The Mack Twin Y Air Suspension, the trucking industry's first suspension to utilize an innovative Y-shaped high-strength steel design, is a finalist for the 2013 Swedish Steel Prize.
The Swedish Steel Prize is awarded annually by SSAB, the global leader in high-strength steel, to recognize the most innovative design utilizing high-strength steel. Mack Trucks is one of four finalists for this year's prize, which will be awarded during a Nov. 20 ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden.
"We're proud to be one of the finalists for the 2013 Swedish Steel Prize," said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. "The Mack Twin Y is truly a game-changer for the industry. The design enables customers to have a smooth, stable ride offered in a lighter weight suspension, resulting in fuel efficiency benefits and a cost savings for our customers."
Introduced in January 2013, the Twin Y is offered on the Mack Pinnacle Axle Back and Axle Forward models and features proprietary Mack S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126 and C150/151 carriers. The Twin Y is up to 400 pounds lighter than other air suspensions.
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 virtually 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, delivering unmatched comfort, handling and fuel efficiency for highway customers.
