Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems has partnered with Freightliner Trucks to offer its Haulmaax next-generation heavy-duty rear rubber suspension system as a part of the chassis enhancements for all Freightliner Vocational M2, SD and Plus models.

It is the second partnership after Hendrickson teamed up with Mack in July last year to offer customers the rubber suspension system.

Hendrickson said that the Haulmaax EX suspension provided the versatility needed for trucks that operate both on-and off-highway.

It has equalising beams on the suspension to distribute the load equally between both axles to maintain traction in off-road and uneven terrain conditions and assist in trailer haulage.

An integrated jounce stop protects the spring system from over compressing, helping to extend component life and reduce maintenance costs.  

When paired with Hendrickson Traax Rod torque rods, stability is enhanced, and articulation is increased for improved on/off-highway operation. 

Hendrickson’s director of engineering, Ashley Dudding, said customers were expecting much more today from their vocational suspensions.

“Haulmaax EX exceeds expectations by expanding on the capabilities of the original Haulmaax design, with up to a 70,000-pound job site rating for the 46,000-pound capacity suspension,” he said.

“Haulmaax EX is extremely rugged, supporting demanding vocational applications and offering capacities of 40,000 pounds, 46,000 pounds, and now 52,000 pounds.

“Hendrickson used its industry-leading analysis and validation techniques to ensure Haulmaax EX would meet these rigorous demands, minimise maintenance requirements and deliver an advanced, lightweight vocational suspension to the market.”

The deal with Freightliner follows the announcement in July 2022 that Hendrickson would partner with Mack Trucks to offer the Haulmaax EX suspension system.

The suspension would be available on Mack TerraPro and LR cab-over vehicles through authorised Mack dealers.    

On the Mack partnership, Hendrickson said that the Haulmaax EX would distribute the load equally between both axles in off-road and uneven terrain conditions and provided 17 inches (425mm) of diagonal articulation.

The innovative design eliminated fixed centre bushing pivot points to reduce wheel hop.  

The tyre clearance was increased on Haulmaax EX to include packages with 315 tyres and 9-inch steel wheels while continuing to meet the SAE standard for tyre chain clearance.  

Hendrickson, a Boler company based in Illinois, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle and brakes systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axles systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; stabilisers; bumpers; and components to the global commercial transportation industry.

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