ROR on line with new axles by Bryan Jarvis •
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ROR-Rockwell has launched two trailer axles and it is working on axles with disc brakes and steering.
Production has already begun on disc brakes for twin and wide-single eightstud 19.3in wheels; by September they will be joined by 10-stud versions for 22.5in-wheel trailer axles.
The LM (low maintenance) 9.0-tonne axle for use with 22.5in wheels is lighter than previous models but requires less maintenance and has a fiveyear/500,000km warranties.
In May the LMC axle with its optional cartridgetype, sealed-for-life hub and bearing assembly will be offered with a sevenyear/million-km warranty.
The LM and LMC drumbraked axles get 20% thicker linings for increased service life but their 30mm SG iron hubs are much slimmer than before.
A two-piece cam roller gives twice the normal bearing area; this is said to cut friction and improve durability. The bearing areas are sealed with quadrings for bet ter lubricant retention. Improved tolerances on the anchor pins and bushes give superior brake shoe location and should extend bush life.
The cam head bearing is made from hardened steel with fun spherical mounting and is securely positioned to prevent rotation with the shaft. Access to the camshaft bearing is made easier by the Cshaped back plate with a removable section.
LM versions for 19.5in wheels and tyres using wide-singles are under development, along with aluminium hubs and heavyduty 10/12-tonne axles for heavy haulage applications.
ROR says the two new axles are nearly 300kg lighter than the models they replace.
ROR Rockwell has also developed steering axles: early examples are expected by June. Initially they will be self-steer, but command-steer axles using primarily hydraulic systems should complete ROR's line-up by September.