Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems has unveiled several new products, including the TireMaax Pro automatic tire inflation systems for trailers. The company has also released a lighter-weight trailer suspension system and a new bumper guard for International ProStar tractors.
The TireMaax Pro, which will be commercially available in the first quarter of 2011, monitors and adjusts tire pressure by deflating tires based on changing environmental conditions, the company said. It can also balance tire pressures at every wheel position.
“Fleet, dealer and OEM customers have been asking for a solution to the two biggest issues with automatic tire inflation systems – over inflation and balancing,” said Matt Wilson, controls business unit manager for Hendrickson. “TireMaax Pro was specifically developed to address both of these concerns. Hendrickson relied on our many years of experience and know-how with trailer suspensions to design an inflation system that seamlessly integrates with today’s trailers.”
The system draws air from the trailer air supply and if it senses ambient temperature increases, it will draw air from the tire to prevent an over-inflation problem. By automatically balancing the tires, especially in dual tire situations, scrubbing is reduced, thereby extending tire life.
TireMaax Pro continuously checks tire pressure without pressurizing the axle or wheel ends and employs a pneumatic controller to direct air to tires that fall below a preset pressure level. A signal light illuminates only when attention is required to alert the operator of tire or system leaks.
Hendrickson’s new lighter-weight Intraax AAT integrated trailer suspension system features its Large Diameter Axle (LDA). “Hendrickson integrated the benefits of LDA into all Intraax AAT products including 23K, 25K and 30K models,” said Keith McComsey, program manager vocational systems.
The switch to LDA increases the outer diameter from 5 in. to 5 3/4 in. while slightly reducing the axle wall thickness. This results in a more efficient use of material, increasing axle strength while reducing weight, leading to as much as a 15% increase in bending and torsional stiffness compared to the 5 in. model.
Since 2006, Hendrickson has utilized the advantages of the 5 3/4 in. axle on its Intraax AANT 23K primary suspension. The integration of LDA on AAT 23K models allows customers to continue using a wide bushing pivot connection while enjoying a 19 lbs. pound weights savings over current 5 in. AAT 23K axle models.
To accommodate more robust applications, AAT 25K and 30K models will combine the LDA technology with a thicker axle wall for applications that require the higher 25,000 pound axle rating while providing a 30 lb. weight savings.
The new Aero Guard bumper guard for International’s ProStar tractor uses heavy-duty structural ribbings and an extra-thick fascia in a unified structure for cold-impact durability down to minus 40 deg. It also improves strength, engine cooling and ground clearance.
The Aero Guard is made from recyclable materials, offers aerodynamic advantages and a lighter weight for improved fuel economy. Designed as a molded-in-color, two-piece, middle-split bumper, the Aero Guard bumper is engineered to work with the factory tilt mechanism and can be installed and replaced easily with no down time or paint costs.
