Hendrickson Truck Systems Group officials announced the launch of Parasteer HD, a front air suspension designed for twin- and tri-steer specialty applications at Autocar.


Parasteer HD is offered as a 14,600- and 20,000- pound per axle rating option on the Autocar ACX chassis. The system is targeted for use in a variety of vocational and construction applications including concrete, crane, tank and other specialty trucks.

Parasteer HD is designed with no fixed steer axle spacing constraints, providing excellent axle spacing flexibility. This allows the end-user, chassis manufacturer and body manufacturer to work together to obtain the optimum weight distribution for the application, the company said. Competitive walking beam and mechanical spring systems are constrained to fixed lengths, while the Parasteer HD is composed of individual, stand-alone steer-axle suspensions.

The weight of the Parasteer HD system remains constant as steer axle spacing increases, offering an increased weight advantage over competitive systems that require longer or larger components at higher axle spacings.

Parasteer HD provides a superior turning radius in addition to outstanding performance and handling. Load equalization is achieved with a height control valve that adjusts to the load, resulting in a constant ride height and comfortable ride, according to Hendrickson.

Each Parasteer HD suspension utilizes two heavy-duty air springs per steer axle that equally share the load, resulting in excellent ride and performance. Unlike other twin steer air suspensions that feature a combination of walking beams and air springs to support the load, the air springs on the Parasteer HD support one hundred percent of the vertical load, cushioning the driver by isolating impacts from the road and offering more protection to the chassis and equipment.

In addition, over-sized rubber bushings require no lubrication, resulting in reduced regular maintenance, the company added.

For additional information, visit www.hendrickson-intl.com, or contact Hendrickson Truck Systems Group at 630-910-2800.