Tuthill Drive Systems offers the first commercially available steerable hydraulic drive axle for trucks that require both on- and off-highway capabilities. Called the EZ Trac, it can be retrofitted as well as installed on new equipment.

Until now, such vehicles suffered from multiple limitations, says Tuthill. The vehicle height had to be raised to accommodate the add-on, raising the center of gravity. Truck frame clearance was also a problem and installation was time-intensive and thus costly. The weight of the components themselves also compromised payload.

EZ Trac’s installation doesn’t alter the truck’s ride height and maintains existing steering angles and suspension. Installation takes approximately one-third of the time required for mechanical axles to be installed, Tuthill claims.

By controlling the amount of power that’s sent to the front wheels, handling is said to be better compared to mechanical axles that control power to the whole truck. And, unlike many mechanical systems that require stopping the vehicle before engaging or disengaging, the EZ Trac can be engaged and disengaged on the fly with the use of an in-cab switch.

The target markets for EZ Trac include class 6, 7 and 8 vehicles that are utilized for on- and off-highway applications, such as utility, construction, mining, logging, excavating, agriculture, and traditional fleet vehicles. The axle can also help vehicles that face challenging weather and road conditions or steep terrain.