NASHVILLE -- The new CBX23 AeroBeam fixed-frame trailer air suspension has a base weight of 445 pounds, SAF-Holland said on Feb. 26 at a press conference at the Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting here.

The new suspension is 45 pounds lighter than the previous generation CBX23 suspension and 25 pounds lighter than comparable competitive models, according to Jeff Talaga, SAF-Holland vice president of sales and strategic development, Americas. The company said the 45-pound weight savings will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a single truck by 660 lbs over 10 years.

The CBX23 is designed for tanker and flatbed applications and features heat-treated cast alloy suspension beams, 80 ski frame brackets, and a 5.7-inch diameter, friction-welded axle that Talaga said is 12% thicker than competitive axles.

SAF-Holland also introduced a new, revamped FW35TT fifth wheel for terminal tractors. The new fifth wheel has a more robust design thanks to beefed up structures and components in critical, high-impact areas, along with a new, modular component design that lowers maintenance costs and time requirements. In fact, SAF-Holland said rebuild time for the FW35TT has been reduced by 60%, while a new, single-unit lock jaw design can be completely swapped out in as little as 15 minutes. Likewise, it now takes only seconds to pull out old grease-free pocket liners and drop in new replacements. And a new front skirt spring retainer allows easy yoke shaft replacement.

FW35TT fifth wheel for terminal tractors

FW35TT fifth wheel for terminal tractors

Noting that fifth wheel tractors can endure more coupling and uncoupling events in a single day than an OTR unit does in a month, Ron Froeswe, director of sales, powered vehicle products, said SAF-Holland engineers made robust design a key feature of the new fifth wheel. Specific attention was paid to reinforcing critical areas such as the unit's rib structure, kingpin throat area and contact area.