Hendrickson continued its efforts in the area of suspension integration with the introduction of the Quaantum FX trailer suspension complete with HNP or HUS long-life wheel ends. Designed for vocational trailer applications, the Quaantum FX melds suspension components – including extended-service brakes and wheel ends, air springs and shock absorbers – to form a cohesive unit.
Quaantum FX unites a standard trailer Cam Tube System, Hendrickson Extended Service (HXS) brakes and advanced wheel-end components – the Hendrickson Unitized System (HUS) and the HNP with the unique P90 spindle. Factory installation of both the HNP and HUS systems helps lock out contaminates from the assembly process to increase bearing life and reduce maintenance, the company said. In combination, the features of the Quaantum FX put to rest the idea that trailer S-cam brakes have a short service life and are difficult to maintain, Hendrickson said.
Quaantum FX5 with HNP comes standard with a five-year limited warranty, including shocks and air springs. Quanntum FX7 with HUS provides a seven-year wheel-end warranty.
School bus suspension
Hendrickson also recently announced the availability of Airtek integrated front air suspension and steer axle and Softek front suspension and steer axle on the Blue Bird All American Type D school bus chassis. With this latest release, Hendrickson now supplies suspension systems and steer axles for Blue Bird’s entire Vision Type C and All American Type D school bus platforms.
Combining state-of-the-art technology and a simple, functional design, Airtek is designed to deliver superior ride, stability and handling to the All American in an axle rating of 14,600 pounds, Hendrickson says; the smooth, comfortable ride helps cushion passengers and drivers and reduce vibration-induced wear-and-tear on the bus.
“With superior ride and handling, Airtek and Softek provide a unique complement to the Blue Bird All American transit-style school bus,” says Jacob Madden, segment manager for bus suspension products at Woodridge, Ill.-Hendrickson.
Additionally, Airtek is designed to help reduce downtime due to maintenance; its premium rubber suspension bushings help eliminate lubrication requirements while reducing twist and flex in front spring connections to improve driver road feel.
Both Airtek and Softek feature Hendrickson’s Steertek axle with a two-piece knuckle designed to simplify serviceability by allowing kingpin maintenance without removal from the axle beam. Optimized steering geometry reduces “bump steer” and “wheel kick” over uneven terrain, the company says.
Offered on the All American in capacities of 13,200 and 14,600 pounds, the Softek integrated front leaf spring suspension and steer axle system is designed to produce an extremely stable platform with outstanding roll stability during cornering and in crosswinds.
