The road transport industry presents exciting prospects for trailer manufacturers that provide specialised axle and suspension systems tailored for specific region requirements. US-based company, Hendrickson, applies its ‘Engineered for Efficiency’ motto to everything it works on – especially its suspension systems, which are designed for truck, bus, and trailer applications for today’s global medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle market.
Looking to expand its footprint, particularly in Europe, Hendrickson President and CEO, Gary Gerstenslager, says his team continues to provide solutions to OEMs around the world.
To ensure better ride quality and control for curtain-side trailers, platform trailers, tippers, tankers and container chassis, the component expert unveiled its Hendrickson Severe Duty System (HSDS) suspension at the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany.
According to Gerstenslager, this suspension innovation achieves the ‘ideal’ combination of ride softness and roll stability with a patented tri-functional bushing that works with a rigid beam and rigid axle connection. He explains that HSDS provides a straightforward and functional design to ensure efficient maintenance of the system as it features two long-life bushings for each suspension.
“Available with drum brakes, the HSDS supplies responsive, consistent braking power in a reliable and durable package,” Gerstenslager says. “Also, standard QUIK-ALIGN provides fast, easy, accurate axle alignment using standard tools.”
Meanwhile, the INTRAAX AANT 23K fixed suspension system is an ideal choice for weight-conscious haulers running straight-frame platforms, container chassis, liquid tankers, grain hoppers, bottom dumps and livestock trailers, according to Gerstenslager.
“The INTRAAX AANT 23K boasts a capacity of 23,000 pounds in ride heights from 12 to 19 inches,” he says. “The tapered beam design allowed us to trim more than 35 pounds, or about 15 kilograms, from the suspension while still maintaining the smooth ride, superior performance and rugged durability you have come to expect from INTRAAX.”
In addition to its rugged and durable suspension systems, Hendrickson has its new 146mm-diameter Hendrickson Chassis Axle (HCA), which Gerstenslager says is a superb choice for intermodal applications. “The HCA is a one-piece axle with hot-formed spindles, ensuring low maintenance and high performance. The HX spindle, on the other hand, reduces overall weight of an axle, extending the expected lifecycle of the wheel end.”
Fast Fact
Hendrickson Director – Aftermarket, David McCleave, announced in March that Hendrickson lift axle parts information is now available via the Plus + Parts Look Up System. “We are excited to offer our customers this added feature; until recently the Plus System only offered Hendrickson trailer and truck suspension components and assembly information,” he said – adding that Plus has three distinct benefits. “It allows you to place a competitor, or OEM part number in the system to obtain the matching Hendrickson part number; enables the user to look up a part number to ensure it is valid or provides an updated part number; and allows the user to view the bill of materials for an assembly, ensuring you get all the correct parts for the job.”