| | | KALAMAZOO, Mich… Dana Corporation ’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group is demonstrating a conceptual drive axle system on its popular Dana Technology Truck to garner important industry feedback on a configuration that provides maximum fuel economy for the fleet user. With a multitude of new efficiency improvements and weight-saving design features, the drive axle system consists of the new Dana® Spicer® S21-170DE high entry single drive axle and Dana Spicer R21BS reconfigurable tag axle.
The Dana Technology vehicle was available for test drives and hands-on review by industry media at a recent Roadranger press event at the Eaton Proving Grounds in Marshall, Mich. The truck is also fitted with a prototype Fuller® UltraShift® fully-automated transmission with an experimental fuel-saving calibration in the software.
“This is another example of how Dana and Eaton work together to develop engineered solutions that address current and future trucking industry needs,” said Leo Wenstrup, senior product manager for drive axle systems for Dana. “Fuel efficiency will be an issue in our industry well into the future, and Dana and Eaton will continue to deliver engineered solutions to the market that address these customer needs.”
Wenstrup added that the 6X2 drive and tag combination eliminates the extra weight and complexity associated with a traditional 6X4 tandem and generates more than a 200-pound installed weight savings when compared to a traditional 40,000-pound tandem. “The use of high efficiency, wide-based single tires, as installed on the technology truck, can save another 400 pounds over the standard dual tire arrangement. This, along with significant reductions in rolling resistance, further improves fuel economy,” said Wenstrup.
“To address the issue of traction deficiency historically associated with 6X2 vehicles, the air bags of the tag axle are exhausted when the differential lock is engaged. This temporarily shifts all the weight to the driven axle at low speed, which gives the same traction as a traditional tandem axle,” Wenstrup added.
The single-axle design requires 14 fewer pints of lubrication, providing additional weight and maintenance savings, and efficiency improvements are achieved by eliminating energy losses associated with inter-axle drivelines and rear axle assemblies. Eliminating the inter-axle driveline also reduces maintenance concerns and avoids damaging driveline-related vibrations.
Focusing again on future industry needs, Wenstrup noted that Dana plans to offer a kit to convert Dana’s unique 6X2 configuration to a conventional tandem axle to increase vehicle resale value and offer flexibility for a variety of second-owner vehicle applications. At time of resale, the selling dealer would order a conversion kit from Dana. The kit would contain all the necessary parts to convert the vehicle from a 6X2 to a 6X4 configuration for the new owner. This complements the planning for a convertible transmission package that Eaton may offer to transform the Fuller 13-speed from a fuel economy calibration to a high-performance automated transmission.
“Dana has a patent pending on this configuration that results in a Dana Spicer Super 40® D40-170” said Wenstrup. “This tandem is targeted to the premium owner operator market or other vocations. The price of the conversion kit would be less than the increase in market value between a 6X2 and 6X4 tractor with a Super 40 tandem. We expect this conversion to effectively address resale issues that have often affected the appeal of a lighter-weight and more fuel-efficient 6X2 system. We see this as a perfect match with Eaton’s new line of UltraShift high-performance and fuel economy automated transmissions.”
For more information on Dana Spicer axles and other Roadranger products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. To reach a Roadranger right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.
The Roadranger® Solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain, chassis, and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation, all backed by the Roadrangers – the most experienced, most expert, and most accessible drivetrain consultants in the business.
Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group, part of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group, designs, manufacturers, and markets front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering shafts; suspensions; and related systems, modules, and services for the commercial vehicle market. Major components and modules are marketed under the Spicer® brand name.
Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicles. Delivering on a century of innovation, the company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide dedicated to advancing the science of mobility. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operated technology, manufacturing, and customer-service facilities in 30 countries. Sales from continuing operations totaled $7.9 billion in 2003.
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