Hendrickson announced the OPTIMAAX forward liftable tandem axle system and AIRTEK NXT for the Freightliner Cascadia.
The OPTIMAAX system is a 6 by 2 solution designed to help fleets save fuel cost, tire wear, and weight with comparable handling to 6 by 4 tandem axle configurations. Operating as a liftable axle in the forward tandem position, this system provides versatility for fleets with variable loads. The fully automated control module eliminates driver intervention and allows the tractor to adapt to the requirements of the load; raising the axle when the additional capacity is not needed and lowering the axle to distribute the load evenly when required.
OPTIMAAX also provides load equalization between the tandem axles when in the lowered position to ensure bridge law compliance.
Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle System developed the AIRTEK NXT steer axle and air suspension system. AIRTEK NXT combines the STEERTEK NXT axle and air suspension technology with an advanced lightweight integrated clamp group design, which can save up to 65 lbs over standard content, and assists in protecting drivers from road irregularities, says the company.
OPTIMAAX is ideal for fleets in diminishing load applications, and when combined with AIRTEK NXT, fleets can further improve load capacity and help to enhance fuel efficiency. In order to maximize the savings from OPTIMAAX Hendrickson recommends pairing the system with Hendrickson 13.3K AIRTEK NXT.
“This combination is a game changer for the 6 by 2 market,” says Sean Whitfield, director of marketing for Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems. “The weight, fuel, and tire savings offered by OPTIMAAX when paired with the AIRTEK NXT front suspension will really enable fleets managers to see operational savings for diminishing load applications without the compromises associated with traditional 6 by 2 configurations,” added Whitfield.
Available in 20,000-lb capacity, OPTIMAAX will be available at Freightliner beginning in early 2020 and AIRTEK NXT is available now at 12,500-lb and 13,300-lb capacities on the Freightliner Cascadia.
