LOUISVILLE, Ky. — ArvinMeritor says its new global hub reduction axle family of single and tandem rear axles are ideal for heavy haul and construction, refuse, logging, concrete, mining vocational markets.

The axles — available in North America in early summer 2007 — offer a wide ratio range to meet the needs of most on-off-highway applications, as well as a host of suspension adaptations and brake offerings, according to the company.

“We continue to expand and upgrade our portfolio of products to meet the ever-changing market requirements,” said Larry Dowers, general manager of product strategy. “This new global family of hub-reduction axles offers ratios ranging from a fast 3.61:1 to 7.21:1 to meet the higher road speed requirements that our OE and vocational customers have demanded.”

Key features of the new fully-dressed axle assembly, include:

— Fabricated housing for a lightweight, high-capacity design in both single and tandem configurations and can support a variety of suspension requirements.

— Weight savings of up to 600 lbs depending on model selection, as well as streamlined carrier design for increased ground clearance and improved mobility.

— Four-planet wheel-end hub-reduction gearing for higher capacity ratings. The single axle is rated at 26,000-35,000 lbs. GAWR, and the tandem is rated at 52,000-70,000 lbs. GAWR.

— Needle-bearing design throughout the interaxle differential, which provides spinout protection and eliminates the need for a lube pump.

— Driver-Controlled Differential Locks (DCDLs), standard in both the forward and rear axle for increased traction when needed.

— And optimized driveline angles to reduce harsh driveline angle vibrations for longer axle life.