SAF-HOLLAND, a global manufacturer of trailer and truck suspensions, fifth wheels, landing gear and coupling products, introduces the lightest weight tandem slider suspension system available in the North American trailer market: ULX40 UltraLite Slider Suspension Axle System with composite spring-ride technology.
"Fleets need to reduce downtime and keep cost per mile under control," said Jack Gisinger, president SAF-HOLLAND.
Packaged in an all-in-one system, this suspension system meets the needs of today’s demanding transportation environment with longer life, lower maintenance, and lower operating costs.
“This new spring-ride suspension product will change the way fleets look at mechanical suspensions,” said Jeff Talaga, executive vice president, trailer systems. “It’s an engineered allin-
one system that is lighter weight, offers a lower total cost of ownership, and the industry’s first 10-year suspension and axle system warranty. It will be spec’d by on-highway fleets in the van
industry who are looking for a versatile option to help reduce costs for their hauling requirements.”
The ULX40 is a complete integrated slider suspension axle system with composite springs and SAF drum or optional disc brakes. “The ULX40 is a total system solution – one system from one
supplier. The complete system provides optimum performance for the fleet and allows for efficient installation at the OEM,” said Bill Rector, director of sales and marketing, trailer systems business unit.
The high point of the new ULX40 is the SAF composite spring. Compared to a steel spring system, the SAF composite spring system is over 80 lbs lighter. The composite springs provide the performance of an air ride without the complexity, yet ride quality and handling control that is comparable. And, it’s simpler and easier to maintain because it has fewer components – no shock absorbers, no air springs, no height control valves, and no dock lock devices. Components are easily visible, allowing for quick and easy routine inspection.
With a 40,000-lb capacity, the optimized design of the ULX40 includes a 5-3/4" diameter axle, which provides a 20-lb weight savings per tandem. The axle is over 30 percent more rigid
when compared to the industry-standard 5" diameter axle.
Its 100-lb-overall weight savings provides more payload, measurable fuel savings, and reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions of up to 150 lbs per year.
Its proprietary Black Armour corrosion and rust-prevention treatment chemically bonds with metal to form a protective layer. It is impervious to water and caustic anti-icing chemicals, offering
the protection of galvanization without the weight.
One of the most unique strengths of the new ULX40 is its 10 Year Durasystem Suspension and Axle Warranty, the industry’s first and only 10-year system warranty. It’s unique because it includes the mechanical slider assembly, the SAF X-series 5-3/4" axle, welded bracketry and the axle connection.
Features of the ULX40 include a Qwik Release Pin Pull for safe and efficient adjustment. With 20 percent less pulling effort than competitive models, the system allows the slider to be easily
adjusted by one person.
SAF Integral air disc brakes are an optional feature on the ULX40. The Integral disc brake’s advanced rotor and hub adapter design provides advanced braking efficiencies, reliability,
and low cost of ownership. A proprietary bi-metallic casting process creates a uniquely integrated rotor-hub assembly. This advanced bi-metallic design, with a series of ventilation channels for
airflow, redirect and control high temperatures associated with vehicle braking.
The all-in-one system combined with its low maintenance and lightweight provides fleets with increased payload, increased simplicity, and improved operating efficiency, according to the company.
