WOODRIDGE, ILLINOIS — Meeting the industry's need for comfort while also improving stability and handling, Hendrickson, a global designer and manufacturer of suspension systems for the heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial vehicle industry, introduces AIRTEKTM. AIRTEK is a lightweight integrated front air suspension and steer axle that delivers unsurpassed comfort and superior stability while reducing maintenance.
AIRTEK represents a quantum leap in engineering technology. A product resulting from the technical expertise and Hendrickson's global synergy, AIRTEK features a variety of innovative and forward thinking designs, technologies and materials.
The optimized AIRTEK design offers OEMs an advanced module solution that effectively addresses the needs of the industry and market. At the forefront of these market needs is driver comfort, but improved driver comfort is just the beginning of the performance advantages of AIRTEK. In laboratory and field testing of roll stiffness and dynamic roll gradient statistics, AIRTEK improves roll stability by more than 20% compared to other best-in-class industry systems. STEERTEK, the patent-pending, box-shaped axle beam, resists vertical and longitudinal loads more effectively than traditional axle beams, reducing variations and changes in dynamic camber and toe. Working in conjunction with the front limbs of the leaf springs, the robotically welded axle beam forms a torsion system that provides improved roll stability and handling. Improving suspension kinematics and steering geometry reduces bump steer, wheel kick, vibration and other undesirable steering reactions.
The patented leaf spring assembly shares loads equally with the air spring, providing superior performance and a soft ride. The air springs are engineered to support 50% of the vertical load, while providing very low spring rate.
As a result of new technology and materials, the AIRTEK module is over 100 lbs. lighter than other best-in-class axle and suspension systems. The optimized design of the front and rear frame brackets provides additional weight reduction.
The steering and tie rod arms have been integrated for increased strength and reduced weight. Furthermore, the unique knuckle packaging delivers a 50-degree wheel cut. The design of the knuckle allows for easy disassembly, eliminating the need for king pin removal during king pin bearing service. The knuckles use high quality, low friction industry standard bushings and thrust bearings with integrated seals for maximum service life.
Other innovative approaches to AIRTEK lower overall maintenance levels by eliminating components that traditionally have required frequent and costly procedures. For instance, the quick "snap" feature and "push-to-connect" air supply design also provide fast and easy installation and removal of the air springs. Durable rubber front and rear bushings on the new leaf spring are maintenance free. Both the new leaf spring and the rear bushings have been patented. Further, the axle clamp group with four-sided clamping pressure eliminates the need for retorquing.
The 12,000-lb. rated AIRTEK front air suspension and steer axle consists of a 238-lb. suspension and a 274-lb. axle assembly. Also rated for 12,000 lbs., the STEERTEK axle is available in the following configurations:
- 274-lb. axle weight, 3.5-in. axle beam drop and 69-in. king pin intersection
- 279-lb. axle weight, 4.78-in. axle beam drop and 69-in. king pin intersection
- 277-lb. axle weight, 3.5-in. axle beam drop and 70.87-in. king pin intersection
The suspension weight includes: frame hangers; main springs; bushings; air bags and attachments; height control system; shocks; upper shock brackets; and axle attachment hardware. The STEERTEK axle weights include the axle beam, knuckle/steering arm assemblies and tie rod assemblies.
AIRTEK will be offered on Freightliner's Century Class, Columbia and the new owner/operator vehicle, recently introduced. Product availability begins April 1, 2001. Two additional members of the "TEK" product family will be launched in these applications on April 1, 2001. The module systems, SOFTEK and COMTEK, reflect an integration of the STEERTEK axle with existing mechanical leaf spring suspension designs. Additional AIRTEK models will be released in the future for a wide range of on-highway applications.
Hendrickson, with 24 facilities worldwide, is one of the largest international suppliers of truck, tractor and trailer suspensions, lift axles, springs, bumpers and stamped components to the commercial vehicle industry. Hendrickson has been meeting the needs of the transportation industry for more than 70 years. Hendrickson is headquartered at 800 South Frontage Road, Woodridge, IL 60517-4904.
For more information contact:
Doug Sanford
Hendrickson International
(630) 910-2800
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