Spicer convertible tag axles improve fuel efficiency, vocational flexibility
Aug 1, 2010 12:00 PM
Dana Holding Corporation has introduced two new Spicer tag axles that improve fuel efficiency, reduce vehicle weight, and lower OEM installation costs — all while enabling fleets and owner-operators to convert a 6×2 arrangement into a 6×4 configuration. Dana has also introduced new Spicer conversion kits, which provide the option of converting existing 6×4 vehicles into a 6×2 configuration.
Fuel economy improvements have been estimated to be up to 3%. These improvements were achieved primarily by decreasing mechanical drivetrain loss and through a total weight reduction roughly 400 pounds lighter than a traditional 40,000-lb tandem arrangement.
When specified with either a Spicer S170 or S190 single drive axle in the forward drive position, the new Spicer tag axles also maintain the same 40,000-lb Gross Axle Weight Ratings of a traditional tandem axle, while maintaining up to 100,000-pound Gross Combined Weight Ratings.
The single-axle design requires 14 fewer pints of lubrication. Efficiency improvements are achieved by eliminating energy losses associated with inter-axle drivelines and rear-axle assemblies.
Traction deficiency historically associated with 6×2 vehicles can be mitigated with the use of a differential lock, a six-channel ABS/TCS system, or adjustment of air suspension bag pressures.
Reduced installation costs are achieved by the elimination of the inter-axle driveshaft, rear axle head unit, rear axle shafts, and rear axle lube. With rear housings on the new tag axles identical to current tandem rear axles, installers can maintain the same brackets, interface points, and geometry.
For more information, visit www.roadranger.com.
Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
