The Fleet Business Authority
Issue link: http://heavydutytrucking.epubxp.com/i/307131
76 HDT • MAY 2014 www.truckinginfo.com EquipmentReport Hendrickson OptiMaax liftable forward tandem axle T he Hendrickson OptiMaax is a new liftable forward tandem axle system with automated controls. The OptiMaax system is a 6×2 solution to help fleets save fuel costs, tire wear, and weight with comparable handling to 6×4 tandem axle configu- rations. This pro- prietary, fully automated control module eliminates driver in- tervention and training and allows the tractor to adapt to the requirements of the load Ð raising the axle when the additional capacity is not needed and lowering the axle to distribute the load evenly when required. Available in 20,000-pound capacity, OptiMaax will be available for OEM specification in North America in the fall. Circle 321 on Reader Action Card or go to www.hdt.hotresponse.com Dana lightweight steer axles D anaÕs new E-Series or D-Series steer axles are designed to save weight. Dana says the E-Series steel-forged beam design cuts 35 pounds. The axles are targeted for on-highway, city deliv- ery, and bus chassis applications, with gross axle weight ratings from 10,000 to 13,200 pounds. They will be available in the first half of 2015. SpicerÕs new D-Series steer axles feature an integrated air disc brake knuckle that lets fleets specify air disc brakes with no net increase in weight over most S-cam drum brake axle systems. The D-Series are targeted to applications with gross axle weight rat- ings from 10,000 to 14,600 pounds. Circle 325 on Reader Action Card or go to www.hdt.hotresponse.com Alcoa's 40-pound wheel A lcoaÕs new 40-pound wheel, Ultra One, is said to be 47% lighter than steel wheels of the same size and can help save up to 1,400 pounds per rig. To take out 5 pounds out of its lightest heavy- duty truck wheel, Alcoa invented a new alloy, known as MagnaForce. The Ultra One Wheel with MagnaForce alloy is available in the industry-standard 22.5-inch by 8.25- inch size for heavy-duty. Circle 323 on Reader Action Card or go to www.hdt.hotresponse.com Enhanced Kenworth medium-duty cabovers K enworth announced exterior and interior enhancements to its K270 and K370 medium-duty cabover models. Inside the cab, a new dash and gauge cluster provide more informa- tion to the driver. Both truck models feature a standard air ride driverÕs seat and two-person bench seating with storage underneath. The company added a new option of single driver and passenger seats with a large con- sole with cup holders in between. KW T680 Advantage improves fuel economy 5% T he Kenworth T680 Advantage features a factory-installed aerody- namic package along with the optimized powertrain combination of the Paccar MX-13 engine integrated with the Eaton Fuller Advan- tage 10-speed automated transmission. The aerodynamic treatments include longer side extenders for the T680 76-inch sleeper, lower cab fairing extenders, front air dam, aerodynamic mud flaps, rear fairing without steps coupled with an air deflector, ex- haust cut out covers, and optional wheel covers for drive tires. The package could mean up to a 5% fuel ef- ficiency enhancement over a standard T680. Other fuel-efficient specs for the T680 Advan- tage include speed control management using speed limiters, a tire pressure monitoring system and the new Kenworth Idle Management System. Circle 320 on Reader Action Card or go to www.hdt.hotresponse.com For more details on these and other new products, see our online Equipment Report section at www.truckinginfo.com/npn. Sign up for weekly new product e-newsletters at www.truckinginfo.com/newsletters. , g h 6 a r p a e q u i p m e n t r e p o r t _ m a y . i n d d 7 6 equipment report_may.indd 76 4 / 2 9 / 1 4 4 : 4 8 P M 4/29/14 4:48 PM