Tata AutoComp Hendrickson Suspensions' ULTIMAAXTM, the ultimate choice for tippers

The ULTIMAAXTM suspension that Tata Motors launched at EXCON 2017 in its heavyduty tipper has resulted in many a happy customer. This gratification factor, be it in higher returns, minimum maintenance and zero suspension failure, has been the result of untiring hard work of the teams from Tata AutoComp Hendrickson Suspensions (THSL) for more than three and a half years to thoroughly validate and get the product market-ready. Rajesh Rajgor visited a few fleet owners in Pune to obtain first-hand feedback on the product and its impact on their business

- Rajesh Rajgor

One of the most critical vehicles that help drive the infrastructure industry is the tipper. It is critical for two basic reasons: a) different loading requirements and b) multiapplication usage. It is observed that OEMs may have designed the tipper for a particular use and the operator may be using it a little too harshly in the absence of adequate application knowledge. In that sense, this brings on further challenges, right from working out the right configuration for the drive axle suspension to providing accurate articulation that doesn’t compromise on torque.

Hence, when THSL utilised its extensive knowledge of local operations, it zeroed down on bringing the ULTIMAAXTM suspension, a proven product in the US and China. Based on the feedback from tipper operators using traditional as well as bogie suspensions, the team zeroed in on a product that provides outstanding stability, driver comfort and equipment protection since the existing suspension needs to have a greater number of leaves and an antiroll bar, as per the Indian road conditions. These additions not only increase the weight of the existing rear suspension but also increase its stiffness. The higher stiffness in suspension in turn increases vehicle vibration during unloaded running.

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