Watch: Three tips for axle spec’ing
We all know that being aware of how well your truck’s components integrate together should be one of the first things you consider when spec’ing a new truck. But this is especially true for axles, which work closely with everything from your truck’s engine and transmission to its wheel ends and tires.
Dana introduces Spicer Dura-Tune center bearing for downsped drivetrains
Dana Inc. announced its Spicer Dura-Tune center bearing, which is immediately available on standard Spicer SPL driveshafts and heavy-duty Spicer 10 Series driveshafts. The new center bearing is engineered for durability and tuned to provide powertrain vibration isolation and dampening for reduced driver fatigue and improved vehicle satisfaction, according to the manufacturer. The unveiling was
How GHG regulations will affect transmissions
GHG Phase 2 regulations are coming in 2020, and while engines are the most obviously affected truck part, other components from the transmission to the suspension will be affected too. Fleet Equipment reached out to ask transmission manufacturers how the upcoming standards will affect fleets’ transmission needs. One answer: powertrain integration will become more important
Meritor announces front drive steer and tridem rear-drive axle for severe duty applications
Meritor has announced the new MX-610 front-drive and MZ-610 tridem rear axle for multiple severe-duty applications. “The front-drive steer axle and tridem are the next-generation axle combinations from our award-winning 610/P600 series and two of many new products Meritor is bringing to market as part of the company’s M2019 growth initiative,” said Tony Nicol, Meritor’s vice president
Application awareness is key when spec’ing axles
Application is key when spec’ing your truck’s components, and that goes for parts as big as the engine to those as small as wheel bearings. For now, let’s start at the beginning of the alphabet and talk about how application should affect your axle choice. First things first: The axle, of course, works very closely
Kenworth to offer Dana SPL 250 Lite driveline for T680, T880
Kenworth now offers the Dana SPL 250 Lite driveline for the Kenworth T680 and Kenworth T880 in linehaul and regional haul applications. According to the manufacturer, the SPL 250 Lite is 25 lbs. lighter, has fewer moving parts, and reduces Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) values compared to the SPL 250 XL driveline series it
Easing into efficiency: The importance of driver training with new powertrains
For seasoned drivers, the learning curve is less about the complexity of learning new tasks and more about learning to work with the truck and powertrain to achieve a smoother ride and to reduce fatigue. “In addition to spec’ing the right powertrain, driver training is critical to achieve optimal performance,” said Brian Daniels, manager for
Leaner and meaner: Cummins readies the X12 engine for the road
Late last summer, just before Cummins unveiled its Class 7 all-electric concept truck, the engine OEM took journalists through a tour of its technical center, an incubator for the hatching the next generation of powertrain technologies. We walked through corridors of testing bays. The rumbling of super-secret prototype engines being put through rigorous testing procedures
How the latest axle technology integrates into powertrains
If the engine is the heart of your powertrain and the transmission is the shifting brains behind the operation, then the axle is the muscle, propelling your truck down the highway. While the engine and transmission get much of the spotlight, the axle plays a key role in increasing efficiency—in both proprietary powertrains and those
Slow it down: How maximum torque at lower RPMs can lead to fuel efficiency gains
Engines have become more efficient over the past few years, and yet engine manufacturers are still finding ways to squeeze additional efficiency out of their diesel powerhouses. As an example, for model year 2017, Volvo Trucks North America added a turbo compounding option for its D13 engine, and Mack Trucks also began to offer turbo
