Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems has launched its light weight INTRAAX AAL low-ride/lift-able integrated trailer suspension system featuring the Large-Diameter Axle (LDA) available in the first quarter of 2013.
“Hendrickson will integrate the Large-Diameter Axle into all INTRAAX AAL product lines, including the 23K, 25K and 30K models,” remarked Keith McComsey, program manager, vocational systems at Hendrickson Trailer Commercial Vehicle Systems.
“AAL joins a host of Hendrickson products that currently enjoy the benefits of the LDA axle,” he added.
The move to LDA on INTRAAX AAL increases the outer diameter from today’s five-inch axle to 5-3/4 inches while slightly reducing the axle wall thickness.
The reduction in wall thickness, combined with the increased diameter, facilitates a more efficient use of material, which enhances axle stiffness while maintaining strength and reducing weight. The new AAL LDA ensures as much as a 15 per cent increase in bending and torsional stiffness compared to its five-inch counterpart.
Hendrickson utilizes the advantages of the proven capabilities of the 5-3/4 inch outer diameter axle on its INTRAAX AANT and AAT primary suspensions.
The integration of LDA on AAL 23K allows customers to continue using a wide bushing pivot connection while enjoying an average of a 30 lb weight saving over the current five-inch AAL axle models.
To accommodate more robust applications, the AAL 25K and 30K models will combine the LDA axle with a slightly thicker axle wall for applications that require higher capacity axle rating.
The thicker axle wall, combined with Hendrickson’s patented axle-beam joint design, boasts a weight advantage of up to 30 lb over the current INTRAAX AAL 25K/30K models.
Hendrickson’s ULTIMAAX, the severe-duty rubber suspension system, expands into European applications. Hendrickson has just announced the development of ULTIMAAX severe-duty rubber suspension for global applications. The ULTIMAAX system addresses the specific vocational needs in Europe and other regions by incorporating new bushing and beam designs into Hendrickson’s proven walking beam technology to provide world class ground clearance and articulation.
The advanced system design takes advantage of Hendrickson’s elastomer technology to offer a superior balance of unloaded ride quality and loaded stability. In addition, the optimized design provides hundreds of kilograms of weight savings over traditional 6-rod and trunion style systems, while increasing durability.
Gerry Remus, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems, commented: “ULTIMAAX is a no-compromise solution for the global market where durability, mobility and loaded stability are essential.”
Ideally suited for tipper, mixer, refuse collection, and other vocational applications, the ULTIMAAX system is versatile enough to handle a wide range of tractor and straight truck applications. ULTIMAAX’s unique spring system utilizes shear springs and a progressive rate spring to provide the ideal balance of ride quality and roll stiffness based on the load.
In the unloaded condition, the suspension offers superb ride quality, minimizing the impact of bumps, potholes and other road problems. As the vehicle begins to take on additional weight, the suspension deflects proportionally to the load, providing additional stability as required. ULTIMAAX also incorporates a low-maintenance design critical for reducing maintenance costs and downtime.