ATLANTA — Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems has partnered with Freightliner Trucks to offer the OptiMaax 6x2 liftable forward tandem axle on the new Cascadia, the company announced at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show taking place this week in Atlanta.

The OptiMaax axle can help fleet customers optimize the movement of variable loads, as well as assisting carriers with diminishing loads, such as bulk haulers and delivery vehicles that may have empty back hauls after carrying items such as groceries, livestock, beverages, and fuel. It also helps fleets that focus on weight reduction and those who want to improve fuel efficiency.

Automated controls sense the load capacity and either lift or lower the axle without relying on the driver, maximizing time with a raised axle and enhancing traction. The OptiMaax 6x2 design is compatible with drum and air disc brakes and is unique because the axle is fully welded, not bolted, adding strength and durability according to Hendrickson.

The benefits:

• Boosting fuel efficiency

• Reducing weight by 300 to 400 pounds over a comparable 6x4, allowing trucks to either carry additional weight or save fuel

• Gaining traction when backing under trailers in soft soil or low traction conditions

• Improving maneuverability when the lift axle is raised

• Saving money on tolls where lift axles are not charged if lifted

“This combines a leader in heavy trucks with a leader in suspension technology,” said Gerry Remus general manager sales and business development for Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems. “It’s one more way we’re focused on engineering our product for efficiency, and are lowering the overall running costs for fleets.”