Mack raises the bar with suspensions featuring proprietary MACK axles

Mack Trucks launched its breakthrough MACK Twin Y Air Suspension, the trucking industry’s first suspension to utilize an innovative Y-shaped high-strength steel design.

Offered with proprietary MACK axles, the Mack Twin Y Air Suspension delivers unmatched comfort, handling and fuel efficiency for highway customers desiring a smoother, more stable ride. The Twin Y is up to 400 pounds lighter than other air suspensions, offering a significantly lighter weight option for customers.
Mack also announced today the availability of Mack proprietary axles on its MACK mRIDE spring suspension, ideal for vocational customers demanding a durable, stable ride with greater articulation.

“The Mack Twin Y and Mack mRIDE are designed specifically for what customers have told us they need to be successful,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “Both of these suspensions benefit from our Mack proprietary axles, which provide even greater stability and fuel efficiency.”

Design of Mack Twin Y key to improved control, stability
Customer field tested for more than three million miles and available on the MACK Pinnacle Axle Back and Axle Forward models, the MACK Twin Y features MACK S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126 and C150/151 carriers.

The design of the Mack Twin Y air suspension includes two stamped high-strength steel Y-shaped blades per wheel end. The Twin Y blades are joined to the axle with both upper and lower axle seats, which greatly reduces suspension windup and significantly improves tire traction and braking control.
The axle seats are clamped to the axle housing by Huck U-bolts on both sides and never need to be re-torqued.

Bushings in the upper and lower axle seats offer greater roll control and deliver easier handling and a more comfortable ride. Lighter weight and non-torque reactive, the Twin Y requires less maintenance and extends tire and component life, significantly improving customer ROI.

The Twin Y’s design means the load on the suspension is entirely on the air ride and not on the pivot bushing.

“The industry has never before seen an air suspension system engineered like the Mack Twin Y,” said Jerry Warmkessel, Mack marketing product manager for on-highway. “Offered with Mack axles for even greater fuel efficiency, the Twin Y air suspension sets the bar for the industry. Our customers demand a good ride at a competitive cost and lower weight. We’re offering all of that and more with the Mack Twin Y.”

Mack mRIDE for the tough, vocational applications
The Mack mRIDE spring suspension, paired with the Mack C150/151 series axle carriers, delivers superior performance for vocational applications and is available on the MACK Granite, Titan by MACK, Mack Pinnacle Axle Forward and the MACK TerraPro model trucks.

The use of spring leafs over four separate rubber block packs offer stability and articulation, while also allowing the needed clearance for larger tires and brake components required in construction and vocational applications.

In addition to being lighter than other spring suspensions, the mRIDE delivers a smoother ride, improved stability and greater ground clearance over difficult terrain. The Mack mRIDE provides constant ground contact for all wheels over its articulation range, which in turn maximizes traction on any jobsite.

The parallel pinion angles of the Mack axles extend the driveline joint life. Coupled with the greaseless mRIDE suspension, the offering boasts easier maintenance and is easier to align, contributing to reduced customer maintenance costs.

“The completely integrated drivetrain offered by a Mack MP engine, Mack transmission, Mack axles and now the Mack mRIDE suspension creates superior performance, stability and handling,” said Curtis Dorwart, Mack vocational marketing product manager. “Mack vocational customers can count on mRIDE-equipped trucks to absorb more of the rough work on jobsites, keeping drivers more comfortable and productive.”

For more information on the Mack Twin Y Air Suspension and Mack mRIDE, please visit Mack booth no. 30245 during the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. March 21-23.