Meritor introduces Opti-Lite brake drums

Meritor introduces Opti-Lite brake drums

Meritor has introduced a new line of lightweight drum brakes, the Opti-Lite line. According to Meritor, the Opti-Lite drum is designed for linehaul and weight-sensitive applications such as tanker/trailer and freight, and is geared toward cost-conscious aftermarket consumers.

“Developed on the same platform as our established STEELite X30 brake drums, the Opti-Lite drum maintains the high quality associated with its genuine product heritage and offers similar weight and fuel savings,” said David Reid, senior product manager of aftermarket for Meritor. “The lower price of the Opti-Lite will appeal to customers in search of an economical drum option produced in the United States.”

Opti-Lite drums are offered in the most popular wheel-end configurations for steer, drive and trailer axle applications. Fleets and vehicle operators will benefit from a reduction in vehicle weight by more than 200 lbs. in a tandem axle tractor/trailer combination when compared to full-cast drums, according to Meritor.

“Opti-Lite drums do not require welded-on weights and offer an optimized balance spec for smoother performance on the road,” Reid added.

You May Also Like

Orders open for new Volvo VNL

Production will start later this summer, and Volvo expects customer deliveries to begin later this year.

Volvo-VA-facility-VNL-order-books-open

North American sales are now open for the new Volvo VNL, Volvo Trucks North America announced. Since the announcement of the truck in January, Volvo says dealerships have participated in extensive competency development, with e-learning and in-person instructor-led courses from Volvo Trucks Academy, to be fully trained to support customers before VNLs arrived at dealerships. Production will start later this summer, around the same time demo trucks will arrive at dealerships. Volvo expects customer deliveries to begin later this year.

Trade Show Talk: Trends kicking off 2024

Alternative fuels, connectivity, efficiency—there’s been plenty to report on from trucking trade shows, but which topics stuck out most?

trade-show-Talk-work-truck-week-tmc-geotab-connect-hdaw
Kenworth names 2024 Dealer, Parts Council members

Kenworth selected executives representing 480 dealerships for its Dealer Council, and named eight members for its Parts Council.

Kenworth-Names-2024-Dealer-Council-Supports-Worlds-Best-Customer-Experience
ACT Research data shows Class 8 order surge paused

At a seasonally adjusted 17,100 units, March marks the first month since May 2023 for seasonally adjusted activity below 20,000 units.

ACT-March-24-Class-8-order-surge-pauses
Volvo Group to build new heavy-duty truck manufacturing plant in Mexico

Volvo expects the plant to be operational in 2026.

Volvo-name-logo-north-american-heavy-duty-truck-production-mexico-mack-plant

Other Posts

J&R Schugel wraps Kenworth T680s to support driver causes

After a driver beat breast cancer, the company wrapped her truck in pink and white to support her goal of raising awareness.

JR-Schugel-breast-cancer-awareness-truck
FTR: Class 8 orders down more than 30% month-over-month

Despite the substantial drop from February, FTR says the market is performing well, as March orders are on track with 2023.

FTR-March-24-Preliminary-Class-8-Net-Orders
A ‘Toward Zero’ emissions Q&A with Volvo Trucks’s Roger Alm

Talking through the challenges, the technological advances, and the strategies for a sustainable future.

Volvo-Trucks-roger-alm-world-volvo-sustainability-1400
ACT Research trailer report finds carriers with ‘reduced willingness to invest in equipment’

ACT Research says limited capex and companies saving money to meet EPA regulations are currently weighing on trailer demand.

ACT-Feb-24-Trailer-Net-Orders-Cancellations