BPW lightweight suspensior reduces axle weight by 251(1
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• by Kevin Swallow German axle and suspension manufacturer BPW has developed a lightweight air suspension system that cuts the weight of a single axle by 25kg.
With the Airlight II fitted as part of atypical triaxle BPW rig the overall weight is cut by 75kg to 410kg. The weight saving results from narrower trailing arms, a redesiged hanger and a new clamped axle connection.
The Airlight II will be available in the UK when full-scale production starts next April in Wiehl, Germany.
It will initially be produced for the nine-tonne axle with single tyres—BPW says this combination covers 80% of the trailer market. Variations in the pipeline include a 10-tonne version.
Four bolts clamp the air suspension
system to the axle so any damaged parts can be repaired individually, rather than having to replace the entire axle as With air suspension units which are welded on.