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
Handling the tough hauls: What you need to know about severe-duty drivetrain, axles and suspensions
Extreme loads are no match for properly spec’ed and maintained severe-duty truck models. Vehicle OEMs, in fact, list a range of applications for which they have specific models designed to meet severe-duty needs. Included are dump, concrete, crane, roll-off body, refuse, heavy haul, logging, oil and gas field service, utility, fire and emergency, snow plow
