Front Air Suspension brings comfort to buses.
Press Release Summary:
Available in 12,000 and 14,000 lb axle ratings, AIRTEK® Front Air Suspension optimizes ride, stability, and handling of IC Bus RE Series school and commercial buses. Rigid, box-shaped axle resists horizontal, vertical, and twisting forces. High-volume air springs support approximately half of vertical load to soften ride, while dual height control valves react quickly on rough roads to maintain proper ride height, and up to 50° of wheel cut provides maneuverability.
Original Press Release:
AIRTEK® Brings the Comfort of Air to IC Bus RE Series School and Commercial Vehicles
December 18, 2008...WOODRIDGE, Ill. - Hendrickson Truck Systems Group officials announced today the introduction of AIRTEK® front air suspension as an option on IC Bus RE Series school and commercial buses. AIRTEK represents the first front air option on IC Bus branded buses.
Combining state-of-the-art technology and a simple, functional design, AIRTEK delivers superior ride, stability and handling for IC Bus type D rear engine buses in axle ratings of 12,000 and 14,000 pounds. The smooth, comfortable ride cushions passengers and drivers and reduces vibration to the bus from rough road conditions.
"AIRTEK delivers an outstanding ride for passengers and drivers, while providing superior performance and handling characteristics," says Jacob Madden, Segment Manager for bus suspension products at Hendrickson.
High-volume air springs support approximately half of the vertical load to soften the ride, and dual height control valves react quickly on rough roads to maintain proper ride height.
The leaf spring assembly forms a torsion system with the unique, fabricated STEERTEK axle, enhancing roll stability characteristics. The rigid, box-shaped axle resists horizontal, vertical, and twisting forces more effectively than traditional I-beam axles.
Hendrickson's STEERTEK axle features an innovative two-piece knuckle to simplify serviceability by allowing kingpin maintenance without removal from the axle beam. Optimized steering geometry reduces "bump steer" and "wheel kick" over uneven terrain.
Additionally, AIRTEK helps reduce downtime by reducing maintenance. Its premium rubber suspension bushings eliminate lubrication requirements while reducing twist and flex in front spring connections to improve driver road feel.
Up to 50 degrees of wheel cut provide superior maneuverability in tough road conditions such as crowded parking lots, bus stops and city streets.
Introduced as the heavy-duty trucking industry's first integrated front air suspension in 2001, AIRTEK rapidly gained acceptance from drivers looking for a smooth ride and outstanding performance.
For additional information about AIRTEK for IC Bus buses, contact Hendrickson Truck Systems Group at 630-910-2800 or www.hendrickson-intl.com.
Hendrickson
Hendrickson, a member of The Boler Company, is a premier, global manufacturer and supplier of truck, tractor, bus and recreational vehicle suspensions and heavy-duty springs; trailer suspensions, controls and nonintegrated axles; truck and trailer lift axles; bumpers and trim components to the commercial transportation industry. Hendrickson, based in Itasca, Ill., USA, continues to meet the needs of the transportation industry after more than 95 years. Visit the Hendrickson Web site at www.hendrickson-intl.com.
IC Bus
IC Bus, LLC of Warrenville, Ill., is a wholly owned affiliate of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV). The top manufacturer of school and commercial buses, IC Bus is a global leader in passenger protection, chassis design, engines and ergonomics. The company is also a producer of commercial buses. All IC Bus buses are sold, serviced and supported through a renowned dealer network that offers an integrated customer program encompassing parts, training and service. Additional information is available site at www.icbus.com.
