Dana trails axle deal
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• Dana has set up a new company to build heavy-duty axles for trailers and low loaders. The Spicer Drivetrain axle plant at Brierley Hill in the West Midlands produces the axles, which are marketed by Dana's Truckparts division.
The new range, which is suitable for all general trailer duties with single-wheel or twin-wheel fixings, offers capacities from 6.5 to 11 tonnes.
Depending upon specification, finished axles have an allup weight of 300-350kg.
The present design has deep pierced stub axles giving an interference fit with the tubular beam. When welded in position this provides a strengthened location for the brake bracket without adding weight. Various air brake sizes and capacities can be fitted, but generally 420x180 and 420 x 220 'S' cam units are used.
Large Timken taper roller bearings support the hubs, giving a life expectancy to match the predicted 15 to 20 years life of the trailer.
Wheel fixings for the standard range of axles conform to an industry standard of 335mm PCD, suitable for 20in wheels and above. A low loader axle, with a much reduced beam height, covers a similar range of capacities but with smaller 15, 16 and 17in wheels.
A growing number of drive heads and drive axles are also being produced at the plant for off-road vehicles. The plant plans to increase its range of axles to meet all trailer and specialist vehicle requirements.