Meritor announced the launch of a lighter-weight, front-steer axle with the recognized performance of the company’s MFS series and that is easier to maintain.
“With integrated components and an optimized design to reduce weight, the Meritor Front Steer axle (MFS+) represents the next step in the evolution of our front-steer axle offering,” said Chris Villavarayan, president, Americas for Meritor.
The MFS+ saves up to 85 lbs from the current offering due to a new gooseneck beam design, and an offset knuckle with integrated torque plate and tie-rod arms. The new design also reduces space constraints for easier access by technicians. The MFS+ is designed for mounting each brake at “12-o’clock” for easy removal. “The system’s low-profile design improves overall packaging to simplify integration into the chassis,” Villavarayan said. “The MFS+ also offers high-angle turning capacity up to 55 degrees and universal compatibility with braking systems.” The new axle is available in standard and wide track and has a gross axle weight rating (GAWR) between 12,000 and 13,200 lbs.
Meritor also introduced a lighter weight, more efficient carrier platform designed for Class 6 and 7 applications. It will be available for OEM production starting in the second quarter of this year.
“With its power-dense design, the 13X is built to meet or exceed customer expectations for performance and durability,” said Karl Mayer, director, product strategy, Axles, North America for Meritor. “While the 14X platform has served us well in these markets, we’ve listened to our OEM customers’ requests for an axle that is lighter, more efficient and tailored to meet the needs of medium-duty applications."
Engineered for a variety of medium duty applications, including pick-up and delivery, beverage, utility, school bus, construction and ambulance, the single, rear-drive 13X utilizes the best technologies of Meritor’s proven 14X platform. Because the 13X includes the same housing, yokes and seals as the 14X, the new axle system will be familiar to fleet technicians. Available in a wide variety of ratios from 3.90 to 6.50 and with gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) between 17,000 and 21,000 lbs, the 13X can be configured for most Class 6 and 7 specific applications and fleet needs. The 13X is offered with standard differentials and is compatible with air drum or hydraulic disc brakes as well as parking brakes. For limited application options that the 13X will not address, including ratios or driver-controlled differential locks (DCDL), the 14X single-axle platform will continue to be available.
