Hendrickson announced Monday its STEERTEK NXT steer axles are now present on select Blue Bird Vision and All American school bus models as the platform for both SOFTEK and AIRTEK suspension systems.
In announcing the partnership, Hendrickson notes its proprietary design and manufacturing process has reduced the weight of STEERTEK NXT axles compared to previous generation steer axles. This latest innovation improves weight savings by an additional 25 lb., contributing to increased payload capacity and improved fuel efficiency.
“Partnering with Blue Bird to bring the newest advancements in STEERTEK NXT steer axles to the school bus market is an exciting step forward,” says Sean Whitfield, director of marketing at Hendrickson. “This innovation aligns with our ongoing mission to engineer lightweight, durable solutions that support our customers’ performance and efficiency goals. With this lighter-weight version of our proven STEERTEK NXT axle, we’re adding vehicle weight reduction to a product designed to enhance uptime with reduced maintenance needs and outstanding serviceability.”
The company adds other key kenefits of the STEERTEK NXT axle:
- Proudly assembled and fabricated in the USA
- Weight savings for improved efficiency and payload flexibility
- Extended recommended service intervals, helping to reduce downtime and maintenance frequency
- Two-piece knuckle designed for easier, cost-effective service
- Exceptional dependability backed by years of performance in commercial vehicle applications
- Superior warranty, offering peace of mind and long-term support
The introduction of the newest advancements into the Blue Bird lineup reinforces Hendrickson’s commitment to advancing the technology, reliability and efficiency of equipment for school transportation applications, the company says.
