Flexair spring additions
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• Axle manufacturer Rubery Owen-Rockwell is to launch two air suspensions in the spring which will replace its current 9,000kg-plus Flexair 2 and 11,000kg-plus Flexair FLO41 models.
The Flexair 9000 and Flexair 11000 will be about 20kg and 30kg lighter respectively than the present de signs. This effectively increases the haulier's payload.
Other changes are a cast steel instead of fabricated spring seat, a lighter and stiffer U-bolt plate, pivot tracking and prevailing torque nuts.
RO-R says the new models will increase hanger bracket ground clearance, minimise roll steer effects, improve welding procedures and give better damping performance.
Although RO-R says the new models will be additions rather than replacements for the current range, it is likely that existing designs will be phased out. The new versions will not be more expensive, says marketing manager Derek Collis.
RO-R, which claims 70% of the UK axle market, sells 8,000 axle units here each year, of which almost three quarters are air suspended. However, it exports another 12,000 from its Wrexham factory to Europe.