Just when I'd thought that composite trailer springs and comoposite trailer axles had sailed off quietly into the sunset Biglorryblog receives news of that Hendrickson Auxiliary Axle Systems has unveiled a new lift-axle model specifically for Class 8 roll-off vehicles. And by that I assume they mean heavy trucks up to 80,000lbs (36.28 tonnes) and using roll-on-off bodies.
'Composilite Ro' (for that is its' name) is the latest addition to Hendrickson's 'Composilite' family, and according to the press blurb: "...the 13,500-pound capacity (6.12 tonne) fixed-axle model fits flat to the frame for maximum clearance from cylinder beams, attachments and sliding components. Scalloped hangers aid in the clearance around roll-off cylinders.
According to Hendrickson the Composilite Ro fixed-axle delivers 13 inches of travel and 10 inches of lift and weighs in at an impressive 905 pounds (410kg). Now click through here for more....
Hendrickson positioned 'Composilite Ro' springs and parallelogram components inside the frame rails retaining a compact 23.5-inch packing space. Beams are spaced inboard one-inch for additional clearance, and unique air spring plates mount to the inside of the frame rail. The parallelogram design keeps lift axle beams parallel to ensure proper wheel tracking and help enhance tyre life, and lift plates remain parallel to extend air spring life. The stabiliser features a cover to protect the stabilizing rod from dirt and debris throughout travel."
Apart from its mid-lft axles for tractors (and suspension bits and bobs) Hendrickson is something of an unknown quantity over here although the Boler company is a major global manufacturer and supplier of truck, tractor, bus and trailer suspensions and axles.