Meritor introduced the 13X drive axle for medium-duty class 6 and 7 applications, which will be available for OEM production starting in the second quarter of this year.
“While the 14X platform has served us well in these markets,” began Meritor’s Karl Mayer, “we’ve listened to our OEM customers’ requests for an axle that is lighter, more efficient and tailored to meet the needs of medium-duty applications.”
Engineered for a variety of medium-duty applications, including pick-up and delivery, beverage, utility, school bus, construction and ambulance, the single, rear-drive 13X is based on Meritor’s existing 14X platform. Because the 13X includes the same housing, yokes and seals as the 14X, the new axle system will be familiar to fleet technicians, the company said.
Available in a variety of ratios from 3.90 to 6.50 and with gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) between 17,000 and 21,000 lbs., the 13X can be configured for most Class 6 and 7 specific applications. The 13X is offered with standard differentials and is compatible with air drum or hydraulic disc brakes as well as parking brakes. For limited application options that the 13X will not address, including ratios or driver-controlled differential locks (DCDL), the 14X single-axle platform will continue to be available.
