Dana launches new Spicer medium-duty axles
Dana Holding Corp. has launched the Spicer S140 series, a new family of single-drive, medium-duty axles. Now available, the new axles replace all previous 17,000 lb. to 19,000-lb. Spicer drive axles and are available for all makes and models of straight truck chassis up to 19,000-lb. gross axle weight rating (GAWR), the company said.
Dana introduces new steer axle designed for extreme driving
The Commercial Vehicle Systems group of Dana Holding Corp. has introduced a new Spicer 5.24-in. (133mm) drop wide-track axle for heavy-use specialty vehicles requiring a high degree of maneuverability. The new axle includes several of Dana’s patented technologies and was specifically developed for applications that require a solid beam forged design for withstanding extreme conditions, the maker said.
Roadranger announces updates to websites
The company’s new website features sales- and service-related information and functionality for products from Eaton Corp. and Dana Holding Corp. Roadranger also announced a mobile site that offers quick access to select product line information and calculators to assist with specification of components.
AxleTech and the coming expansion of electrified solutions
First came the electric trucks; both production models (Fuso eCanter) and concepts (Cummins, Telsa, Nikola and Kenworth). Now, the electrified components segment is charged with launch energy. At the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, electrified solutions took center stage with Hyliion’s HE Drive Axle taking home the Jim Winsor
The latest innovations in tractor tire inflation
All indicators lead in the same direction. A 2013 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cites defective tires as a leading factor in crashes involving commercial vehicles. A 2010 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) report
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
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
The right solution for engine downspeeding
Engine downspeeding is growing in popularity among fleets looking to squeeze more miles out of every gallon of fuel. By reducing the RPM of the engine, especially at highway cruising speeds, downspeeding allows the engine to cruise in its sweet spot, decreasing friction and increasing fuel efficiency. Current technology allows downsped engines to deliver a
The importance of tire pressure monitoring
Keeping a close eye on tire pressure can also impact your bottom line. Under-inflated tires flex excessively under load, producing heat and increasing rolling resistance, which wastes fuel. Tires inflated 10 PSI below recommended levels can reduce truck fuel economy up to 1%. In addition, stress from flexing causes fast and uneven wear, shortening the
Spec’ing suspensions and lift axles to meeting bridge formula laws, improve durability
Enacted by Congress in 1975 to limit the weight-to-length ratio of a vehicle crossing a bridge and to provide a consistent way to determine the maximum allowable weight that any set of axles on a vehicle may carry on the Interstate highway system, the Bridge Formula has had an impact on axle and suspension design
