KIRKLAND, Wash.– Kenworth announced today it is offering the Meritor Front Steer non-drive axle family rated from 12,000 to 14,600 pounds in standard and wide track options for selected Class 8 trucks and the Class 7 Kenworth T370.

The axles are fully compatible with both disc and drum brakes and are available in most applications including linehaul, pickup and logging and mining.

Meritor claims the axles offer up to a 55-degree turn angle for better maneuverability and vehicle stability.

“Meritor’s Front Steer non-drive axles provide a great wheel cut for added maneuverability and are designed for long-life with minimal maintenance required,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “It’s a nice addition to the Kenworth product offering that will benefit our customers.”

In addition, Kenworth also announced that it has added a new remote, keyless entry system as an option for the Kenworth T680 and T880.

“Our customers said they wanted a simple, secure and affordable keyless entry system and this remote system delivers that and more,” said Swihart. “This is a straightforward system that remotely locks and unlocks your truck doors and helps keeps your truck secure.”

The keyless entry uses a single click to unlock the driver’s side door, and a double-click to opens both cab doors. There is also a lock button that will lock both cab doors when pressed. In addition, the key fob has a third button that allows operators to enable and disable the pre-trip light check without entering the cab.

The keyless entry system can be retrofitted on existing T680 and T880 vehicles.