Hendrickson Introduces OPTIMAAX
Release date: 3/27/2014
For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Mark Slingluff
Hendrickson
(330) 489-0050
mslingluff@hendrickson-intl.com
Hendrickson introduces OPTIMAAX™ liftable forward tandem axle system for 6x2
WOODRIDGE, Ill. – Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems officials announce the introduction of OPTIMAAX™, a revolutionary new liftable forward tandem axle system with automated controls. The OPTIMAAX™ system represents Hendrickson’s latest offering in the company’s 100 year history of advancing the commercial vehicle suspension industry through design innovation.
Hendrickson’s OPTIMAAX™ system is a revolutionary 6×2 solution to help fleets save fuel cost, tire wear, and weight with comparable handling to 6×4 tandem axle configurations. Operating as a liftable axle in the forward tandem position, this system provides versatility for fleets with variable loads by using axle capacity only when required.
In comparison with the traditional 6x4 tractor configuration, The OPTIMAAX™ system eliminates over 350 lbs. by replacing the forward tandem drive axle and suspension with an integrated liftable non-drive axle and suspension which is automated with weight sensing controls. This proprietary, fully automated control module eliminates driver intervention and training 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 compliance. Fleets and drivers can take comfort in the fact that the OPTIMAAX™ system achieves this flexibility while delivering the traction and handling drivers have come to expect.
In addition to providing substantial weight savings, The OPTIMAAX™ system delivers superior cost of operation savings by improving fuel economy by up to 5 percent through the elimination of the second drive axle and the lifting of the non-drive axle. Another added benefit is tire wear savings by utilizing the liftable axle only when load demands require the additional axle capacity.
David McCleave, Director of Marketing for Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems says “The OPTIMAAX™ system is the enabler for the On-Highway tractor 6x2 market segment. Lifting the forward tandem axle when loads don’t require the axle capacity eliminates rolling resistance and tire scrub providing the optimized solution to fuel and tire wear savings. With its weight, fuel, and tire savings combined with the elimination of driver intervention through the fully automated control module, OPTIMAAX™ is ideal for fleets in need of additional flexibility and operational cost savings for variable load on-highway tractor applications.”
Available in 20,000 lb. capacity, OPTIMAAX™ will be available for OEM specification in North America the fall of 2014.
About Hendrickson
Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; and bumper and trim components to the global commercial transportation industry. Hendrickson, based in Itasca, Ill., USA, continues to meet the needs of the transportation industry after 100 years. Visit the Hendrickson Web site at www.hendrickson-intl.com.