in the lathe or by moving the tool like in the shaping machine, drilling or milling machine. Clearance angles must be provided to prevent the tool surface below the cutting edge from rubbing against the work piece. Rake angles are often provided on cutting tools to cause a wedging action in the formation of chips and to reduce friction and heat.

Tool Materials

In order to remove chips from a work piece, a cutting tool must be harder than the work piece and must maintain a cutting edge at the temperature produced by the friction of the cutting action.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel tools even though comparatively inexpensive tend to lose cutting ability at temperatures around 400 degree F (205 degree C).

High-Speed Steel

High-speed steel, containing 18 percent tungsten, 4 percent chromium, 1 percent vanadium, and only 0.5 to 0.8 percent carbon, permits the operation of tools twice or three times the speeds allowable with carbon steel

Cast Alloys

Cast-alloy cutting-tool materials containing cobalt, chromium, and tungsten are effective in cutting cast iron and retaining their cutting ability even when red hot.

Cemented Tungsten Carbide

The hardness of Tungsten Carbide approaches that of a diamond. Tungsten carbide tools can be operated at cutting speeds many times higher than those used with high-speed steel.

Oxides

Ceramic, or oxide, tool tips consist primarily of fine aluminum oxide grains, which are bonded together. These are very hard.

Cutting fluids

An overheated tool can become blunt and soft very fast. Therefore very often, cooling fluids cools the cutting points of the tool. This serves to lubricate and cool.

Water is an excellent cooling medium, but it corrodes ferrous materials. Sulfurized mineral oil is one of the most popular coolants as it can both cool as well as lubricate. The sulfur prevents chips from the work from melting on to the tip of the tool.

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A Review of the Most Popular Garage Door Openers

by: Richard Romando
Genie, Chamberlain, Sears, Wayne-Dalton, Linear, and Universal (SkyLink) make some of the best garage door openers on the market. The following product reviews should be useful for those in the market for a garage door opener.

The Genie® Company is one of the most well-known and trusted companies in the US. Founded in 1923 under the name of the Alliance Manufacturing company, Genie manufactures consumer, industrial as well as military products. The Genie® brand of garage door openers are very popular for their high power remote-controlled garage door opening systems.

Genie produces a wide range of garage door openers and the most popular brands from Genie are: the Excelerator, the Screw Drive and the Chain Glide. Other brands include the Alliance, the Blue Max, the Crusader, Python, Pro-Max, Lift-a-door, OverHead Door, Norelco, Code-Dodger and Intellicode.

Genie uses state-of-the-art technology in its garage door openers. The Intellicode® remote access security system changes the security code to one of billions of combinations each time the transmitter is used, thus making it one of the safest systems in the world. Its Sate-T-Beam™ infrared beam system can sense the presence of objects in the door’s path and can thus prevent damage to equipment. Genie garage door openers can be installed on both single as well as double doors. They use ½ horsepower and can work on doors that are up to 8 feet high. Genie garage door openers open twice as fast as other garage door openers but close at normal speeds. They are very quiet, have a bright, wide-angle lighting and powerful motor design and can work in any weather conditions. Such advanced technologies make the Genie brand of garage door openers most popular in the world.

Chamberlain GmbH based in Saarwellingen, Germany is a principal supplier of residential garage door openers, commercial and residential gate operators, and remote controls in the world. The company has offices in France, England, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovak Republic and Singapore. Chamberlain products are available almost across the whole world.

Chamberlain offers garage door openers in commercial as well as residential varieties. Chamberlain®, Whisper Drive® and Power Drive® Garage Door Openers are the most popular brands from Chamberlain.

LiftMaster® is the most popular brand from Chamberlain. This range also includes the Liftmaster garage door opener remotes, replacement parts, mini transmitters, keychain remotes and other accessories. LiftMaster garage door openers are available in different drive and horsepower modes and are combined with a wide range of accessories and options. The LiftMaster range contains: the Estate Series, the Premium series and the Contractor series. These are available in the belt drive; screw drive as well as in chain drive models.

Chamberlain’s Power Drive® and Whisper Drive® belong to the residential garage door opener category in the do-it-yourself range. The Elite™ range contains premier residential and commercial gate operators and access control systems. The Sentex® range is for secure residential and commercial garages.

Sears Holdings Corporation, parent of Kmart and Sears, Roebuck and Co., is the third largest broad line retailer in the US. Sears Holdings is a leading supplier of tools, lawn and garden, home electronics, and automotive repair and maintenance. It supplies the Craftsman range of garage door openers.

Craftsman supplies power tools, storage chests and cabinets, bench power tools, mechanics tools, power tool accessories, general hand tools, compressor tools, carpentry tools and home security and garage door openers and accessories. The Craftsman range of garage door openers consist of simple ½ hp garage door opener, ¾ hp garage door opener in chain drive models. Other products include the universal remote control conversion kit with 1 remote, the 10ft chain drive extension kit, the 10ft extension kit for garage door opener, the 8ft extension kit for garage door opener, the 8ft rail extension kit, the Remote control, 3-function security, keyless entry pad, plug-in light control for garage door opener, the wireless garage door monitor and the extension kit (screw drive).

Wayne Dalton, established in 1954, is the producer and supplier of the safest residential and commercial garage doors and garage door openers in the US. Wayne Dalton supplies two kinds of garage door openers: wall mount and ceiling mount. The wall mount openers, an exclusive product from Wayne Dalton, can be mounted on the wall beside the door. This helps to eliminate the chains, belts, screw drive and tract that usually clutter the garage ceiling. This model also helps to eliminate noise and vibration to a large extent.

The Linear Corporate is a major producer of security systems like garage door and garage door openers. Linear produces garage door openers accessories like the Linear Act 21 key chain transmitter, Linear DR3A Linear Moore-O-Matic gate or garage opener receiver, Linear DT2A gate or garage door opener replacement transmitter, Linear DTC Moore-O-Matic Delta 3 Remote (same as DTD or DT) gate or garage door opener replacement transmitter, Linear DTKP wireless keypad, Linear MDR Megacode System single channel receiver, Linear MDT-1 and MDT-2 Megacode gate or garage door openers, Linear MDTK wireless keypad model, Linear MT-1B channel visor block coded transmitter, Linear MT-2B channel visor block coded transmitter etc.

Linear also makes the Stanley range of garage door opener parts and accessories like Vemco, Quiet Glide, LightMaker, Home Innovative, Whistler, Popular Mechanics, SecureCode.

About the author:
Garage Door Openers Info provides detailed information about best garage door openers, as well as garage door opener parts and repair Garage Door Openers Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

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Different Forklift Accessories

by: Thomas Morva

There are several types of forklift accessories that make it possible to use the forklift in a variety of different situations. Add-ons make it possible to carry metal drums filled with liquid, large rolls of carpet, or even people.

Drum handlers make it possible to safely transport liquid filled drums on a forklift. Most drum handlers slide onto the forks of the lift, allowing the operator to lift the drum handler by raising the forks off of the ground. Drum handlers hold the drums in one of two ways. The most common method is for the drum handler to clamp onto the rim of the drum in one or two places. This is perfect for keeping the drum upright and stable during transportation. Another way is to attach the drum by chaining the drum to a drum faucet from the cab of the forklift. This way, the forklift operator has the option to control the speed at which the drum contents are dumped by operating a chain pulley.

Carpet poles are long, sturdy poles that are used to carry roles of material such as carpet. They can be mounted to the carriage or to the forks. Carpet poles are useful because they allow forklift operators to safely transport carpet rolls by putting a pole through the hollow center of the roll. The carpet is not able to roll around during movement as it would if it were merely sitting on the forks.

A man basket is perfect when a person needs to be lifted off of the ground in order to perform some type of maintenance or repair. The forks of the lift slide into slots on the bottom of the man basket to provide stability. The forklift operator can then use the forks to lift the person in the man basket as high as the forks can rise. Most man baskets have a swing door and a safety chain to insure that the person doesn’t fall out. Man baskets are often safer than ladders or scaffolding.

Forklift accessories make forklifts even more versatile. It is very important to use the forklift accessories in the manner for which they are intended to avoid costly equipment repairs or serious bodily injury.

About the author:
Forklifts Info provides detailed information about forklifts, including rough terrain and truck-mounted forklifts, used forklifts, and forklifts for sale, as well as forklift parts, accessories, operators, and safety. Forklifts Info is affiliated with Original Content Web.

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Durable and Long-lasting Radiator Parts now on sale at Parts Train

by: Jenny McLane

Your car radiator is the primary cooling mechanism for your engine. Parts train's Radiators are a simple and elegant solution to the need for engine cooling. Parts train's Radiators are mostly made of aluminum. Light and strong, aluminum is great for making radiators. It is the material of choice for most of today’s radiators. Light and intelligently designed, aluminum radiators are standard on many of today’s new cars and trucks.

A small leak on your Radiator can be indicating a larger problem. A cooling system that runs low too often is less efficient and you can damage your cooling system by letting the coolant level get too low. Too little coolant flow can be bad, but at normal and high operating temperatures, the rate at which coolant moves through the radiator does not change the amount of heat that is dissipated by the cooling cores. The amount of cooling will not be reduced even when the mean temperature of the coolant rises and flows faster.

Many cheap coolants do not have the corrosion protection, PH balancing, or sediment prevention that the top-quality coolants do. These low quality coolants do not have the same additives of name brand coolants. To help your engine stay cooler, rev up your engine slightly when you are overheating in traffic to help push more air across the cooling cores and more coolant through the engine.

All water-cooled radiators have an automatically controlled electric fan on the radiator. The way the system is supposed to work is that, after the engine is started, the thermostat on the engine stays closed until the coolant temperature at the ENGINE reaches 87C (189F) degrees. It is the responsibility of the Radiator to keep the coolant temperature from running too high. However, if the temperature is too high it is not necessarily the radiator.

A poor radiator cap will not last as long or stay properly calibrated, and either open at too low or two high a pressure. Make sure your radiator cap is the proper one for your cooling system. Higher pressure means a higher boiling point, which means more efficient cooling. A new radiator cap is usually all that is required for this (but don’t over pressurize your radiator cores and wreck the whole system).

Most Radiators' cooling system failures arise from poor radiator maintenance. Many radiator problems can be prevented with regular maintenance and periodic professional inspections of you car radiator and cooling system. The most common radiator problems are: leaky fittings or seams, fin deterioration and bond failure, electrolysis, cracked tank, and fan damage.

Parts train's Aftermarket Parts, Replacement Parts and top grade Radiators are reasonably priced and the company makes sure they are durable. Parts train offers Volvo parts focused on reliability, quality, great designs and affordable price. With the Volvo tradition of designing efficient and innovative cars, Parts train has in its stock the widest array as well high standard Volvo Parts, Performance Parts, and Replacement Parts.

With only a few clicks, visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLVO and you will find Parts train's impressive array of highly durable and reliable Volvo Parts to match the equally impressive performance of your Volvo.

About the author:
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

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Tips for maintaining your Snowblower

by: Keith Kingston

If you don't want to be standing out in the cold arguing with a snowblower that doesn't want to run, then do the annual maintenance before the snow starts flying. Regular maintenance will give you years of hassle free use, and less attitude from your blower. Don't forget the safety aspect, because without proper maintenance your snowblower could become a hazard.

Each fall before winter arrives, you should check all bolts, belts, and moving parts, to ensure they are not frayed, loose, or worn. Belts are best checked by removing and checking for cracks. Replace any worn parts, and tighten any loose bolts.

Turn your snowblower on its side and check the scraper bar. This is the bar that rubs against the ground and scrapes the snow off. This item wears, so check to see if it need replacement. If you neglect to replace the bar when it is worn, it will lead to damage on the snowblower's housing, and that's will hurt your pocket book. In fact, if your snowblower gets a lot of use through out the season, check it regularly.

Check the rubber paddles and the rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing it's time to replace the rubber. A new rubber will help your snowblower operate at its optimum performance levels.

Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Adjust as needed. If you have tire chains for your snowblower, have them handy or put them on in advance. There's nothing worse than searching in the freezing cold, while trying to remember where you put the chains.

There are only two types of snow blower engines: The two cylinder engine which uses mixed gas and oil. You'll just need to replace the spark plug on this style of engine.

If you have a four cylinder engine which uses straight gas, with the oil in the crank case just like your vehicle, you'll need to change the oil, spark plug, and filter. You should also check the oil each time before you start it. Most four cylinders use 5W30 oil, and hold approx 20 ounces. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct oil weight, and replacement part numbers.

Lube the drive and chassis. If you have two stage blower, make sure you check the lube in the gear box. Check with your owners manual whether you have a one stage or two stage. It will also tell you the type of lubricant to use.

If there was fuel left from the previous year, you'll need to siphon it off, and fill the gas tank with fresh gasoline. It doesn't hurt to add some methanol in with the fuel, once or twice a season, to avoid condensation from building up in the tank, or the carburetor icing up.


About the author:
Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who is an authority on a wide variety of subjects. Find out more about his reviews on snowblowers at http://www.snow-removal-online.com/

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