LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY --Mack Trucks has added an Automatic Standby Mode option for its 6x2 liftable pusher axle available on Pinnacle highway models, the company announced here at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

Macks aid that with Automatic Standby Mode, drivers no longer need to manually activate standby mode, which simplifies operation. The 6x2 with liftable pusher axle offers improved fuel efficiency and productivity and is designed for applications that haul out heavy and return empty.

Mack has also added rear air disc brakes as an option to its 6x2 liftable pusher axle.

When the ignition is off, Automatic Standby equalizes the suspension pressure, preventing the rear axle from being overloaded. The drive doesn’t need to initiate standby or remember to the button sequence to put it into standby.

The 6x2 with liftable pusher axle is capable of determining payload by using sensors in the rear suspension and either lifting or lowering the foremost rear axle. When an empty load is detected, the axle lifts, allowing the tractor to operate as a 4x2 for less drag, better fuel efficiency and reduced tire wear, which helps lower maintenance costs. For full loads, the same axle is lowered to provide additional stability and distribution of the trailer’s weight.

“The Mack Pinnacle 6x2 with liftable pusher axle model really helps those customers in bulk haul applications save on fuel because sensors lift or lower the axle to decrease or increase traction, providing better performance and ride,” said Roy Horton, Mack director of product strategy. “The addition of Automatic Standby Mode further simplifies things for the driver by eliminating any need for manual input in putting the truck in standby mode to prevent overload.”