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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.

Deborah Lockridge
Deborah LockridgeEditor and Associate Publisher
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March 19, 2026
Diagram of trailer tandem slider suspension

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.

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“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.

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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.

ULX40 subframe

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.


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