Henderson Airtek Offers Smoother Ride

Hendrickson, a global designer and manufacturer of suspension systems for the heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial vehicle industry, has recently announced the release of a new, lightweight front air suspension and steer axle. The Airtek integrated front air suspension and steer-axle design offers comfort and the opportunity to run on a full air platform, consisting of a trailer air suspension, drive-axle air suspension and steer- axle air suspension. Until now, attempts to extend the air platform to the front steer axle have been hindered by an engineering paradox that proportionally sacrificed ride comfort for stability. To counteract this, previous air suspension/steer axle designs were forced to incorporate additional stabilizers and reinforced structures. The resulting designs were too heavy and complex to be considered viable suspension solutions for the industry, and never gained wide acceptance in the market. Hendrickson has created an integrated front air suspension and steer axle, named Steertek, that offers improved ride as well as increased stability and handling, with an overall lower weight. As a worldwide designer and manufacturer of leaf springs, air suspensions, axles and suspension components, Hendrickson was able to access worldwide engineering experience and expertise of its various divisions to create this innovative, integrated front air suspension and steer axle design. Initially, Airtek will be offered on Freightliner&#8217;s Century Class, Columbia and its new owner/operator vehicle, recently introduced to the market. Airtek will be available beginning April 1, 2001. For more information, visit www.hendrickson-intl.com.