Mack Trucks says its new Twin Y air suspension is the industry’s first to use a Y-shaped high-strength steel design. Offered with proprietary Mack axles, it’s said to deliver what the company calls “unmatched comfort, handling and fuel efficiency for highway customers desiring a smoother, more stable ride.”

The Twin Y is up to 400 lb lighter than other air suspensions, Mack says.

The company has also announced the availability of its proprietary axles on the Mack mRide spring suspension for vocational customers needing greater articulation.

The Twin Y, field-tested for more than three million miles, is available on Pinnacle axle-back and axle-forward models, featuring Mack S38 and S40 series axles with C125/126 and C150/151 carriers.

The design of the Mack Twin Y air suspension includes two stamped high-strength-steel Y-shaped blades per wheel end. The Twin Y blades are joined to the axle with both upper and lower axle seats, which greatly reduces suspension windup and significantly improves tire traction and braking control, says Mack.

The axle seats are clamped to the axle housing by Huck U-bolts on both sides and never need to be re-torqued.

Bushings in the upper and lower axle seats are said to offer greater roll control and deliver easier handling and a more comfortable ride. Lighter weight and non-torque reactive, the Twin Y requires less maintenance and extends tire and component life, according to Mack.

The Twin Y’s design means the load on the suspension is entirely on the air ride and not on the pivot bushing.

The Mack mRide spring suspension, paired with the Mack C150/151 series axle carriers, is available on the Mack Granite, Titan, Pinnacle axle-forward, and TerraPro models.

The use of spring leafs over four separate rubber block packs offer stability and articulation, while also allowing clearance for the larger tires and brake components required in construction and vocational applications.

The parallel pinion angles of the Mack axles are said to extend the driveline joint life. Coupled with the greaseless mRide suspension, both maintenance and alignment are easier and less expensive.

Both suspensions were on display at the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., March 21-23.