Dana Spicer S140 medium-duty axle. View the full size image
LOUISVILLE, KY. A new line of Dana Spicer medium-duty axle series as well as new extended-protection plans for Eaton UltraShift Plus automated transmissions were introduced by the Dana-Eaton Roadranger marketing alliance here at the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Steve Slesinski, director of product management for the Dana Commercial Vehicle Systems Group, said the S140 series of single-drive axles were specifically engineered to improve fuel economy, reduce maintenance costs, increase operator comfort, and boost overall vehicle performance for medium-duty vehicles.
The axles are now available on International 4300, 4400, 7300 and 7400 vehicle platforms. In mid-2010, the S-140 will also be the standard Class-6 axle at another major OEM, Slesinski noted.
He said the new family of single-reduction axles is available for straight truck chassis up to 19,000-lb GAWR, including delivery vehicles, rescue, municipal, and utility vehicles as well as school and other bus types.
“Throughout the development of the Spicer S140 Series, we focused our efforts on helping medium-duty fleet managers optimize the productivity of their fleets,” said Slesinski. “With this new series, Dana enhances its reputation as the leader in delivering advanced drive axle technology and superior value for the medium-duty market.”
He said the axles are optimized to perform in vehicles with drivetrain ratings up to 860 lbs.-ft. of torque and up to 300 hp. Spicer S140 Series axles support Gross Combination Weight Ratings up to 46,000 lbs. and typical Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings up to 31,000 lbs. in most vocational applications. Maximum Gross Combined Weight Ratings of 50,000 lbs. and Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings of 33,000 lbs. are available under specific application approvals.
According to Slesinski, S140 series axles are nearly 100 lbs. lighter compared to current competitive medium-duty axles. He said that weight cut helps to improve fuel economy and offset vehicle weight increases due to new emission systems. With an initial Roadranger lubrication drain at 250,000 mi. and 32% less lubrication required overall, these axles are easier to maintain and more environmentally friendly than previous Dana and current competitive designs, he added.
Other benefits of the new design Slesinski listed include 23 millimeters more of ground clearance and a boost in NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) performance by nearly 240% over other axles with the same GAWR. Spicer S140 Series axles are assembled in the United States and meet NAFTA regulations for content.
The axles are also available with a number of options for “prime operation,” including a carrier-integrated parking brake or electromagnetic retarder mount; a wide-track design for maximum stability; a patented axle breather design supplying unrestricted air flow and minimizing the risk of seal leaks due to axle pressurization; and integral, welded suspension brackets for increased strength and durability.
Eaton Corp. announced it is making extended protection plans available for its lineup of UltraShift Plus automated manual transmissions. Plans are available for all makes and models of the recently released transmissions in a range of applications, including standard, linehaul and severe service. Warranty coverage will be for up to five years or 750,000 mi.
“Now, for a small price, our customers have the option to safeguard themselves from expensive repairs and extend the fuel-saving, safety and performance features of UltraShift Plus for an additional one or two years,” said Richard Muth, programs manager for Eaton. “The plans are also fully transferable, which will easily enhance the resale value of the vehicle investment.”
Plans may be purchased during the first, second or third year of ownership. Plans also require the use of only genuine Eaton Fuller replacement parts and Roadranger brand or Roadranger-approved lubricants.
Muth added that the protection may be purchased through any truck dealer and is included in the cost of financing a new truck or purchased online at www.roadranger.com. Warranty service for all Roadranger products is available at any OEM dealer facility in North America.
The plans may be purchased during the first, second or third year of ownership. Plans also require the use of only genuine Eaton Fuller replacement parts and Roadranger brand or Roadranger-approved lubricants.
For more information on these and other Dana and Eaton products visit the Roadranger site.
