The Bendix eTrac air bag transfer system for 6x2 axle configurations is now an available option on the Kenworth T680 tractor.
According to Kenworth, a tractor equipped with a 6x2 axle configuration offers reduced weight and improved fuel economy over a traditional 6x4 configuration. The configuration saves several hundred pounds by using one ‘live’ rear drive axle instead of two, and eliminating the inter-axle driveline and rear differential, the company said. The need for internal gearing in the non-drive axle is also eliminated, resulting in fewer parasitic losses.
The Bendix eTrac system links into the Bendix ABS braking system with automatic traction control (ATC) and electronic stability programming. The system automatically engages and disengages – without driver input – the vehicle’s airbag pressure transfer system, transferring pressure from the non-drive to the drive axle when it recognizes wheel slip. This provides improved fuel efficiency in a lighter package combined with on-demand traction, according to Bendix.
The Bendix eTrac system protects the drivetrain by automatically disengaging after a low-traction event or when the vehicle’s resumed speed exceeds 25 mph. The system also allows for manual activation at speeds below 10 mph, or when a vehicle’s ATC mud/snow switch is enabled.
