PRIMAAX EX heavy-duty vocational rear air suspension will be available in tridem configurations for Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) chassis including Freightliner and Western Star in March 2009, announced officials at Hendrickson.


The new PRIMAAX EX will be available in capacities of 23,000, 46,000 and 52,000 pounds for Freightliner Century Class, Cascadia, Columbia, FLD SD and Business Class M2 truck models; and the Western Star 4900 and 6900 models. PRIMAAX EX will also be available in tridem configurations rated at 69,000 pounds for all Western Star models, and the Business Class M2 112 and FLD SD chassis.

By expanding the product offering to include tridems at DTNA, Hendrickson is able to expand its presence in core specialty markets such as concrete, logging and oilfield, where durability and roll stability are crucial, Hendrickson officials said.

"Hendrickson's PRIMAAX EX is the highest quality in suspension option and will further enhance our capabilities in all vocational segments," said Michael Jackson, general manager of marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. "We are pleased to be working with Hendrickson to provide a durable, quality solution for our customers."

The EX platform, a next-generation version of PRIMAAX, improves durability and performance while delivering substantial weight savings alternative to competitive systems. The system provides the same benefits as prior PRIMAAX configurations with additional features designed to enhance joint integrity and durability, improve handling, increase air spring capacity, and improve resistance to torque rod bushing walk-out.

The PRIMAAX EX system features cast austempered and shot-peened ductile iron support beams for improved durability. In addition, the structural beams integrate the cross beam attachment points for greater reliability, resulting in a solid connection to form a rigid torsion system for improved stability and control.

Featuring a new frame hanger and torque rod configuration, the PRIMAAX EX optimized suspension geometry contributes to more than twice the roll stability of competitive air suspensions, helps improve handling and roll stiffness for expanded applications and
significantly controls suspension-induced driveline vibration.

Expanded offerings of the longitudinal torque rods help provide extended bushing life and ease of serviceability.

Featuring improvements to the air spring piston shape and beam interface, the new PRIMAAX EX air springs lift and support the load with less air pressure. Furthermore, packaging improvements contribute to enhanced air spring durability.

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