MATS Report: Tuthill introduces on-/off-highway steerable drive axle

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tuthill Drive Systems has unveiled a new steerable hydraulic drive axle for trucks that operate both on- and off-highway.

The EZ Trac front wheel drive system was introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Tuthill officials says the axle can be retrofitted to existing vehicles or added on new equipment. It was designed to simplify installation (it can be installed in one-third of the time usually required for mechanical axle installations) while offering improved payload.

The company said formerly, truck height had to be raised to accommodate the add-on, which raised the center of gravity of the vehicle. Previous options were also heavy, which lessened payload capabilities.

The EZ Trac, however, is designed so it can be installed without increasing the truck’s ride height while also maintaining existing steering angles and suspension. Tuthill officials claimed the EZ Trac also offers improved handling by controlling the amount of power that is brought to the front wheels compared to mechanical axles that control power to the whole truck.

A cab-mounted switch allows the driver to engage or disengage the system “on the go,” allowing on-highway vehicles to go off-road at the flick of a switch. Tuthill will be marketing its new EZ Trac to Class 6-8 heavy-duty operators in applications including: utility; construction; mining; logging; excavating; and agricultural. For more information, visit www.tuthill.com.

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