Inside axle ratios: Detailing the range of downspeeding options
Any on-highway truck you spec today will likely employ downspeeding to some degree. The sources within this story all agree that the majority of trucks today are putting faster ratios on the road. It’s a trend being driven by increased powertrain innovation and integration, with automated manual and automatic transmissions playing a key role in
Tire choices for 6×2 axle configurations
While adoption of 6×2 axle configurations in over-the-road applications has lagged behind industry expectations—largely because of unexpected challenges and consequences in making the switch to 6×2 configurations, as well as lower-than-expected fuel prices making such a switch less of a money saver—there is still significant interest among fleets in making such a switch. And those
NACFE issues new Confidence Report on 6×2 axles
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and Carbon War Room issued an update to its Confidence Report on 6×2 axles. NACFE convened a new study team of experts to investigate a technology on which it has already issued a Confidence Report, which NACFE says is due to refinements in the way fleets are implementing
Peterbilt adds PACCAR steer axles to vocational lineup
Peterbilt adds the new PACCAR 20,000- and 22,000-lb. wide track steer axles to its vocational lineup. The PACCAR steer axle is available with standard front air disc brakes or optional drum brakes as well as suspensions and several wheel end options. Both axle ratings will be available in the Models 567, 520, 389, 367, 365,
Mack Trucks announces new features for its axle, AMT
Mack Trucks announced a new Automatic Standby Mode for its 6×2 liftable pusher axle, available on Mack Pinnacle highway models. The 6×2 with liftable pusher axle offers improved fuel efficiency and productivity benefits and is designed for applications that haul out heavy and return empty, such as bulk haul, Mack said. The addition of Automatic
Kenworth T880 now available in all-wheel drive
Kenworth’s T880 construction truck is now available in an all-wheel drive configuration, the company announced. The front drive axle is installed at the Kenworth factory. “For severe duty applications where the ultimate in traction is required, our new configuration is a welcomed spec,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing director. “We see our all-wheel drive T880
Increasing axle efficiencies
When Fleet Equipment caught wind that Meritor is using a unique lube management systems on its new 14X HE tandem axle, we wanted to know more. So we caught up with Ken Hogan, Meritor’s vice president for rear drivetrain, to find out how it works, what the benefits are for the axle and what other
What protects the driveline from the demands of today’s downsped engines?
The continued integration of powertrain components propels advancements in downspeeding as ratio speeds increase. In fact, Dana recently announced a new 2.47:1 axle ratio for the Spicer AdvanTek 40 tandem axle. Meritor’s new 14X HE tandem axle has ratios down to 2.15. According to Ken Hogan, Meritor’s vice president of rear drivetrain, approximately 25% of today’s
Meritor introduces 14X HE line-haul tandem axle
Meritor has introduced its new 14X HE high-efficiency line-haul tandem drive axle. Meritor said its engineering teams used the latest technologies to improve axle efficiency up to 1.5% while also reducing weight by 30 lbs. over its 14X design. The 14X HE comes standard with high-efficiency bearings, the Meritor Lube Management system and precision-finished gearing. Meritor uses
Kenworth T680, T880 now available with Dana steer axles
Kenworth’s T680 and T880 models are now available with Dana Spicer D-Series lightweight steer axles for use with air disc brakes. The Spicer D-Series steer axles features an integrated air disc brake knuckle that allows fleets to specify air disc brakes without a net increase in weight over most S-cam drum brake axle systems, according
Dana unveils new driveshaft, adds new axle ratio
Dana Inc. announced the production launch of its new SPL 350 Lite driveshaft optimized for on-highway and heavy-haul vehicles with engine downspeeding configurations. Now available at select original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the SPL 350 Lite driveshaft is up to 35 lbs. lighter than existing products. It offers improved performance, enhanced vehicle dynamics and easier maintenance while delivering the
Matching axles, ratios and loads to increase fuel efficiency
A major initiative in the trucking industry continues to be the concept of downspeeding, or maximizing available engine torque while minimizing engine RPMs and fuel requirements. “By focusing on maximizing downspeeding, the fleet owner has the best chance of improving fuel efficiency,” explains Tom Lehman, product manager for Detroit Components. “Along with Detroit DD15 or