Hendrickson Introduces Drive Axle with Zero Maintenance Damping

Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems announced its lightest-weight 46,000-lb-capacity rear air suspension for trucks and tractors, the Roadmaax Z. It’s the first time the company has offered its Zero Maintenance Damping technology for trucks and tractors.

Roadmaax Z provides excellent on- and off-highway performance, ride quality, and cargo protection for demanding applications, according to Hendrickson. It is approved for use with lift axles and up to 25% off-highway operation.

Hendrickson said the Roadmaax Z was designed as a top-mount, trailing arm air suspension for superior ride.

Adding to the smooth ride, Hendrickson for the first time in a drive axle is integrating its Zero Maintenance Damping (ZMD) ride technology designed to provide a smooth ride whether fully loaded, empty, or anything in between.

ZMD ride technology, first introduced in 2013, eliminates conventional shock absorbers and integrates the damping function into the air springs, helping to reduce downtime and maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle. Unlike shock absorbers whose damping capacities are finite and typically deteriorate with age, ZMD air springs are designed to provide continuous damping over the life of the air spring.

Roadmaax Z offers a full range of suspension scalability, with rated capacities of 23,000 lbs., 46,000 lbs. and 69,000 lbs.