Meritor Inc. announced the the launch of its MTec6, the industry’s lightest trailer axle that offers greater weight savings and lower total cost of ownership, according to the company. The 6-in., large-diameter axle allows for more efficient use of materials, resulting in an axle that is 36 lbs. lighter than the industry-standard 5-in. axle. The lighter axle reduces gross trailer weight to enhance fuel economy and available payload. The MTec6’s greater stiffness reduces axle deflection to maintain neutral camber better than smaller-diameter axles, which helps reduce tire wear.

“Our MTec6 is designed to help fleets get the most from their van and refrigerated applications by achieving a higher level of efficiency and reduced maintenance costs,” said Martha Remski, general manager, Trailer for Meritor. “Using our engineering expertise in axle design, we developed a larger-diameter axle with reduced wall thickness while improving basic physical properties, resulting in a lighter, high-strength product.”

Because the MTec6 utilizes less material, it is a greener, more environmentally friendly product. After completion of extensive lab testing and field validation, the MTec6 will be available later this year.

FUELite+, Super-Fast 2.28 ratio for 14X tandem

Meritor also announced the launch of the FUELite+ 6×2 rear axle and the addition of a 2.28 super-fast ratio to its 14X 6×4 rear-drive tandem axle. Both products are designed to achieve better overall vehicle efficiency through lightweight, more efficient designs and faster axle ratios suited for downspeeding.

FUELite+ will be available to North America OEMs in March. The new axle offers fast ratios of 2.31 and 2.47 to the growing 6×2 market in North America. Additional ratio options will be available soon.

Manufactured with the latest technology, such as laser-welding to reduce weight and improve durability of components, FUELite+ delivers all the benefits of Meritor’s proven FUELite products. FUELite+ has the same suspension fit as the current FUELite platform and is compatible with T-type and industry-standard yokes. Features and benefits include:

• Meritor’s DualTrac housing, which offers the option of running wide-based single or dual tires for enhanced efficiency and improved residual value;
• Higher gross combination weight ratings up to 140,000 lbs.;
• Between 15 and 20 pounds of additional weight savings over the current FUELite;
• Standard driver-controlled differential lock maximizes traction in unfavorable driving conditions.

FUELite+ also offers an application of automatic differential lock capability at higher speeds, which is a unique enabler for traction enhancement in the 6×2 segment. Integrating this automated feature into the OEMs’ electronic architecture will deliver ultimate traction control under adverse conditions and address improper activation and deactivation.

Meritor will offer the super-fast 2.28 ratio on the 14X platform in August 2015. The faster axle ratios built into FUELite+ and the new 14X 2.28 ratio can be integrated with Meritor’s recently launched RPL35 and RPL35SD drivelines to handle the high torques resulting from downspeeding.

“With FUELite+ and the new super-fast ratio for our 14X portfolio, truck operators can achieve that fuel-economy ‘sweet spot’ through downspeeding,” said Karl Mayer, director, Product Strategy for Meritor. “While the 14X was designed to handle higher torques, Meritor fortified the already strong design by enlarging the pinion system to handle the extreme torque levels associated with downspeeding.”

Downspeeding employs direct-drive transmissions and fast axle gear ratios to maintain vehicle speed at lower engine rpms to enhance vehicle efficiency and improve mileage. “These Meritor products offer the industry comprehensive downspeeding solutions that enhance performance and efficiency for the 6×2 and 6×4 markets,” Mayer said. “By adding versatile new products and strengthening Meritor’s current offerings, our industry-leading solutions are helping OEMs better serve North America’s established 6×4 market and the trend toward 6×2-equipped vehicles.”

Automatic tire inflation system for linehaul market

Meritor introduced its automatic tire inflation system for linehaul tractors.

The MTIS Tire Inflation System for Trucks automatically monitors tire pressure while the vehicle is in motion and inflates an underinflated tire. If there are issues requiring continuous inflation, the MTIS system alerts the driver to check the tire or find service as soon as possible. The system extends tire and wheel component life, improves fuel efficiency and reduces tire wear and maintenance.

Underinflated tires can decrease tread life up to 20 percent and impact tire retread, according to tire manufacturers.

“Maintaining proper pressure requires constant attention,” said Ken Hogan, general manager, Rear Drivetrain for Meritor. “In addition to reducing tire and fuel costs, the MTIS system enhances performance. Tire companies have stated that up to 80 percent of roadside tire failures are a direct result of creeping air loss.”

Although pressure leakage up to 2 percent per week is common for tire systems, additional pressure loss can be expected with puncture wounds from nails, a contaminated rim flange or bad valve stem.

Validation testing with several fleets began in 2014 and will conclude in 2015. The company expects the MTIS system to be available to OEMs in North America on a limited basis in 2016.

For more information, visit the Meritor website.