Featured in this issue:

Volvo introduces all-new

motor grader line with
industry-leading
production features
See article inside...

www.tste.com

SERVING YOU
FROM FIVE
LOCATIONS
MONTANA
BILLINGS
P. O. Box 1298
5250 Midland Road
Phone: (406) 245-3188
FAX: (406) 238-1501

Tri-State Truck &

Equipment, Inc. Team
CORPORATE

Tom W. Zimmer, Chairman

DeWitt Boyd, President

Tom S. Zimmer, Vice President/Branch Manager

Donna Timmerman, Secretary/Treasurer

Rick Benjamin, Accounting Manager

GREAT FALLS

5024 Tri-Hil Frontage Road

Phone: (406) 452-9551
FAX: (406) 452-9831

Tom S. Zimmer, Branch Manager

Rene Critelli, Parts Manager

Boyd Benedict, Service Manager

Terry May, Highway Truck Sales

Clark Coulter, Equipment Sales

Chris Linn, Equipment Sales

BOZEMAN SATELLITE
STORE
200 Floss Flat Road, Unit #1
Belgrade, MT
Phone: (406) 388-5815
FAX: (406) 388-5817

BILLINGS

KALISPELL SATELLITE
STORE

36 Jellison Lane, Suite D

Columbia Falls, MT
Phone: (406) 755-5891
FAX: (406) 755-5897

Ron Catellier, Branch Manager

Jim Russell, Parts Manager

Mike Johnson, Service Manager

Larry Steensland, Sales

Craig Parker, Sales

WYOMING
CASPER
P. O. Box 340
1271 North Derrick Drive
Phone: (307) 472-1818
FAX: (307) 472-3272

CASPER

GREAT FALLS

Rob Simonich, Product Support Manager

Mike Magee, Sales

Printed in U.S.A.
2006

TRI-STATETRUCK &EQUIPMENT, INC.

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Looking ahead to
another good year
Dear Valued Customer:
As we head into the busy spring and summer season, all of us at
Tri-State Truck & Equipment are optimistic about the year ahead. Both
the construction and energy industries appear to be on solid footing
for another good year. With the approval of a new six-year highway
bill, that important segment should also be shored up for a while.
Interest rates are edging up a bit, but thats not all bad. Many
construction-related costs have increased considerably in the past
year or so and slightly higher rates may help reign in those increases
a bit as we move forward.
So, all-in-all, were upbeat about where we are and where were
going. At Tri-State, were working hard to find better ways to meet the
needs of customers like you, throughout our territory.
One area of emphasis for us has been in expanding our product
support efforts. The new satellite branches weve opened in Bozeman
and Kalispell are examples of our commitment to better meet your
service and parts needs. In conjunction with the new locations, weve
also increased our service technician work force, which helps us
respond more quickly and efficiently to any emergency repair needs
you may have, as well as routine maintenance work you need done.
At Tri-State, our goal is to help you make your business successful
and profitable. Because of the products we carry and the support
were able to provide, we believe we can do that as well as anybody.
As we move through 2006, we hope youll give us a chance to show
what we can do for you. Feel free to give us a call at any of our branch
locations and let us know what you need. I guarantee well do our
best to take care of you.

Sincerely,

DeWitt L. Boyd,
President

DeWitt Boyd

ARTICLES
IN THIS ISSUE
Product News

Find out how Volvos all-new,

larger and more powerful
G900 motor grader line can
increase your productivity
while holding the line on
costs.

Product Improvements

Find out what Volvos new

B-series skid steer loaders
and improved backhoe loader
models have to offer.

The People Inside

Veteran Truck Service

Technician Jeff Lehfeldt
shares his insights on
changes in the industry
and the challenges of
staying on top of new
technology.

Productivity Pointers

Learn how Volvos tooth

system and exclusive
lubricants add value to
your machines by keeping
them running smoothly and
economically.

BILLINGS, MT
P. O. Box 1298
5250 Midland Road
Phone: (406) 245-3188
FAX: (406) 238-1501

www.tste.com

GREAT FALLS,MT
5024 Tri-Hil Frontage Road
Phone: (406) 452-9551
FAX: (406) 452-9831

BOZEMAN SATELLITE STORE

200 Floss Flat Road, Unit #1
Phone: (406) 338-5815
FAX: (406) 338-5817

CASPER, WY
P. O. Box 340
1271 North Derrick Drive
Phone: (307) 472-1818
FAX: (307) 472-3272

KALISPELL SATELLITE STORE

36 Jellison Lane, Suite D
Phone: (406) 755-5891
FAX: (406) 755-5897

TRI-STATETRUCK &EQUIPMENT, INC.

PRODUCT NEWS

Volvo introduces all-new motor grader line

with industry-leading production features
W

hen Volvo decided it was time to update

its motor grader line, it had a decision to make.
It could take the basics from its proven and
excellent 700 series and tweak it or it could
start with a blank page approach and begin
at the beginning. Wanting to separate itself
significantly from the competition, Volvo chose the
latter.
We wanted to make a machine that would set
the industry standard, said Sam Wyant, Volvo
Vice President, Motor Graders. With the new
G900 series, we believe weve done that.
The G900 series consists of seven models
ranging from the 155-horsepower G930 up to
the 265-horsepower G990. Included are two allwheel-drive models (the G976 is the largest, most
powerful all-wheel-drive grader on the market)
that provide additional tractive effort and more
rimpull when required.

Improved engine and power train

Of course, grader productivity depends on
much more than simply having the best specs.
The G900 series delivers on all levels, starting
with the all-new, Tier 3-compliant Volvo engine
with three power ranges for maximum efficiency.

Continued . . .

Volvo Motor Graders

Model

Operating Weight

Engine Power

G930

34,300 lbs.

155-195 hp

G940

35,200 lbs.

175-215 hp

G946 (AWD)

36,700 lbs.

195-235 hp

G960

36,800 lbs.

195-235 hp

G970

39,000 lbs.

210-250 hp

G976 (AWD)

40,500 lbs.

225-265 hp

G990

46,300 lbs.

225-265 hp

Each G900 model is heavier, has higher

horsepower and is stronger than its counterpart
in the previous Volvo lineup, said Wyant. Whats
more, we also lead the competition in almost
every category that measures a motor graders
productivity.
For example, rimpull (a measure of tractive
effort) and blade-down force (the ability to push
the blade into the earth and still keep the tires on
the ground) are two areas where the new G900
series shines.
Our rimpull leads the competition in almost
every size class, and our blade-down force is a
clear number one across-the-board, said Wyant.
The end result of these performance features is
increased productivity. For example, with greater
blade-down force, an operator can cut into a
hard-pack surface deeper and more effectively.
Lets say you need to remove four inches of such
hard-pack. With competitive graders, chances
are it will take two passes to get all four inches,
but with Volvos industry-leading blade-down
force, theres a good chance youll get it all in just
one pass. Thats the type of performance and
productivity you can expect from the new G900
series.

Each machine in the new G900 line of Volvo motor graders is larger and more powerful than its
predecessor and features more blade-down force than any same-class competitive grader.

Operator feedback leads to Volvo grader improvements

. . . continued

The Volvo engine is the cornerstone of

what weve done with the G900 series, said
Wyant. With its ability to produce high torque
at low engine speed, its ideal for delivering the
responsiveness and fuel efficiency we wanted.
Were also very proud that were the first and, at
this time, only manufacturer to produce a Tier 3compliant motor grader.
Beyond the engine, the G900 series has new
axles, a newly laid-out power train, and a new
transmission with an autoshift option. We also
offer as an option the industrys first 11-speed
transmission, which provides excellent low-end

gearing for maximum control and precision, as

well as higher top-end travel speed, said Wyant.

Hydraulic improvements
Volvo turned to its innovative Voice of the
Customer program to get input from motor
grader operators about how to further improve the
product. One of the things customers stressed was
the importance of a topnotch hydraulic system.
As a result of their feedback, we really focused
on improving the hydraulics in the G900 series,
said Wyant. A grader operator needs to be able
to feel what hes doing through the controls
especially in a fine-grading application. We use
Proportional Demand Flow (PDF) intelligent loadsensing hydraulics coupled with a main hydraulic
valve that has been redesigned to produce a
precise, instantly responsive earthmoving tool.
Additionally, our wide-stance blade-lift cylinders
coupled with the low-angle side-shift cylinder
provide the most stable grading platform in the
industry.

Operator environment
The operator environment of the Volvo G900
series of motor graders is everything you expect
from a Volvo safe, comfortable and productive.

All the new Volvo G900 motor graders are powered by Volvo engines, renowned for their ability to
produce high torque at low rpm. The units are the first Tier 3-compliant motor graders on the market.

ROPS/FOPS certified, the Volvo cab features

expansive glass areas providing exceptional
visibility. Inside the cab, operators remain
comfortable for long shifts, thanks to noise and
vibration control systems and a pressurized cabin
with a constant flow of clean air from 10 wellplaced outlets. All essential operator controls
are mounted on a slide-and-tilt adjustable center
pedestal. Low-effort pedals and short-throw levers
help reduce operator fatigue and are located
within easy reach.
We know that if an operator is comfortable,
hes going to be more productive, said Wyant.
Thats why we took so much care in designing
the G900 series for maximum operator comfort
and efficiency. Wherever possible, we did things
the way operators told us they wanted them, right
down to where the switches were placed and the
overall layout of the cab.
Were convinced that in terms of comfort
and capabilities, the Volvo G900 series is a
step ahead of the competition, added Wyant.
Certainly, we encourage anyone in the market for
a motor grader to demo a G900 machine to learn
firsthand how it can help boost productivity and
lower owning and operating costs.

The G900 graders use a Proportional Demand Flow load-sensing system for precise, responsive
hydraulic control. An autoshift transmission, including the industrys first 11-speed transmission,
is available as an option on any new Volvo grader.

For more information on any new G900 Volvo

motor grader, contact your Tri-State sales
representative or any Tri-State branch.

TRI-STATETRUCK &EQUIPMENT, INC.

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS

New series of Volvo skid steer loaders offers

industry-leading power and fuel efficiency
I

n designing and building its second generation

of skid steer loaders (the new B-series), Volvo has
made numerous changes to improve performance.
Foremost among the changes was the decision
to replace the Kubota and Perkins engines with
Volvos own engines.

competition, youll find that Volvo skid steers have

the highest breakout force and highest axle torque
in their respective classes. So, for ripping out
tough material and putting power to the ground,
were the best and we do it while maintaining
outstanding fuel efficiency.

Volvo engines are among the cleanest-burning

and most fuel-efficient engines in the world, said
Volvo Skid Steer Product Specialist Bill Sauber. In
addition to that, the four-cylinder, 16-valve diesel
engines that go into our five skid steer models
are also among the most powerful in the industry.
When you compare them head-to-head with the

Beyond improving efficiency and power, Volvo

has made many other significant improvements to
its B-series skid steer loaders. Among them:

Volvo Skid Steer Loaders

Model

Operating Weight

Output

Capacity Breakout Force

MC60B

5,624 lbs.

45.3 hp

1,400 lbs.

4,102 lb.-ft.

MC70B

5,801 lbs.

53 hp

1,500 lbs.

4,438 lb.-ft.

MC80B

6,824 lbs.

65.2 hp

1,850 lbs.

7,532 lb.-ft.

MC90B

6,985 lbs.

80.5 hp

2,000 lbs.

7,531 lb.-ft.

MC110B

7,480 lbs.

80.5 hp

2,400 lbs.

7,537 lb.-ft.

The option of choosing between a traditional

mechanical (hand and foot) control system
or a hydraulic pilot control system (the only
manufacturer currently offering a choice);

Improved serviceability (fuel filters mounted
to rear door, sight gauges, 500-hour service
intervals, 50-hour lube intervals);
And a newly designed cab with additional
comfort features and excellent visibility,
especially at the top (very beneficial in truck
loading).
With the industrys widest range of attachments,
the Volvo B-series skid steer loaders are ideal
for any number of construction and agricultural
applications. For more information on the units,
please contact your Tri-State sales representative
or the branch location nearest you.

Backhoe loader improvements

In addition to the skid steer loader makeover, Volvo
has also made several recent improvements to its
BL70 backhoe loader. One of the most significant
changes was installing pilot controls as standard
equipment. A fully automatic powershift transmission is
also available.
Other new options include a loader attachment
bracket with hook-on attachments; a new multipurpose
(MP) joystick for easier hydraulic bucket operation;
and a new slide-back seat with more conveniently
located operator controls.

The new B-series Volvo skid steer loaders feature powerful, fuel-efficient Volvo engines and
outstanding visibility through the top for improved truck loading.

The changes are designed to make the BL70 more

productive and more user-friendly and were certain
they will accomplish that, said Volvo Backhoe Loader
Product Specialist Marcello Bargellini.

TRI-STATETRUCK &EQUIPMENT, INC.

THE PEOPLE INSIDE

Continuing education keeps longtime

Tri-State truck technician in the know
J

eff Lehfeldt has been fixing large, long-haul
highway trucks for 35 years the last 16 at
Tri-State Truck & Equipment in Billings. He says
todays units are harder to work on than the old
ones, but theyre much better trucks.
All the electrical and electronic componentry is
the big difference between trucks then and now
and it is a big difference, said Lehfeldt. Everything
is more technical now. We troubleshoot by using
computers and error codes, where previously we
used more intuition. But as far as the truck itself,
the electronics maintain the system much better
and make it work properly. As a result, todays
trucks run better, last longer and are more efficient
than those of the 70s, 80s or even 90s.

quality trucks that will run well and be cost

effective for a long time. In addition, Tri-State backs
them up with excellent parts and service support.
Lehfeldt and his wife Nancy have two grown
children and live just outside Billings. In his free
time, he enjoys outdoor activities, including
hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, mostly in the
Snowy Mountains.

The increasingly electronic nature of todays

trucks makes continuing education a necessity for
truck technicians like Lehfeldt.
If you dont go to factory schools and learn the
latest changes and repair and troubleshooting
techniques, youre going to be lost, Lehfeldt
pointed out. Experience counts for a lot in this
field, but theres no substitute for education and
training. Ive been to numerous factory schools
in Salt Lake City. Tri-State is really good about
helping us keep up to date on the trucks and how
to fix them.

Jeff Lehfeldt,
Truck Technician,
Billings branch

Dedicated technicians
Lehfeldt is just one of the Tri-State Billings
technicians dedicated to working on trucks. Others
will switch over from heavy equipment, depending
on need.
I think we have a really good and professional
group of truck technicians here, Lehfeldt
acknowledged. Each knows what hes doing. We
make emergency road calls, but most of our work
takes place here in the shop.
Lehfeldt says, in his opinion, area trucking
firms or owner/operators should look to Tri-State
for their trucking needs because of its excellent
combination of products and services.
The trucks Tri-State carries are industry
leaders. Volvo, Mack and Autocar are all high-

With all the electronics in trucks today, Jeff says its crucial that technicians regularly attend factory
schools to get the latest training on how to troubleshoot and make repairs quickly and efficiently.

TRI-STATETRUCK &EQUIPMENT, INC.

PRODUCTIVITY POINTERS

How Volvos new tooth system reduces

wear and improves productivity
W

hat do you want from a tooth system?
Number one, you want performance; number two,
you want it to last a long time; and number three, you
want it to be easy to use. Now, Volvo has introduced
a new tooth system that delivers on all three counts.

material, said Volvo Customer Support Program

Manager Jeff Logan. Our tests show the new
Volvo tooth system delivers more life than our top
competitor, which means a lot of extra digging
throughout the life of a machine.

You cant eliminate wear on a tooth system,

but you can maximize service life which weve
accomplished with strategic placement of wear

Volvo teeth have a self-sharpening feature that

ensures good penetration and high productivity.
High-quality steel helps provide maximum wear
life, and a patented vertical locking device makes
mounting quick and easy.
Almost any tooth system will work well in soft dirt
but the real test is how it performs when you get into
hard rock, said Logan. With the Volvo tooth system,
we think youll be very pleased with the productivity
and longevity you get, even in the toughest
application.

Volvos revolutionary
new self-sharpening
tooth system ensures top
performance in hard rock
digging and, according
to Volvo tests, delivers 20
percent more life than a top
competitive tooth system.

The new Volvo tooth system will fit on all current

Volvo excavators and loaders as well as earlier
models. For more information on the system, contact
the parts department at the Tri-State branch nearest
you.

Volvo lubricants provide maximum

protection for your Volvo equipment
B

efore buying a Volvo machine, you undoubtedly
did your homework. You chose Volvo for the quality,
reliability, productivity, longevity and overall value
it delivers. Volvo believes you should choose your
lubricants based on the same factors.

Volvo markets a full line

of engine oils, hydraulic
oils and transmission
oils, designed specifically
to ensure optimum
performance and longevity
for your Volvo equipment.

If you choose to buy the cheapest lubricant you

can find, youre going to end up costing yourself a
lot of money, said Volvo Customer Support Product
Manager Adrian White. Volvo lubricants are designed
specifically to meet Volvo equipment tolerances
and specifications, and by doing that, they improve
component performance and extend machine life. Its
really that simple. By choosing Volvo lubricants, you
help ensure that your Volvo machine will run like its
supposed to run and last like its supposed to last.

When you think about it, it only makes sense, said

Tri-States Billings Parts Manager Rene Critelli. Who
knows a Volvo machine better than Volvo? Nobody!
And who has the most to lose if youre not happy
with the component life and overall performance you
get from your Volvo machine? Volvo! So it stands to
reason, theyre going to do everything they can to
ensure the lubricants they make deliver the lowest
possible owning and operating costs.
Volvo lubricants include multifunction and ultra
diesel engine oils; axle and transmission oils;
premium gear oils; and super-hydraulic oils; as well
as a wide range of greases. Talk to a Tri-State parts
representative for more information on the oil best
suited for your Volvo machine.

TRI-STATETRUCK &EQUIPMENT, INC.

PARTS & SERVICE SPECIALS

SPECIAL
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ECONOMY WITH AN
ENGINE TUNE-UP

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AD-9 Cartridge Reman

BW 109685X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $159.95
AD-9 Air Dryer Reman

BW OR103010X . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24.95
R-14 Horizontal Relay Valve

Volvo D-12 $325.00

Mack E7 PLN $275.00
Cummins ISX $275.00
*Injectors not included, exhaust shims extra, as required.
Montana stores only.

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ARVINMERITOR
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BILLINGS, MONTANA
P. O. Box 1298
5250 Midland Road
Phone: (406) 245-3188
FAX: (406) 238-1501

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D-2 Reman Outright Coreless

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GREAT FALLS,MONTANA
5024 Tri-Hil Frontage Road
Phone: (406) 452-9551
FAX: (406) 452-9831
CASPER, WYOMING
P. O. Box 340
1271 North Derrick Drive
Phone: (307) 472-1818
FAX: (307) 472-3272

C.P.I.
P.O. Box 1689
C.R., IA 52406-1689

Presorted Standard
US Postage Paid
C.P.I.

Change Service Requested

THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED...

...THE QUALITY & EXPERIENCE
YOU EXPECT
Mike Magee,
Salesman,
Great Falls, Kalispell

Terry May,
Highway TruckSalesman,
Billings

Chris Linn,
Equipment Salesman,
Billings

DeWitt Boyd,
President
Clarke Coulter,
Equipment Salesman,
Billings, Bozeman

Craig Parker,
Salesman,
Casper

Larry Steensland,
Salesman,
Casper

Ron Catellier,
Branch Manager,
Casper

Tom S. Zimmer,
Branch Manager,
Billings

CALL ONE OF OUR SALES REPRESENTATIVES TODAY AT ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS!

www.tste.com

BILLINGS
P. O. Box 1298
5250 Midland Road
Phone: (406) 245-3188
FAX: (406) 238-1501

GREAT FALLS
5024 Tri-Hil Frontage Rd.
Phone: (406) 452-9551
FAX: (406) 452-9831

BOZEMAN SATELLITE STORE

200 Floss Flat Road, Unit #1
Phone: (406) 388-5815
FAX: (406) 388-5817

CASPER
P. O. Box 340
1271 North Derrick Drive
Phone: (307) 472-1818
FAX: (307) 472-3272

KALISPELL SATELLITE STORE

36 Jellison Lane, Suite D
Phone: (406) 755-5891
FAX: (406) 755-5897
06-1