Air Suspension suits on- and off-highway applications.
Press Release Summary:
PRIMAAX(TM) is available in single, tandem, and tridem axle ratings of 23,000, 46,000, and 69,000 lb. Up to 8 in. of axle travel improves articulation. Geometry reduces suspension-induced driveline vibration. Heavy-duty forged support beams and outboard-mounted torque rods provide up to twice the amount of roll stiffness as other air ride suspensions. Suspension is approved for vocational and heavy-haul applications as well as fire and rescue applications.
Original Press Release:
Hendrickson Introduces Primaax(TM) Heavy-Duty Air Suspension for On- and Off-Highway Applications
WOODRIDGE, ILL. -Building on a strong heritage of heavy-duty suspensions, Hendrickson introduces the new PRIMAAX(TM) air suspension designed specifically for the rigorous demands of vocational and heavy haul truck and tractor applications.
Combining a robust design with performance enhancing features, PRIMAAX brings numerous benefits to vocational truck owners and operators previously unavailable in any one air suspension.
PRIMAAX features a unique suspension geometry that reduces suspension induced driveline vibration, a phenomenon often found in trailing-arm air suspensions.
"Heavy haul applications spec'ing high torque engines will really like the lack of torque windup with PRIMAAX," reports Sean Coleman, marketing manager for Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems. "This reduces driveline vibration, benefiting not only the driver, but also improving the life of driveline components."
PRIMAAX has been field tested in applications with peak engine torques as high as 2,200 ft-lbs., resulting in elimination or significant reduction of frame rise during peak driveline torque often found in trailing arm air suspensions. This reduction of frame rise and suspension geometry combine to maintain pinion angles throughout axle travel.
The suspension geometry in PRIMAAX also results in greater stability. Heavy duty forged support beams, outboard mounted torque rods and a highly engineered crossbeam combine to deliver up to twice the amount of roll stiffness as other air ride suspensions. This greater stability benefits high center-of-gravity applications, such as redi-mix, dump, refuse and logging applications.
With a focus on improving ride and handling for on- and off-road applications, PRIMAAX features large volume air springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers.
"PRIMAAX has been field tested in a variety of vocational and heavy-haul applications, with drivers reporting exceptional ride and handling improvements in comparison to other air suspensions available today," reports John Stuart, engineering manager and programmanager for PRIMAAX.
The improved ride quality also reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) for longer life of truck components and body equipment. Air springs and shock absorbers are packaged within the envelope of the tire for additional clearance benefits.
Proven with extensive laboratory fatigue and vehicle durability testing, PRIMAAX is designed, tested and approved specifically for the demanding requirements unique to vocational truck and tractor applications. "PRIMAAX was designed from the ground up as a heavy-duty vocational suspension with greater versatility," added Coleman. "This is not an uprated on-highway air suspension. Hendrickson has a reputation for building durability into our products, and PRIMAAX underscores our commitment to customers of providing durable suspensions."
With a 46,000-pound tandem rating, PRIMAAX is available for use with multiple lift axles and GCWR of 180,000 pounds. PRIMAAX also offers up to eight inches of axle travel for improved suspension articulation, resulting in greater mobility on job sites.
PRIMAAX has numerous maintenance savings features such as premium rubber bushings, which eliminate lubrication requirements. Hendrickson's unique QUIK-ALIGN® system simplifies axle alignment capability without welding or drop-in shims. Hendrickson torque rods feature bonded rubber bushings for longer service life, and the outboard mounted longitudinal rods improve serviceability.
"Hendrickson has made a commitment to our customers to exceed their expectations for value in suspensions," states Doug Sanford, director of marketing for Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems. "Our customers are not just the buyers of trucks, but also the drivers who operate these trucks on a daily basis.
"By continuing to provide drivers witlh better riding suspensions like PRIMAAX, we give them a more comfortable work environment, helping to reduce driver fatigue behind the wheel and to enhance productivity for the truck owner."
PRIMAAX is available in single, tandem and tridem axle ratings of 23,000, 46,000 and 69,000 pounds. It is approved for use in numerous vocational and heavy-haul applications as well as for fire and rescue applications. Production availability is scheduled for April 2003.
For more information on PRIMAAX and approved applications, 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; lift, trailer and steer axles; springs; bumpers, and stamped components to the commercial transportation industry. Headquartered in Woodridge, Ill., Hendrickson has been meeting the needs of the transportation industry for more than 80 years. Visit the Hendrickson web site at www.hendrickson-intl.com.
