Truck-Lite introduces LED headlamp for heavy-duty markets

[kscarbel2]

Fleet Equipment

Truck-Lite’s new 7-in. light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps are being introduced to the heavy-duty commercial vehicle market. The first LED headlamps in commercial production, they have already entered service on a wide variety of military vehicles.

Some final development work took place at the Army Cold Regions Test Center near Fairbanks, Alaska, where technicians rigorously tested the LED Headlamps and reported on their effectiveness. “The Truck-Lite LED headlamps we’re testing are much easier on the eyes,” wrote one evaluator. “Despite their brightness, they should last through the 20- to 30-year lifetime of military vehicles,” wrote another, commenting that “The LED headlights provide daylight clarity. On the spruce trees up here, every needle stood out, unlike the incandescent lamps that glowed like mere candles in comparison.”

The 7-in. round white LED headlamps meet or exceed all applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements and all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) pertaining to headlights. The new LED headlamps can replace any standard 7-in. round headlight within 24 volt applications. They can be aimed using standard mechanical aiming equipment.

“Creating the most advanced LED lighting solutions for our heavy-duty tractor, body and other vehicle requirements is a fundamental part of our core LED business,” stated John Howells, Truck-Lite’s vice president of sales. “Advanced headlight design adds safety and value to vehicles, as well as the widest array of design and engineering possibilities, since the small size of LEDs enables them to be seamlessly integrated into even the most sophisticated tractor design.”

Each headlamp uses ten Luxeon LEDs as its light source. The LED light output is brighter than traditional glass beam headlights, resulting in greater light projection, the company said, adding that the LEDs in the headlamp produce a crisper, whiter light output than even the brightest halogen sealed or bulb-replaceable lamps available today. While a typical headlamp may be rated to last 400 hours, Truck-Lite LED Headlamps are expected to exceed that by as much as 50 times. The Luxeon technology used in Truck-Lite’s headlamps will offer improved visibility over conventional incandescent as the color temperature of the assembly is around 5000 degrees K, far closer to sunlight than incandescent or halogen lamps.

The Truck-Lite LED headlamp uses the latest diode technology from Philips Lumileds, headquartered in San Jose, Calif. Lumileds’ CEO, Michael Holt, stated: “Truck-Lite has been the front-runner in heavy-duty lighting product innovations by developing advanced solid-state systems and applying them to a headlamp application. We are very proud of the relationship we have built with Truck-Lite, as their LED supplier, and look forward to continued business ventures into the future.”

The 7-in. round LED headlamps feature potted circuit board assemblies for unrivaled shock and vibration resistance and polycarbonate lenses that have 30 times more impact strength than glass. The LED headlamps have also undergone hot weather testing at military installations in Panama and near Carson City, Nev.

“While initial production is limited to 24-volt,” stated Brad VanRiper, Truck-Lite’s senior VP of R&D & chief technology officer, “we are actively testing 12-volt 7-in. LED headlamps and we expect them to go into production shortly.”

For more information, visit http://www.truck-Lite.com.

[kscarbel2]

Penske Installing Truck-Lite LED Headlights

Trucking Info / February 7, 2013

Penske Truck Leasing is retrofitting 5,000 of its 2012 and 2013 model semi tractors in its commercial truck rental fleet with new LED headlights from Truck-Lite.

Penske says it's the first and only commercial rental operation to offer this new headlamp.

The retrofitting will take place over the next 12 months, and Penske is making the new LED lights part of its core standard specs going forward.

"We've field tested these new lights," says Art Vallely, executive vice president of operations for Penske Truck Leasing. "They provide greater nighttime visibility compared with traditional headlights, which enhances safety for commercial truck drivers operating our equipment. The high durability of these lights also provides a significant cost savings from a maintenance standpoint."

The Truck-Lite LED headlamps were initially developed for military use.

Truck-Lite’s LED forward lighting headlamps offer improved driver visibility through its more natural light spectrum, leading to improved object recognition at night. Truck-Lite’s LED beam pattern also reduces eye-strain for drivers and reduces harsh headlight glare to oncoming traffic. An additional benefit is a significant reduction in amperage draw on the vehicle’s electrical system, freeing up power for other uses and resulting in a 50-times longer lighting system life than conventional halogen technology.

[kscarbel2]

Penske Makes Truck-Lite LED Headlights Standard for Freightliner Cascadia Tractors

READING, Pa., June 3, 2013 – Penske Truck Leasing has made Truck-Lite LED headlights standard spec on the Freightliner Cascadia tractors it leases.

"These headlights provide exceptional nighttime visibility as compared to other headlights that we have tested," said Art Vallely, Penske Truck Leasing Executive Vice President of Operations. "We believe that these LED headlights provide the driver with enhanced safety through greater reaction time and reduced driver fatigue. The driver acceptance by our customers has been overwhelmingly positive."

Last November, Penske announced that 5,000 of its 2012 and 2013 semi-tractors currently within its commercial truck rental fleet would be retrofitted with these LED lights, and that they would be core standard specifications for all the semi-tractors in its commercial truck rental fleet.

Bob Ives, Truck-Lite Executive Vice President of Business Development said: "Our new commercial heavy duty LED technology delivers lighting performance far and above the traditional halogen systems, adding increased visibility and safety. The lamp's proven durability also provides significant cost savings from a maintenance standpoint."

Truck-Lite's LED forward-lighting headlamps offer improved driver visibility through its more natural light spectrum, leading to improved object recognition at night and increased daytime visibility. Truck-Lite's LED beam pattern also reduces eye-strain for drivers and reduces harsh headlight glare to oncoming traffic. An additional benefit is a significant reduction in amperage draw on the vehicle's electrical system, freeing up power for other uses and resulting in a 50-times longer lighting system life than conventional halogen technology.

[kscarbel2]

Truck-Lite LED Headlights Now standard on Cascadia and Evolution Freightliner models

OEM Off-Highway / August 2, 2013

Freightliner Trucks has selected Truck-Lite's new Custom LED Headlights as its factory standard for forward lighting on their Cascadia and Evolution truck models. These LED headlights are also being offered as an aftermarket retrofit option that is available across North America to Freightliner dealers.

"The positive response to our LED forward-lighting products from the military opened the door to the heavy-duty commercial transportation sector and this new partnership," says Truck-Lite President, Brian Kupchella. "Our LED technology delivers lighting performance far and above the traditional halogen systems, adding increased visibility and safety."

The new LED headlight features a significant reduction in amperage draw on the vehicle's electrical system, freeing up power for other uses. The reduced amperage draw results in a life cycle that is rated at over 30,000 hours, lasting the life of the truck.

Another feature is Truck-Lite's unique Diamond Shell 2.0 lens coating, which provides multiple layers of protection against crazing and hazing.

Truck-Lite conducted extensive real-world road tests. "Truck-Lite's new LEDs should be mandated by law... because they are so much safer," reports a fleet test driver,"...love the long distance light, but truly impressed with how far off to the sides of the truck I can see."

"We want every component on our products to not only be cost-efficient, but to enhance vehicle safety and productivity," says Mary Aufdemberg, Director of Product Marketing for Freightliner Trucks. "The Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution are industry leaders in safety, driving experience and lowest total cost of ownership, and LED headlamps further enhance the products."

Brad Van Riper, Freightliner's Chief Technology Officer also states, "Having access to the best technology is extremely important to driver and public safety. Our beam pattern and pure white color really enhances the visibility. We are proud to have Freightliner offer the worlds first commercial vehicle LED headlamps as standard."

[kscarbel]

Scania provides customers with a wide range of headlamp options incorporating the latest technologies.

http://www.scania.com/images/wkr0006_tcm40-302058.pdf

[RFCDrum]

Nice LED's all the way.

[BC Mack]

as a trial about 100 of our local Transit buses converted over to these LED headlamps about two years ago, older model buses with oblong lamps, and to pardon the pun... it was a night and day difference.... drivers loved them.

some of these buses went for scrap a few months ago and the only mechanical part removed were these lights... however, one pair must have escaped the campaign as the local tow-truck is now sporting a pair of lamps with "New Flyer" embossed on them...

not cheap, about $300 a pair with wiring IIRC... but they are definately a better lamp...

see what I can do for my MH....

BC Mack

[johnmiller]

I also installed truck lite led headlights last month.. It’s looking great, working properly, much brighter and safer.. I bought from panaceaco.. All the equipments available here at very affordable price i.e below the wholesale pricing.. You can Compare pricing over here..