Meritor unveiled the FUELite tandem axle at the Mid-America Trucking Show. This is the first member of its SoloDrive Series axles which features 6×2 tandem rear axles.
Based on the proven Meritor 160 series drive axle, the FUELite tandem axle is designed for line-haul applications to maximize weight savings and increase fuel efficiency. The axle delivers nearly 400 pounds in weight savings and an estimated two per cent increase in fuel efficiency when compared to a traditional 6×4 configuration.
Features and benefits of the Meritor FUELite tandem axle include Meritor’s 160 DualTrac housing that allows the option of running wide-based single tyres or duals for enhanced efficiency and improved residual value, a 2.50 to 4.10 ratio range available to match your application, and a 12.7-millimetre wall housing that is compatible with all current 40,000-pound tandem air suspensions.
All SoloDrive Series axles will utilize the same rear-tag axle for simplified maintenance and are designed to function optimally with Meritor brakes and options.
“We engineered the FUELite axle to accommodate all 40,000-pound linehaul suspensions, delivering an optimum solution that is lightweight yet heavy on performance,” said Charlie Allen, General Manager, Rear Drive Axles, Meritor. “The Meritor SoloDrive Series is designed to provide lightweight axle solutions with greater efficiency by providing one driving axle in a tandem configuration. We’re confident that the FUELite will deliver these results to our customers.”
The Meritor axle warranty for linehaul applications is five years or 750,000 miles with parts and labor included, with every claim supported by its online warranty claim system, the company spokesmen stated.
The Meritor Advantage Plans offer extended coverage up to seven years in linehaul applications. Every Meritor axle is backed by its service and support, with more than 6,000 distributor and dealer parts outlets in North America.
Meritor’s commitment to customer support is also reinforced through Meritor DriveForce, company officials said.
DriveForce is Meritor’s North American sales and service organization and combines with its OnTrac technical support center, collectively staffed by more than 150 dedicated professionals to assist commercial vehicle customers with customized solutions before, during and after the sale.