Trax Mechanical Systems, a new undercarriage systems manufacturer that aims to be a major North American supplier of heavy-duty components, has entered the market with a line of trailer axles and landing gear.
With its executive and engineering teams based in Louisville, KY, the privately held company is currently completing construction of a major manufacturing facility in China that will eventually produce drive axles, air suspensions, steer axles and other undercarriage products designed specifically for the North American market, according to Jim Sharkey, vp of business development. The company also acquired the brake operations of Carlisle last year in a joint venture with WABCO and produces rebuilt brake shoes in Louisville using its own friction material.
The new Traxium trailer axles feature a seamless beam tube for light weight and strength, and come standard with premium extended-service brake shoes. Backed by a 5-yr. parts warranty, the new trailer axles will be available for a variety of applications, including non-standard ones, according to Trax.
The Traxium Pro50 landing gear weighs only 187 lbs. but has a 50,000 lb. capacity and exceeds industry test standards, according to the new company. Offered with a variety of shoe configurations, handles and mounts, it comes standard with forged steel gears, extended maintenance grease containment systems and corrosion-protection coating.
Designed by Trax, the company’s 12 new manufacturing facilities in Taishan, China, are being built with Fuwa Heavy Industries, China’s largest maker of heavy-duty truck components. In an interview with FleetOwner, Sharkey emphasized that while its components will be manufactured in China, Trax will be responsible for the design, engineering, specifications, development, manufacturing, sales, marketing and support of products for the North American commercial vehicle market.
