An updated ComposiLite steerable lift axle has reduced weight and a damage-resistant, flexible tie rod, and is more compact, said Hendrickson International, which announced the product at the National Truck Equipment's Work Truck Show in St. Louis.

Called ComposiLite SC, the series will have five versions for specific applications and mounting methods by the end of 2010, said Mark Slingluff, manager of the company's lift-axle division. Trailer versions will also be available. ComposiLite axles are made from steel and aluminum parts and features the weight-saving fabricated components introduced on earlier models. Aluminum beams were shortened slightly on the new SC series to reduce "packaging" space.

Its principal advancement is a Compliant Tie Rod (CTR) with PerfecTrak Technology, where the tie rod is made of spring steel instead of cast metal. The rod flexes, then resumes its original shape when it meets obstructions instead of bending or breaking, Slingluff said. This eliminates many repairs and keeps a truck in service, executives said.

The CTR system has a robust self-centering mechanism and passive-steer Ackerman geometry for improved "driver feel." Weight savings for three models with capacities of 10,000, 13,500 and 20,000 pounds are 14, 69 and 125 pounds, respectively, compared to previous models. Weight savings for trailer versions are slightly different.

ComposiLite SC axles have a standard three-year warranty. They will cost the same or less than previous ComposiLite axles. More information is available at www.Hendrickson-Intl.com.