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
Saving fuel, improving efficiency with lift axles
Lift axles, so named for the attached air bags or springs that lift the axle off the road’s surface when it is not needed, are becoming an increasingly popular option for fleets. Lift axles can be mounted on either the truck or the trailer, and promise fuel and tire savings since the axle is only
How bridge formula laws impact lift axle design
One important aspect affecting the spec’ing of lift axles is the Bridge Formula, which was created by the federal government in order to keep bridges from becoming too overloaded. This federal law states that two or more consecutive axles may not exceed the weight computed by the Bridge Formula even though single axles, tandem axles
Reyco Granning introduces LiftMaster axles
Reyco Granning has introduced a new auxiliary lift axle family called the LiftMaster. The axle family includes the ALAP-13 (PS) steerable and ALAP-13 (NS) non-steerable models. These new models are designed for the heavy duty class 7 and 8 market and are rated at 13,200 lb. capacity. The new models take the place of previous Reyco
Meritor introduces MFS+ steer axle for linehaul
Meritor has announced the launch of MFS+, a lighter-weight, front-steer axle for linehaul applications. The MFS+ saves up to 85 lbs. from the current offering due to a new gooseneck beam design, and an offset knuckle with integrated torque plate and tie-rod arms, the company said, adding that the new design also reduces space constraints for easier
Staying safer: The improving technology of safety systems
Technology is at its best when it’s moving industry forward. In the trucking industry, it can help make equipment more productive, more efficient and, perhaps most importantly, safer. Safety is a topic that’s always at the forefront of the trucking world—from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability to the National Transportation
Matchmaking and downspeeding
Choosing an engine, transmission and axles that are specifically matched to work together for optimum performance is a fast emerging trend. When I say “optimum performance,” I mean maximum fuel efficiency with the right horsepower engines, coupled with an automated manual transmission that shifts at exactly the right RPM, and an axle with the best
The perfect combination: The Zen of creating the optimum downsped engine/axle/drivetrain mix
Most truck engines, today, run at around 1,450 RPM at cruising speed to provide the 200 HP needed at the wheel-end. Engine downspeeding allows the truck to operate consistently in a more efficient range, generally between 1,100 to 1,200 RPM, while maintaining the same 200 HP at the wheel end. As a result, fuel efficiency
Mack inaugurates new axle line
On Oct. 13, Mack Trucks inaugurated its new axle line at the company’s Hagerstown, Md. plant, which will be assembling the new line of axles, now available to be spec’ed. This project was conceived in October 2013, and two years later, it is a reality. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Hagerstown plant, and was
Watch: Putting Volvo’s Adaptive Loading suspension through its paces
Earlier this year, Volvo Trucks unveiled its Adaptive Loading, a new 6×2 liftable forward axle that automatically adjusts to load weight changes and offers 4×2 operation under certain conditions. To show off the new equipment, Fleet Equipment Editor Jason Morgan took a road trip with Volvo to check out the key benefits and put the
