More TMC News from SAF-Holland: BrakeSight Aims to Take the Guesswork Out of Air Disc Brake Maintenance
SAF-Holland Redesigns Suspension Slider to Save Weight in On-Highway Trailers
SAF-Holland reengineered the UltraLite40 Slider for the ULX40 Mechanical Sliding Suspension and Axle System to reduce weight, improve durability, extend trailer life, and increase payload efficiency.
March 19, 2026
The company said it used years of real-world operating data in redesigning the slider suspension and tested it using a new, more demanding test cycle.
Credit:
SAF-Holland
2 min to read
SAF-Holland announced the UltraLite40 Slider for its ULX40 Mechanical Sliding Suspension and Axle System, designed to reduce weight in on-highway trailers.
The ULX40 with the UltraLite40 slider is a 40,000-pound mechanical sliding suspension system for on-highway van and refrigerated trailers. The new design addresses two pressing challenges in the trucking industry: extending trailer life and maximizing payload efficiency without increasing cost.
“ULX 40 is delivered fully assembled for smoother, more efficient OEM installation,” said Mike Ginocchio, vice president of product line management/PMO Americas at SAF-Holland, to reporters at the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting in Nashville.
“It is our lightest tandem slider suspension, more than 30 pounds lighter, yet more than three times more durable compared to our outgoing generation model. The ULX40 is a complete SAF Holland slider system, including suspension, axle, brakes, and controls, all from one source, and backed by a 10-year warranty.”
Re-Engineered for Weight, Durability
The company said it used years of real-world operating data in redesigning the slider suspension and tested it using a new, more demanding test cycle.
Redesigned to support robotic welding and streamlined manufacturing, the new suspension will allow for greater consistency and supply reliability.
By streamlining configurations, the ULX40 with the UltraLite40 slider simplifies OEM installation, enhances production consistency, and reduces parts inventory across multiple applications.
Galvanization is standard for the new ULX40 with UltraLite40 slider.
Credit:
SAF-Holland
UltraLite40 Slider Features:
- Up to 30 lbs. lighter and 3.6 times more durable than the previous model
- Qwik Release pin pull system with 20% less pulling effort
- Optional air-operated pin pull release for easy slider repositioning
- Optional P89, PSP7, or P89 Plus air disc brakes
- Optional ConMet PreSet Plus SC7 dressed drum wheel end package
- Optional Tire Pilot Plus tire inflation system
- Open-style C-rail slider sub-frame with a taller 10-inch rail and shorter hangers for strength and durability
- Hardened steel wear pads to reduce hanger wear
- 5-inch robust round axle
- Galvanization is standard
The suspension will be available in the fourth quarter.
More Equipment
Atlas Expands Kodiak Driverless Truck Fleet in Permian Basin
Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding autonomous frac sand hauling in the Permian Basin with a second load-out location and plans for 100 driverless trucks by mid-2027.
Read More →
Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test
A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.
Read More →
Mack, Volvo Expand DEF Derate Software Updates
The updated software gives Mack and Volvo truck owners more time to address DEF-related issues before the engine derates or the vehicle goes into reduced-speed inducement, following new EPA guidance.
Read More →
Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network
The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.
Read More →
Cummins Adjusts 2027 Engine Rollout After EPA Proposal
The engine maker will gradually introduce its new Model Year 2027 diesel engines while continuing to offer current models during the transition, citing the EPA's proposed emissions rule changes.
Read More →
Aurora Rolls Out Next Generation of Driverless Trucks for Commercial Freight
Aurora's latest autonomous trucks it's rolling out with International feature lower-cost hardware designed for a million miles as the company expands commercial driverless freight operations across the U.S. Sun Belt.
Read More →
Peterbilt 589 Spotlight: A Close Look at a Custom Working Truck [Video]
There's more to this customized Peterbilt Model 589 and Great Dane refrigerated trailer than chrome and stainless (although there's plenty of that too!) A veteran driver explains the design choices and practical features behind this working truck.
Read More →
Continental Expands Retread Lineup With New ContiTread HDL 5 EP
New long-haul drive retread is designed to improve fuel efficiency, extend tread life, and lower fleets' cost per mile.
Read More →
EPA Proposal Could Ease 2027 Truck Costs and Buying Uncertainty
The proposal doesn't change the tougher NOx standard, but it would revise key implementation requirements that manufacturers say have driven up costs and complicated fleet purchasing decisions.
Read More →
Cummins, Paccar Ease DEF Derates After EPA Guidance
Updated diesel engine software gives truck operators more time to address emissions-system issues while staying compliant with EPA emissions standards.
Read More →