Rear Air Suspension suits Class 8 trucks.

Press Release Summary:

Featuring parallelogram geometry, non-torque reactive suspension Model HTB(TM) weighs 570 lb including axle brackets. Driveline angles are maintained throughout axle travel, minimizing suspension induced driveline vibration. Direct-acting air springs carry 100% of vertical load, while centrally placed frame hanger eliminates dual hangers. HTB is suited for weight-sensitive applications including bulk haul, tankers, and refrigerated trucks.


Original Press Release:

Hendrickson Launches HTB(TM) Rear Air Suspension

WOODRIDGE, Ill. - Hendrickson officials announced the launch of HTB(TM) rear air suspension for Class 8 trucks. The lightweight, non-torque reactive suspension offers additional advantages of a smooth ride and low maintenance. It will be available for sale in 2005 as a premium, improved-riding alternative to industry standard suspensions. The lightest suspension in class at 570 pounds including axle brackets, HTB saves up to 257 pounds of weight over industry-standard 40,000-pound suspensions. For comparison, HTB saves 250 pounds compared to the Hendrickson HAS 400. The weight savings is attributed to HTB's optimized design featuring parallelogram geometry that eliminates leaf springs and reduces components. "HTB's parallelogram geometry eliminates the frame rise that is characteristic of trailing arm suspensions," says Michael Brannigan, program manager. "Driveline angles are maintained throughout axle travel, thereby minimizing suspension induced driveline vibration." Reduction in torsional vibration contributes to the longevity of driveline components like the transmission, differential and U-joints; reduces noise and vibration, and provides a better ride," Brannigan adds. "Moreover, HTB has been tested under rigorous conditions in the field, lab and on proving grounds and has proved extremely durable. Most components require zero maintenance and are designed to last the life of the truck." HTB's unique technology and componentry makes it best in class in terms of weight savings, ride and maintenance. The innovative torque box system improves multi-axial stability and control. Dual support structure, frame hangers and torque rods are efficiently designed to reduce weight while improving durability. Large, direct-acting air springs carry 100 percent of the vertical load compared to trailing-arm suspensions where vertical load is shared between air springs and leaf springs. This key difference provides up to a 34 percent ride improvement and reduces vibration and harshness, compared to industry standard suspensions. An extremely efficient design with a centrally placed frame hanger eliminates the dual hangers found in trailing-arm suspensions. Innovations like shock absorber mountings integrated with the torque rod further reduce complexity and part count. "A key driver in the design of HTB was reducing vehicle cost of ownership and optimizing the life cycle cost of our customers," says Steve Kiefer, director of marketing and program management, Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems. This has been achieved by providing increased payload, eliminating suspension induced driveline vibration and doing away with greasing and re-torquing," Kiefer continues. Ed Kaufman, managing director of Domino Trucking, concurs. "I have used a HTB test unit for almost two years," he says. "The suspension provides smoother ride and eliminates driveline vibration, the main reason for wear and tear in trucks. HTB has increased the life of my truck and has allowed me to haul more payload per trip. I strongly recommend HTB to all truckers." Indeed, fleets in weight sensitive applications will derive great benefit from HTB. "While providing best-in-class ride and reduced maintenance that fleets and drivers demand, HTB is ideal for all weight-sensitive applications including bulk haul, tankers and refrigerated trucks, where a pound saved is an additional pound of payload hauled" notes Sri Chakravarty, segment marketing manager, Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems. "HTB represents a key advancement in suspension technology that is comparable to the progression from four-spring suspensions to trailing-arm suspensions twenty years ago," says Steve Andrews, general manager, Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems. Hendrickson is excited about advancing the state of suspension technology and remains firmly committed to reducing the cost-of-ownership for fleet customers while providing the lightest weight, best riding and most durable systems," Andrews adds. For additional information contact Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems, Woodridge, Ill., at 630-910-2800. Hendrickson International is one of the largest global suppliers of truck and tractor suspensions, trailer suspensions, truck and trailer lift axles, springs and bumpers to the commercial transportation industry. Headquartered in Woodridge, Ill., Hendrickson has been meeting the needs of the transportation industry for more than 90 years. Visit the Hendrickson website at www.hendrickson-intl.com.

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