Mack Vehicles Now Better Protected With Unleashing of GuardDog
LAS VEGAS--June 25, 2001--To further simplify the working lives and improve the efficiency of truck operators in a variety of vocations, Mack Trucks, Inc. has introduced a new routine maintenance monitoring system.Known as GuardDog, the system alerts drivers, via an in-cab dashboard display, of the following service items:
| -- | Engine Oil Level - LOW or HIGH |
| -- | Engine Coolant Level - LOW |
| -- | Fuel Level - LOW |
| -- | Windshield Washer Fluid Level - LOW |
| -- | Air Filter Restriction - HIGH |
| -- | Steer Axle Brake Shoe - WORN |
| -- | Drive Axle(s) Brake Shoe - WORN |
The GuardDog system also includes a Predictive Oil Change (POC) feature that automatically determines when an engine oil and filter change is due based on engine duty cycle. The V-MAC(R) system, Mack's total vehicle electronic control system, is constantly monitoring engine operation and determining the optimum oil change interval.
This interval can be as high as 60,000 miles, depending on application. POC also is available as a stand-alone option with the GuardDog system on certain vocational Mack vehicles (R, RD, DM, DMM, and CL models).
The GuardDog system currently is available as an option on Vision by Mack(TM), Granite and CH models equipped with Mack's optional Vehicle Information Profiler, or V.I.P.(TM) driver display. GuardDog is an "active" maintenance monitoring system in that it is based on actual vehicle sensor readings, rather than predetermined or "passive" distance, time or date intervals.
"The main objective of many of today's new product introductions is helping vehicle operators to concentrate on their main concern - driving the truck," said Kevin M. Flaherty, senior vice president of sales for Mack. "The GuardDog system will go a long way toward accomplishing that objective, because it reduces the need to physically check several key routine maintenance items.
"The GuardDog system also should favorably impact overall operating efficiency by reducing the time spent on routine maintenance, reducing pre-trip inspection time, and potentially extending brake shoe and engine oil life," Flaherty added.
"The system should also help extend the serviceable life of key truck components by more accurately defining the correct oil change interval, or by helping to ensure that brake shoes are not used beyond their limits, which could potentially bring about damage to other brake system components."
GuardDog automatically cycles immediately after the vehicle is started, with "Acquiring Data" shown with a graphical representation of the truck on the V.I.P. screen. Service items will then appear for four seconds and disappear if no service is required. When no service is due, a "No Maintenance Required" message appears. When service is required, that item will be highlighted and an alarm will sound.
At any time during vehicle operation the driver can view the status of all GuardDog items. The GuardDog system also functions during normal vehicle operation by displaying an "Interrupt" screen and generating an audible warning if a maintenance item becomes due. That screen remains on until acknowledged by the driver.
"GuardDog is another example of how being an integrated manufacturer puts Mack in a unique position to deliver a better quality product," added Flaherty. "While competitors must deal with a multitude of suppliers - all with different monitoring capabilities - we can focus on our own vehicle and our own powertrain. The end result is a better product - like the GuardDog system."
Dedicated to quality, reliability, and total customer satisfaction, Mack Trucks, Inc. has provided innovative, forward-thinking products and services to its customers worldwide for a century.
Mack is one of North America's largest producers of heavy-duty trucks, in addition to major product components. The company also markets a line of medium-duty diesel trucks across North America. MACK vehicles are sold and serviced in more than 45 countries worldwide.
For more information about Mack, visit our Web site at www.macktrucks.com