Meritor Inc. unveiled the FUELite tandem axle, the first member of its SoloDrive Series axles, which features 6×2 tandem rear axles. Based on the proven Meritor 160 series drive axle, the FUELite tandem axle is designed for line-haul applications to maximize weight savings and increase fuel efficiency, the company said.
The FUELite tandem axle delivers nearly 400 lbs. in weight savings and approximately a 2% increase in fuel efficiency when compared to a traditional 6×4 configuration, Meritor added.
Features and benefits of the Meritor FUELite tandem axle include: 160 DualTrac housing that allows the option of running wide-based single tires or duals for enhanced efficiency and improved residual value; a 2.50 to 4.10 ratio range available to match your application; a 12.7-millimeter wall housing that is compatible with all current 40,000-lb. tandem air suspensions; all SoloDrive Series axles will utilize the same rear-tag axle for simplified maintenance and are designed to function optimally with Meritor brakes and options.
"We engineered the FUELite axle to accommodate all 40,000-lb. linehaul suspensions, delivering an optimum solution that is lightweight yet heavy on performance,” said Charlie Allen, general manager, Rear Drive Axles, Meritor. “The Meritor SoloDrive Series is designed to provide lightweight axle solutions with greater efficiency by providing one driving axle in a tandem configuration. We’re confident that the FUELite will deliver these results to our customers.”
The Meritor axle warranty for linehaul applications is five years or 750,000 miles with parts and labor included, and every claim is fully supported by its industry-leading online warranty claim system. Meritor Advantage Plans offer extended coverage up to seven years in linehaul applications. Every Meritor axle is backed by unsurpassed service and support, with more than 6,000 distributor and dealer parts outlets in North America, the company said.
Meritor added its commitment to customer support is also reinforced through Meritor DriveForce, the company’s North American sales and service organization, and the OnTrac technical support center, collectively staffed by more than 150 dedicated professionals to assist commercial vehicle customers with customized solutions before, during, and after the sale. For more information, call 888-725-9355 or visit the company’s website.