Link Manufacturing said it will supply a 6x2 lift axle to Volvo after the two companies collaborated on a year-long development process.The Link 20K DuraMax pusher axle will be marketed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico through both the Volvo and Mack brands.The DuraMax axle features a modified 9 in. drop center and patented adjustable mounting brackets; compact frame mounting; unique air bag locations to ensure rapid axle deployment; and open designed lift spring, greatly reducing road debris entrapment. The system is configured within Volvo’s fuel-efficient Adaptive Loading package on its XE Series powertrain, Link said. The same axle configuration will also be available on the Mack Load Logic as part of the Super Econodyne powertrain package. The Volvo field-testing was conducted utilizing selected fleets ensuring multiple on-road driving applications in all weather conditions, the company explained. During the trial, the Link 6x2 showed increased fuel efficiencies of 3-5% over 6x4 configurations, and extended tire life when compared to 6x2 tag configurations. Volvo will be the first truck OEM to offer the 6x2 in the pusher position for the U.S. market.“The opportunity to partner on this project with an innovative global leader like Volvo is a significant milestone for Link” said Michael Hof, director of sales and marketing for Link. “Link prides itself on high quality engineering and world-class manufacturing, but this project has challenged us to be even better. From improved efficiencies to higher environmental standards, we were able to meet the elevated expectations of Volvo.”
