Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hendrickson Introduces Drive Axle with Zero Maintenance Damping

The Roadmaax Z lightweight drive axle suspension is the first time Hendrickson has offered its Zero Maintenance Damping technology for trucks and tractors.

Hendrickson Introduces Drive Axle with Zero Maintenance Damping

Hendrickson says the Roadmaax Z is its lightest-weight 46,000-lb-capacity rear air suspension for trucks and tractors.

Photo: Hendrickson

1 min to read


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.

More Equipment

Video still of Volvo's Duane Tegels explaining the Volvo D13 diesel engine for EPA 2027 emissions
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 16, 2026

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]

Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.

Read More →
Photo of new Michelin drive tire
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 15, 2026

Michelin Tire Improves Efficiency and Durability for Regional Fleets

The Michelin X Multi Energy D2 is a regional haul drive tire engineered to help fleets improve fuel efficiency, durability and traction in demanding stop-and-go operations.

Read More →
Presentation slide showing ZF's North American market growth
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 10, 2026

ZF Expands Commercial Vehicle Push in North America

ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle presence with new transmission applications, electrification, trailer technology and autonomous-driving systems.

Read More →
Tesla Semi electric truck with interior of Tesla Cybercab superimposed on top
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 8, 2026

Tesla Wants a Self-Driving Semi. Are Cameras Enough?

Could Tesla’s camera-only autonomous driving technology work on an 80,000-pound Semi? In this commentary, HDT's Deborah Lockridge takes a look at Tesla, Cybercab, and how autonomous trucks see the road.

Read More →
Red highway tractor pulling white trailer with red logo identifying Kodiak.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2026

Kodiak: Driverless Long-Haul Truck Launch on Track for 2026

Kodiak AI says its driverless long-haul safety case is 93% complete and it remains on track to begin commercial operations by year-end 2026.

Read More →
Collage of five autonomous trucks
Safety & Complianceby Deborah LockridgeSeptember 8, 2026

What DOT’s Automated Vehicle Strategy Means for Trucking

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new automated-vehicle strategy that outlines plans for driverless-truck regulations, cross-state freight corridors, and federal safety standards.

Read More →
Port of Newark EV truck charging station.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 8, 2026

East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.

Read More →
PlusAI autonomous truck with trailer going down a highway
Equipmentby StaffSeptember 3, 2026

PlusAI Going Public to Fund Autonomous Truck Launch

A SPAC deal could provide PlusAI with up to $300 million as it works toward a 2027 commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks.

Read More →
Faded sketch of diesel engines on a factory floor with NHTSA logo superimposed on top
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 31, 2026

NHTSA Moves to Rewrite Truck Fuel-Economy Rules

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it lacks authority to regulate medium- and heavy-duty truck engines separately from complete vehicles, but the existing standards have not yet been eliminated.

Read More →
Illustration of Freightliner Cascadia on highway with engine cutaway
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeAugust 27, 2026

Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines

Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.

Read More →