Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems and Growler Manufacturing and Engineering recently received a contract award from the US Marine Corps Systems Command to upgrade the suspension system on the M870A2-S Medium Heavy Equipment Transporter (MHET) trailer.
Production is estimated to continue through Sept 19, 2024, the companies said.
The upgraded trailer suspension system provides a rugged, weight-efficient design that delivers enhanced suspension technology for the rigorous demands of military applications. Utilizing Hendrickson’s suspension experience in a variety of vehicle and trailer applications, each individual component is validated and packaged together to feature a robust structural design with optimized suspension geometry for exceptional mobility, carrying capacity and stability.
“Hendrickson and Growler have come together to provide the Marine Corps’ fleet with a complete equipment transporter suspension system encompassing the latest in technical innovation,” said Chris Batsch, director of the specialty vehicle and elastomer business units at Hendrickson Truck Commercial Vehicle Systems. “Hendrickson’s chassis integration experience, vehicle dynamics expertise, and history of off-road heavy-duty suspension design offer the Marine Corps M870A2-S trailer superior off-road mobility, load-carrying capacity and vehicle performance.
“Our depth of commercial truck and trailer products allowed us to provide a single source solution to Growler.”
Hendrickson is utilizing its Long Travel Trailing Arm suspension system equipped with the TRLAXLE axle assembly, TIREMAAX hubcaps and inner-axle system; TRAAX ROD longitudinal and transverse torque rods; and Hendrickson’s brake and wheel ends to meet the Marines’ specifications, Hendrickson said. These systems and components will be manufactured by seven Hendrickson facilities across the United States.
Paired with Growler’s integration and manufacturing, Hendrickson’s suspension system will fully support the US Marine Corps’ requirement for dependability, mobility and reduced cost of ownership. The equipment trailer will support mobility, off-road line-haul capability, and sustainment operations for the Marine Corps as they work in areas of the world with austere infrastructures and little or no host nation support.
“This contract is a great opportunity for Growler to support the USMC’s system upgrade, and Hendrickson’s suspension is pivotal in providing improved off-road transport capability,” said John Crews, president of Growler. “We are pleased to be supporting the USMC and look forward to a successful program.”
Visit hendrickson-intl.com or growlerme.com for more information.