The inside scoop on spec’ing axles and brake ratings
For optimum performance and safety, brakes and suspensions need to be a match and work well together. So what do fleets need to know? Fleet Equipment asked major suppliers to provide the inside information.
Dana introduces rugged 44 front axle
Dana Holding Corp. has introduced the Dana 44 front axle to its Crate Axle program. The new offering delivers extreme performance for a variety of applications, including off-road vehicles, forklifts, pickup trucks, pushback tugs, rock crawler buggys and small mining shovels, according to Dana. “The overwhelming market reception of the Ultimate Dana 44 axle—a new bolt-in
Dana highlights Spicer Dual Range Disconnect tandem axle
The concept of redirecting friction issues isn’t limited to lift axles. It has extended to other axle configurations as well, as Dana Holding Corp. shows with its Spicer Dual Range Disconnect tandem axle concept. Optimized for trucks that implement engine downspeeding, this technology improves efficiency without sacrificing performance by combining the traction and dependability offered
Dana announces next-generation driveshaft optimized for downspeeding
Dana Holding Corp. announced a new driveshaft specifically engineered to further support engine downspeeding. Dana’s next-generation driveshaft weighs 30 lbs. less than existing products and is tailored to address the specific torque-management strategies of individual commercial-vehicle manufacturers, the company explained. Engineered with fewer components, this next-generation driveshaft offers a simplified installation process to reduce assembly
Dana releases services parts designed for downsped powertrains
Dana Holding Corp. announced the launch of several new service parts that have been specifically designed for powertrains to optimize the benefits of engine downspeeding. More than 150 heavy-duty genuine Spicer part numbers have been added for the Spicer AdvanTEK 40 series tandem drive axles and Spicer Life Series SPL 350 driveshafts and universal joints. “Our
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
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
Powertrain integration: Axle, driveline focus
The engine, transmission suppliers and OEMs work together to determine the ideal operating engine RPM for a desired road speed. This information is passed on to rear axle suppliers, like Meritor, to design and develop an axle ratio that best fits the engine and OEM’s needs, said Karl Mayer, Meritor director of product strategy, axles.
Dana unveils Spicer AdvanTEK Dual Range Disconnect technology concept
Dana Holding Corp. introduced the new Spicer AdvanTEK Dual Range Disconnect concept for tandem axles used in Class 8 linehaul applications. Optimized for trucks that implement engine downspeeding, this breakthrough tandem axle technology improves efficiency without sacrificing performance by seamlessly combining the traction and dependability offered by a 6×4 configuration with the reduced drivetrain losses
Dana launches Spicer axle lubricant
Dana Holding Corp. launched the Spicer XFE 75W-90 axle lubricant, a synthetic gear oil. Spicer XFE 75W-90 axle lubricant furthers improve fuel economy in high-efficiency drivetrain solutions, while qualifying for an initial 500,000-mile drive axle lubrication change interval, according to Dana. The axle lubricant is specifically formulated to improve drive axle efficiency in a variety
Dana training module focuses on engine downspeeding
Dana Holding Corp. announced a new training module designed to instruct dealers, fleet managers and service personnel on engine downspeeding, an increasingly prevalent strategy for improving fuel efficiency, at the Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2015 Annual Meeting. The module is a computer-based course that instructs users on the basic principles, benefits and challenges associated with
Diving into engine downspeeding
To improve efficiency of the powertrain, engine downspeeding can be achieved with either a 6×4 or 6×2 axle configuration. However, all the driveline components must work in concert to ensure proper performance. “Regardless of axle configuration, customers should always work with their OEM, engine rep and or axle rep to specify the correct drivetrain configuration
