Hendrickson Introduces SOFTEK NXT
Release date: 3/27/2014
For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Mark Slingluff
Hendrickson
(330) 489-0050
mslingluff@hendrickson-intl.com
Hendrickson introduces SOFTEK® NXT lightweight front steer axle & suspension
WOODRIDGE, Ill. – Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems officials announce the introduction of SOFTEK® NXT, a light-weight front steer axle with mono-leaf spring suspension. The product represents Hendrickson’s latest offering in the company’s 100 year history of advancing the commercial vehicle suspension industry through design innovation.
SOFTEK® NXT is Hendrickson’s latest system innovation providing a light-weight front steer axle and suspension system which combines the company’s STEERTEK® NXT axle with its proprietary and industry leading SOFTRIDETM Monoleaf Spring Technology. This complete system saves up to 118 pounds compared to traditional two-leaf spring and I-beam axle systems. The SOFTEK® NXT system is designed for heavy-duty truck applications rated from 12,000 to 12,500 pound capacities with additional axle ratings available soon; all of which capture the characteristics of traditional mechanical suspensions while significantly reducing weight to help increase fuel economy and payload capacity.
At the foundation of the SOFTEK® NXT system is Hendrickson’s STEERTEK® NXT Axle. With its box-shaped cross section design, STEERTEK® NXT provides improved handling and performance over traditional I-beam axles. Further, the continuous beam architecture contributes added durability while the patented axle seat configuration offers increased vehicle ground clearance.
David McCleave, Director of Marketing for Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems says “SOFTEK® NXT’s weight savings is derived from two sources. First, the Monoleaf Spring design utilizes Hendrickson’s proprietary SOFTRIDE technology and saves up to 72 pounds while improving ride and comfort by eliminating the inter-leaf friction found in typical multi-leaf configurations. Second, SOFTEK® NXT’s lightweight clamp group holds it all together utilizing a patented cutting edge design to provide an additional 46 pounds of savings over traditional systems. Fleets and OEM’s alike are demanding significant weight reduction opportunities to reach current and looming regulation fuel saving objectives.
SOFTEK NXT delivers on that challenge while also providing additional industry leading cost saving and performance benefits.”
Compatible with drum or disc brakes, SOFTEK® NXT incorporates a two-piece knuckle assembly featuring premium kingpin bushings and seals for improved bushing life. The two-piece configuration also significantly reduces the maintenance time required to service kingpin bushings. The system realizes further maintenance savings through the use of rubber spring eye bushings which require no lubrication.
SOFTEK® NXT will be available for OEM specification in North America Fourth Quarter 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.