Mack Trucks has officially unveiled its new Twin Y air suspension, which when paired with proprietary Mack axles, deliver “unmatched comfort, handling and fuel efficiency for highway customers,” the company said.
The Twin Y utilizes a Y-shaped high-strength steel design, but offers weight savings of up to 400 lbs. over other suspensions, Mack said.
Mack also introduced proprietary axles on its Mack mRide spring suspension, ideal for vocational customers.
“The Mack Twin Y and Mack mRide are designed specifically for what customers have told us they need to be successful,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “Both of these suspensions benefit from our Mack proprietary axles, which provide even greater stability and fuel efficiency.”
The Twin Y has been field-tested for over 3 million miles on Mack Pinnacle axle back and axle forward models featuring Mack S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126 and C150/151 carriers.
According to the company, the design of the Twin Y air suspension includes two stamped high-strength steel Y-shaped blades per wheel end. The Twin Y blades are joined to the axle with both upper and lower axle seats, which greatly reduces suspension windup and significantly improves tire traction and braking control. The axle seats are clamped to the axle housing by Huck U-bolts on both sides and never need to be re-torqued.
Roll control is enhanced due to the installation of bushings in the upper and lower axle seats, which also contribute to easier handling and a more comfortable ride, Mack said, adding that the Twin Y requires less maintenance and extends tire and component life, significantly improving customer ROI.
The design of the suspension puts the load on the air ride and not on the pivot bushing, leading to extended life.
“The industry has never before seen an air suspension system engineered like the Mack Twin Y,” said Jerry Warmkessel, Mack marketing product manager for on-highway. “Offered with Mack axles for even greater fuel efficiency, the Twin Y air suspension sets the bar for the industry. Our customers demand a good ride at a competitive cost and lower weight. We’re offering all of that and more with the Mack Twin Y.”
The mRide spring suspension, paired with the Mack C150/151 series axle carriers is available on the Mack Granite, Titan, Pinnacle axle forward and the TerraPro.
The use of spring leafs over four separate rubber block packs offer stability and articulation, while also allowing the needed clearance for larger tires and brake components required in construction and vocational applications, the company said.
The mRide provides constant ground contact for all wheels over its articulation range, which in turn maximizes traction on any jobsite, pointed out Mack, while the parallel pinion angles of the Mack axles extend the driveline joint life. Coupled with the greaseless mRide suspension, the offering boasts easier maintenance and is easier to align, contributing to reduced customer maintenance costs.
“The completely integrated drivetrain offered by a Mack MP engine, Mack transmission, Mack axles and now the Mack mRide suspension creates superior performance, stability and handling,” said Curtis Dorwart, Mack vocational marketing product manager. “Mack vocational customers can count on mRide-equipped trucks to absorb more of the rough work on jobsites, keeping drivers more comfortable and productive.”
