SAF-Holland, manufacturer of trailer and truck suspensions, fifth wheels, landing gear and coupling products, introduced a light weight tandem slider suspension system available trailer market: ULX40 UltraLite slider suspension axle system with composite spring-ride technology. Packaged in an all-in-one system, this suspension system meets the needs of today’s demanding transportation environment with longer life, lower maintenance, and lower operating costs, according to the company.
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“It’s an engineered all-in-one system that is lighter weight, offers a lower total cost of ownership, and the industry’s first 10-year suspension and axle system warranty,”said Jeff Talaga, SAF-Holland executive vice president, Trailer Systems. “It will be spec’d by on-highway fleets in the van industry who are looking for a versatile option to help reduce costs for their hauling requirements.”
The ULX40 is a complete integrated slider suspension axle system with composite springs and SAF drum or optional disc brakes. “The ULX40 is a total system solution – one system from one supplier. The complete system provides optimum performance for the fleet and allows for efficient installation at the OEM,” Rector said. The high point of the new ULX40 is the SAF composite spring. Compared to a steel spring system, the SAF composite spring system is over 80 lbs. lighter.
The composite springs provide the performance of an air ride without the complexity, yet ride quality and handling control that is comparable. And, it’s simpler and easier to maintain because it has fewer components – no shock absorbers, no air springs, no height control valves and no dock lock devices, SAF-Holland explained. Components are easily visible, allowing for quick and easy routine inspection.
With a 40,000-lb. capacity, the optimized design of the ULX40 includes a 5.75-in. diameter axle, which provides a 20-lb. weight savings per tandem. The axle is over 30% more rigid when compared to the industry-standard 5-in. diameter axle, according to SAF-Holland.
Its 100-lb. overall weight savings provides more payload, measurable fuel savings and reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions of up to 150 lbs. per year, the company reported.
