Dana highlights Spicer Dual Range Disconnect tandem axle

Dana highlights Spicer Dual Range Disconnect tandem axle

The concept of redirecting friction issues isn’t limited to lift axles. It has extended to other axle configurations as well, as Dana Holding Corp. shows with its Spicer Dual Range Disconnect tandem axle concept. Optimized for trucks that implement engine downspeeding, this technology improves efficiency without sacrificing performance by combining the traction and dependability offered by a 6×4 with the reduced drivetrain losses and improved fuel economy of a 6×2, the company said.

According to Steve Slesinski, Dana’s director of global product planning, the concept employs a single gear mesh configuration from the engine to the wheels when combined with direct-drive transmissions. This can improve overall powertrain system efficiency from 2% to 5% compared with conventional 6×4 tandem axles paired with overdrive transmissions.

At startup, on grades, at low speeds, during backup maneuvering, or in other environments where additional traction is needed, Spicer AdvanTEK Dual Range Disconnect technology allows the tandem axle to operate as a 6×4 with a traditional (higher numeric) starting ratio that delivers the optimal tractive effort needed with reduced stress on drivetrain and chassis components. At low speeds, this ratio offers improved performance over fast-ratio 6×4 tandem axles by enhancing low speed maneuverability while reducing the likelihood of high torque spikes.

While a lift axle is controlled with a switch by the driver, Spicer Dual Range Disconnect technology uses an electronic control unit (ECU) in the axle to automatically coordinate with engine and transmission ECUs to disconnect the inter-axle shaft from the power divider, allowing the axle to operate in a more efficient 6×2 mode. At the same time, it shifts the forward axle to a faster ratio that enables the engine speed to decrease to as low as 900 RPM for highway cruise operation.

Slesinski added that by using separate axle ratios for low- and high-speed operation, this technology enables linehaul trucks to accelerate from low velocity to highway cruise speed much quicker than a 6×4 or 6×2 tandem axle with a single, fast ratio.

Dana has been evaluating prototypes of the Spicer AdvanTEK Dual Range Disconnect concept for the past three years and is moving forward with plans to integrate axles featuring this technology into manufacturers’ chassis for field testing.

You May Also Like

Class 8 orders strong in February

Even when seasonally adjusted, ACT says preliminary order numbers for February are up 5% over January.

ACT-Class-8-Feb-truck-orders

According to the latest numbers from ACT Research, preliminary North America Class 8 net orders were 27,700 units, up 600 units from January and 16% from a year ago. With the fourth-largest seasonal factor of the year at 8%, seasonal adjustment reduces February’s Class 8 intake to 25,600 units, up 5% from January.

“Weak freight and carrier profitability fundamentals, and large carriers guiding to lower capex in 2024, would imply pressure in U.S. tractor, the North American Class 8 market’s largest segment,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “While we do not yet have the underlying detail for February order volumes, Class 8 demand continuing at high levels again this month suggests that U.S. buyers continue as strong market participants.”

Kenworth delivers 15-liter natural gas-powered truck to UPS

The truck is equipped with the Cummins X15N, which Kenworth says will meet CARB and EPA Requirements for both 2024 and 2027.

Kenworth-delivers-CNG-truck-to-UPS
ACT Research: 2024 could see trucking recovery

Despite trucking demand remaining weak, ACT Research says imports and international data indicate positive trends in 2024.

ACT-for-hire-index-Jan-24
Navistar progressing toward autonomous hub-to-hub transport

Autonomous truck testing is underway, and the company expects customer pilots to be delivered later this year.

Navistar-Autonomous-partnership-Plus-international-truck
FTR Trucking Conditions Index falls in December

FTR says the drop was mostly due to higher capital cost and a deterioration in freight rates, a trend that could stretch into 2024.

FTR-TCI-december-2023

Other Posts

Fullbay: Repair shop sales and labor rates rose in 2023

A new report shows that counter sales and labor rates rose significantly in 2023 from the previous year.

Fullbay-TMC
ACT Research: Trailer orders dip as cancellations climb

Preliminary data for net trailer orders in January seems to follow a continued softening trend, according to ACT Research.

ACT-Research-Trailer-Net-Orders-down-Cancellations-up-Jan-2024
ACT Research: Used Class 8 sales start 2024 strong

The preliminary numbers for January show used Class 8 trucks are selling well compared to both last month, and last year.

ACT-Used-Class-8-Retail-Summary-January-2024-Prelim
NACFE notes the fuel efficiency impact of the SuperTruck 2 program

The new report puts the focus on the program’s “path to production.”

NACFE-Fuel-Efficiency-SuperTruck-Report-1400