Rubber suspension
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HENDRICKSON EUROPE of Cork in the Republic of Ireland is marketing a new single-axle rubber suspension available in kit form and designed for vehicles in the 16 ton gvw category.
The entire kit is of bolt-up construction and comprises twoaxle beams which are attached to chassis-mounted brackets through four rubber suspension pads. These are grouped at each end of the beams and stabilised by single acting hydraulic dampers. A torque rod is situated between the axle and the chassis to minimise excessive deflection.
Converting a vehicle to this type of suspension can be achieved in one working day as no welding of the axle or frame is necessary. The conversion falls in to the "notifiable alteration" category (GVT 10).
The main advantages of fitting this type of rubber suspension , are reduced maintenance and lower wheel box and platform height owing to considerably less deflection over its leaf spring equivalent.
Wider spring centres are said to produce corresponding improvements in handling and stability while frame overhang can be reduced in many cases, allowing specialised bodywork to befitted.
The kit, which weighs 260kg (5731b), costs £90 plus vat.