SAF-Holland has introduced the Neway ADZ Series drive-axle air-ride suspension for vocational trucks and tractors in such applications as construction, logging, mining, oil-field services, refuse, fire apparatus, and heavy-haul. The company said the suspension, which is approved for 100% off-road duty cycles, is a non-torque reactive suspension with a parallelogram trailing arm design.
The ADZ suspension will be offered in 23,000- and 26,000-lb capacities and is engineered for independent single suspension mounting, which SAF-Holland said allows for single, tandem or tridem axle truck or tractor applications.
The new streamlined ADZ eliminates components to significantly lower weight, reduce maintenance and improve durability, stated the manufacturer. The Integral Lower Module, for example, is the industry’s first one piece assembly that includes cast equalizing beams permanently assembled to the transverse beam with no fasteners, said SAF-Holland. As compared to traditional torque rod and track bar arrangements that transmit forces to the center of the crossmember, the ADZ’s V-Rod upper control arm directs lateral forces towards the crossmember and frame rail junction. This new high strength V-Rod design results in improved bushing life, uniform roll rate and allows for a lighter-weight crossmember, the company noted.
Other user-friendly ADZ features include: EZ-Align non-eelded axle re-alignment, simplified pinion angle setting capability, bolt-on or weld-on axle adapters and multi-functional pivot bushings for improved ride comfort and handling. As a result, the lighter-weight ADZ provides increased load capacity and reduced fuel consumption for improved operational efficiency, according to SAF-Holland.
The ADZ Series is also designed “to provide a linear roll rate through the permanent connection of the trailing arms and transverse beam.” The company said the suspension’s linear roll rate characteristics not only improve handling and steering characteristics, but also enhance driver comfort and confidence– “all critical considerations in heavy-duty vocational applications including high center of gravity applications such as those encountered with front and rear discharge mixers.”
The ADZ 23K series is currently available through select specialty vehicle manufacturers and is being introduced to the major truck OEMs for data book consideration., the company added. The ADZ 26K series is expected to be launched mid-to-late 2010. The ADZ will eventually replace the company’s long standing Neway AD 23K and 26K series suspensions.
“The creation of the Neway ADZ Series exemplifies SAF-Holland’s commitment to managing and introducing new technology to the vocational vehicle marketplace,” said Sam Martin, COO.. He added that the suspension “delivers on our promise to leverage SAF-Holland global technologies and create products that offer our customers the best balance of performance and value possible.”
