Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems officials have announced that the innovative, weight saving Steertek front steer axle is now available at a 12,500-lbs. capacity rating on select Freightliner and Western Star truck models. Steertek’s unique fabricated design saves up to 30 pounds compared to traditional I-beam axles.
Airtek integrated front air suspension and steer axle system has been enhanced and is now available at a 12,500-lbs. capacity rating on Freightliner Cascadia and Coronado models as well as the Western Star 4900 truck model. Enhancements include new lightweight air springs, innovative leaf springs and optimized design of the front and rear frame brackets. Airtek saves up to 40-pounds compared to traditional steel springs with I-beam axles.
“The Hendrickson Steertek axle has sold well in Freightliner models due to its light weight and strong performance,” says Ben Smith, manager of product strategy for Daimler Trucks North America. “With the new 12,500-pound rating, Steertek is well positioned for our customers’ needs.”
“We are delighted to have worked with Daimler Trucks North America to create a unique front air suspension to compliment their 2010 engine packages,” says Sean Coleman, director of sales and marketing for Hendrickson Truck Systems Group. “The new enhancements made to Airtek show our continued commitment to product development and satisfying the needs of the Freightliner and Western Star brands as well as fleet owners.”
The unique manufacturing process of the Steertek axle allows for greater design flexibility to meet the varied industry applications and also contributes to Steertek’s significant weight savings compared to traditional forged axles.
Steertek’s rigid, box-shaped design resists twisting forces more effectively than traditional I-beams, while the patented two-piece knuckle assembly simplifies kingpin bushing serviceability. In addition, integrated steering arm and tie rod attachments increase strength and further reduce weight, providing greater durability and helping to reduce maintenance costs. Steertek is also available with mechanical leaf spring suspensions up to 12,500-lbs.
Airtek is an integrated front air suspension that incorporates the Steertek fabricated front steer axle to work together to form an integrated torsion system. Hendrickson has engineered and optimized multiple components to form a system delivering unmatched ride, stability and handling characteristics with reduced weight and maintenance.
New, lightweight air springs support 50% of the vertical load while providing low spring rate. The quick “snap” design and “push-to-connect” air supply design also provide fast and easy air spring installation and removal. With their innovative design, the leaf springs provide superior stability, performance and a soft ride as they share the load equally with the air springs.
Durable rubber front and rear bushings require no lubrication, contributing to reduced maintenance requirements. Optimized design of the front and rear frame brackets delivers weight reduction and further durability. This lightweight system provides premium driver comfort and is ideal for on-highway, line and regional haul operations.
To further enhance Hendrickson’s focus on providing value to their customers, Steertek comes with a standard 10-year, 1 million mile limited warranty. The warranty coverage includes the axle beam, steering arm, knuckle assemblies and kingpins when used in Hendrickson-approved applications in the United States and Canada and within the proper guidelines of Steertek.
