It’s logical to equate an auxiliary axle with more payload. But a lift axle that’s heavy, bulky, or interferes with a driveline may be more trouble than it’s worth.

Hendrickson Auxiliary Axle Systems’s new COMPOSILITE FX is a 13,500-pound capacity, fixed-position lift axle for trucks and trailers that weighs less than 850 pounds, trimming more than 300 pounds from previous Hendrickson models.

The in-line air springs provide a compact package, measuring 23.5 inches from the front edge of the hanger to the centreline of the axle. It delivers axle travel of 13.5 inches with a 10-inch lift. Aluminum beams reduce weight, and the zero torsion bushings spin freely to eliminate bushing windup. This provides more consistent down force and reduced lift force resistance; therefore, only one half the amount of force is required to operate the lift axle.

The suspension components of the fixed axle version are virtually identical to its steerable COMPOSILITE models, so you can use a combination of these two products to standardize lift axle brake components, air springs, and mounting features. Call 1-800/660-2829 or see www.hendrickson-intl.com for details.