Next-Gen Suspension From Tata Hendrickson

The Ultimaax and Haulmaax suspension systems Tata Hendrickson has introduced, promise superior safety, efficiency and productivity.

- Anirudh Raheja

Hendrickson introduced walking-beam tandem truck suspension in 1926. It improved traction and greatly reduced the effects of bumps and potholes. Almost 96 years after the walking beam suspension was introduced, the company’s joint venture in India – Tata Autocomp Hendrickson Suspensions (THSL) – has launched new suspension systems that have the walking beam concept as the basis. Promising to elevate efficiency, productivity and safety of commercial vehicles, the suspension systems are called as Haulmaax and Ultimaax. The Ultimaax suspension employs the walking (equalizing) beam concept with patented progressive rate spring, and has found its way into the new Tata Prima 2525.K tipper with a with a 16 cu. m. body. The truck, aimed at construction and light mining segments, on the basis of Ultimaax as its rear suspension, promises a drastic fall in maintenance needs and costs. Claimed to be robust enough to withstand arduous working conditions, Ultimaax, in empty or lightload condition, has the shear springs carry a majority of vertical load. This results in a constant low spring rate and superior ride.