Featuring an advanced, robust design that reduces weight by up to 150 pounds, the new PACCAR 40,000 pound tandem drive axle will be standard for Peterbilt’s Model 579 spec’d for line-haul applications, Peterbilt Motors Company announced during the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas.

“The PACCAR rear axle brings performance, efficiency and durability to unprecedented levels, making it a perfect match for Peterbilt Model 579s powered by PACCAR MX engines,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “It is a perfect combination for our line-haul customers that will help them reduce operating costs through improved fuel efficiency, greater uptime and more payload.”

Siver added the PACCAR axle is optimized for use with the PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 engines.

The PACCAR axle is rated at 40,000 pounds and has a gross combination weight of 80,000 pounds, making it ideal for line-haul, regional haul and pick-up and delivery applications. It is the lightest-weight axle in its class, saving up to 150 pounds.

The PACCAR axle is available in ratios from 2.47 to 3.70 and can be used with straight torque engines up to 1,650 ft.-lb. and multi-torque engines up to 1,750 ft.-lb.

Its innovative design optimizes power distribution and has fewer parts for reduced maintenance and greater reliability. Key components are laser welded rather than bolted for greater robustness and precision construction. It features a unique through-shaft design that optimizes power flow in the forward rear axle for maximum efficiency and minimum oil churning losses.

The PACCAR axle is standard with an industry-leading warranty of five years or 750,000 miles. Beginning in 2017, it will be standard with Model 579s equipped with a PACCAR MX engine and spec’d for line-haul use. Peterbilt will make the PACCAR axle available on other heavy-duty models throughout next year.

“PACCAR and Peterbilt are industry leaders in the development and production of innovative, technologically advanced trucking solutions,” Siver said. “The PACCAR axle follows in this tradition of groundbreaking products such as the PACCAR MX engine lineup and Peterbilt’s newest Class 8 trucks, the Models 579 and 567.”

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