Meritor showed off a new lightweight aluminum carrier option for its 14X tandem axle at the Mid America Trucking Show. Already claimed to be the lightest axle in its class, the 14X with this saves about 100 lb compared to a standard cast-iron carrier as a tandem. The carrier will be available on the 14X in a wide range of ratios including the very fast 2.47, and it’s compatible with the DualTrac configuration that accommodates wide-based single tires. The aluminum carrier option on the 14X won’t be available for production until 2012. It was shown on a lightweight configuration of the Freightliner Cascadia in Louisville.
 
The Meritor 14X is an evolutionary axle system built on the legacy of the RT145. Features include a more robust inter-axle differential to handle today’s higher-torque engines; premium amboid design as standard equipment for all end-users; and what’s claimed to be the industry’s most complete range of axle ratios – from 2.47 to 7.17.

Meritor has also launched a redesigned online search engine for Literature on Demand, which allows customers easy access to the latest product sales brochures, technical bulletins, maintenance manuals and training information. It’s accessible through the online Customer Center. Search results for all search types provide the publication number, title/description, publication type, language options, free PDF downloads, and an option to order printed literature.