Hendrickson Launches ULTIMAAX™
Release date: 3/21/2013
For Immediate Release
For more information contact:
Mark Slingluff
Hendrickson
(330) 489-0050
mslingluff@hendrickson-intl.com
Hendrickson Launches ULTIMAAX™ Advanced Severe-Duty Rubber Suspension
WOODRIDGE, Ill. (March 2013) – Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems officials announce the introduction of ULTIMAAX™, the next generation in severe-duty rubber suspensions. ULTIMAAX represents Hendrickson’s latest product innovation in its 100-year history serving the medium- and heavy-duty trucking industry.
ULTIMAAX was designed specifically for severe-duty vocational markets with durability being its cornerstone feature. “ULTIMAAX has truly raised the bar for durability, making it the ultimate in severe-duty rubber suspension technology,” says Ashley Dudding, director of engineering for Hendrickson. “This system has been through more extreme testing than any product developed by Hendrickson to date, including component validation and severe proving grounds testing. We’ve worked with key fleets, running early prototype test units in some of the most extreme applications in North America for the last five years. In addition, in early 2010 we launched a first-generation version of ULTIMAAX in world markets where severe abuse is commonplace and have continued to receive outstanding feedback on the product’s performance.”
In addition to its excellent durability, ULTIMAAX delivers enhanced stability, handling and ride quality even in the most severe-duty environments where vehicles encounter harsh and unexpected ground conditions. The integration of Hendrickson’s proven walking (equalizing) beam technology, with its patented progressive rate spring, provides a balance of loaded stability and unloaded ride quality even in the most rugged environments.
In the empty or lightly loaded condition, shear springs carry a majority of the vertical load resulting in a constant low spring rate and excellent ride quality. Due to the advancements of the progressive rate spring, as load increases, the ride and stability characteristics of the suspension change to meet the application’s needs without an abrupt change in spring rate. This superior ride translates to reduced road shock and vibration to the vehicle which contributes to longer service life of the cab, chassis and body equipment.
Mobility and traction are also crucial when operating in severe applications; ULTIMAAX responds with features designed to help end users perform in some of the harshest terrains. By nature, the walking beam design utilizes a central pivot point to help keep tire contact with the ground and maintain traction in challenging environments. However, Hendrickson has advanced walking beam technology even further with new breakthrough design features including a flat-bottom design for increased ground clearance. In addition, the system offers up to 17.5 inches of loaded diagonal articulation and an increase in unloaded articulation courtesy of new high performance beam end and center bushings.
In today’s industry, fleets demand weight efficiency and low cost. ULTIMAAX optimizes weight savings without sacrificing durability, resulting in a product that is hundreds of pounds lighter than competitive suspension systems for higher payloads. In addition, the system has very low maintenance requirements, resulting in lower suspension-related costs over the life of the vehicle.
Available initially in capacities of 46,000, 52,000 and 60,000 pounds, ULTIMAAX is approved for vocational and severe-duty applications. For additional information on ULTIMAAX, please contact Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems at 630-910-2800 or www.hendrickson-intl.com.
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.