LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Weight-conscious owner/operators and fleets will now be able to spec’ a lightweight, economical brake drum introduced by ConMet at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

The CastLite is a specially-designed brake drum made from premium gray iron and designed in a unique, computer-optimized shape. ConMet says it boasts a 15 per cent weight savings over standard cast brake drums yet does not come at a premium cost to customers.

“Over the life of a vehicle, the savings can really add up,” says Rob Edstrom, vice-president of sales and marketing with ConMet. “It will soon be the lightweight drum favorite for truckers wanting to save money.”

Edstrom says the weight savings were achieved by modifying the design of the drum, and a total of 13 pounds was shaved from the weight of a traditional 16.5″ x 7″ rear full-cast brake drum.

“As with a diet, you have to take a little out here and a little out there,” he says, adding the performance of the drum remains unaffected.

While the biggest advantage of the new drum is the weight reduction, ConMet says there are significant performance improvements as well. An increased surface area on the drum offers improved cooling and greater braking capability, Edstrom says. The new lightweight drum is available immediately.

ConMet has also expanded its wheel hub lineup with the addition of the PreSet Ductile Iron Trailer Hub.

The company says the new product combines increased strength, simpler maintenance requirements and an overall longer life while extending service intervals to up to 500,000 miles.

The PreSet hub uses a pacer to set the bearing clearance and features long-life seals. Each component is precisely machined and the optimum bearing setting is guaranteed and retained for the serviceable life of the entire hub assembly, says Rob Edstrom.

“The benefits of low maintenance and extended life are always desirable,” Edstrom said at the product launch at the Mid-America Trucking Show. He adds the new PreSet trailer hub offers “Superior productivity leading to more profitable trailer operations.”