SAF-Holland Brings Composite Springs to Trailer Suspensions

June 5, 2015
SAF-Holland has introduced a new choice for mechanical trailer suspensions—a slider that uses composite springs to produce ride quality comparable to that of an air ride, but with reduced weight and maintenance.

SAF-Holland has introduced a new choice for mechanical trailer suspensions—a slider that uses composite springs to produce ride quality comparable to that of an air ride, but with reduced weight and maintenance.

The company considers its new ULX40 UltraLite slider suspension system to be the lightest tandem slider suspension system available in the North American trailer market.  Compared to a steel spring system, the SAF composite spring is over 80 pounds lighter.  Additional weight savings are the result of fewer components.  The suspension has no shock absorbers, air springs, height-control valves, or dock-lock devices.   The ULX40 further trims tare weight through the use of a 5.75-inch diameter axle.  The axle is over 30 percent more rigid than the industry-standard 5-inch diameter axle, and it weighs 20-pounds less per tandem.

The ULX40 is a complete integrated slider suspension axle system with composite springs and a choice of drum or disc brakes. Capacity is rated at 40,000 pounds. The ULX40 is designed to provide longer life, lower maintenance, and lower operating costs.  It is targeted for van trailer applications.