Meritor Inc.
has introduced two new rear tandem axle ratios to meet the commercial vehicle
industry’s demands for increased fuel efficiency.
Meritor’s 14X tandem drive axles with a 2.79 ratio will be available
for production in June, and a 2.85 ratio will be ready later this summer. When
used in combination with the Cummins and Eaton
SmartAdvantage Powertrain, the new axle ratios will improve fuel efficiency for
line haul applications through “downspeeding,” a process that maintains vehicle
speed at lower engine rpms, as stated by the company in the press release.
Ken Hogan, GM,
Axles, North America for Meritor said to the media, “With these new axle
ratios, drivers will experience a fuel-economy ‘sweet spot’ at road speeds of
62 to 65 mph (100 to 105 kmph approx.), we’ve optimised this
engine-transmission-axle combination to deliver uncompromising performance and
efficiency. The new axle ratios specifically target the needs of fuel
efficiency-minded customers and are another example of how we are continually
creating and updating our offerings to better-serve the industry.”
To maximise
fuel economy and vehicle performance, fleets should consider the entire
drivetrain, including engine parameters, transmission and rear-axle gearing and
tire sizes, according to Hogan. He suggests fleets consult their OEMs, local
engine distributors or Meritor representative to review exact vehicle and
application needs.
Source: Meritor / photograph for representation purpose
only, courtesy Meritor