Making application-specific suspension specification, axles choices
Improving fuel economy and reducing maintenance, along with weight savings to help boost hauling capacity, remain the focus of axle and suspension system design initiatives. In particular, 6×2 configurations can address these needs. Operations best served by 6×2 configurations are those with variable loads. Applications include tank and bulk haulers, beverage and grocery fleets, refuse
Just thinkin’ out loud (about fuel economy)
Readers who know me know I’m a physicist given to radical, long-term thinking about fuel economy. Recently, I’ve been thinking about the fuel economy research done by truck OEMs in cooperation with our federal government. Cooperative research like this can accomplish some really great things. Want more insight from John Martin? Click here to read
ContiTech develops air springs for extreme temperatures
ContiTech Air Spring Systems has brought two new types of air spring onto the market for its customers in Commercial Vehicle Original Equipment: Air springs from the Arktis series for use in especially cold areas; and high-temp air springs for use in high temperatures. The new air springs are meant to be able to withstand
SAF-Holland receives quality award from PACCAR
SAF-Holland is has announced that its Holland, Mich., manufacturing facility has received the Paccar 2014 50PPM Quality Award and will be added to Paccar’s list of premium suppliers. SAF-Holland earned this recognition by meeting the OEM’s quality standards. Over a rolling 12-month period, PACCAR monitors the quality of their supplier’s parts and components to verify that product
Hutchens Industries welcomes new regional manager
Hutchens Industries has hired Michael Johnson as its new Upper Midwest Territory Regional Manager. Johnson comes to the company with 20 years of experience in truck and trailer suspension sales. Johnson will be supporting the area fleets, OEM trailer manufacturers and aftermarket businesses with their Hutchens product needs. He will be responsible for the states of Minnesota, North
Stemco starts production of Goodyear air springs products
Stemco has begun production on Goodyear Air Springs for the first time since buying out the manufacturer. The company has announced the continuation of the Super Cushion and Spring Ride product lines under the Stemco name. Stemco recently acquired the manufacturer of Goodyear Air Springs from ContiTech, taking over the Super Cushion and Spring Ride lines of
SAF-Holland launches original parts bumper-to-bumper program
SAF-Holland, noted manufacturer of trailer and truck suspensions, fifth wheels, landing gear and coupling products, has launched its new SAF-Holland Original Parts Bumper-to-Bumper program. The new programincludes quality replacement parts for servicing SAF-Holland’s core product brands: SAF, Holland and Neway in addition to its Binkley and Simplex legacy brands. All told,the new Bumper-to-Bumper program will host more than 11,000
Powertrain integration: Axle, driveline focus
The engine, transmission suppliers and OEMs work together to determine the ideal operating engine RPM for a desired road speed. This information is passed on to rear axle suppliers, like Meritor, to design and develop an axle ratio that best fits the engine and OEM’s needs, said Karl Mayer, Meritor director of product strategy, axles.
Need a lift? Elevating axles for vocational trucks
If you’re looking at spec’ing a lift axle for vocational applications, you want to know the loads you will be hauling and the capacity of the suspension you’ll need. You’ll also want to take a close look at your frame rail. Click here for more lift axle insight. “More and more lift axle manufacturers are
Spec’ing the proper suspension support
A range of factors impact air suspension design, notes Reyco Granning’s vice president of Engineering, John Stuart. “One requirement showing no signs of diminishing is the ever-present demand for weight reduction,” he says. “If you had told me 10 years ago that the market required a 1,300-lb. slider air suspension, I would have said it
