Link® Manufacturing, Ltd. announced at the Mid America Trucking Show that they have agreed to a multi-year manufacturing agreement for the new Volvo 6×2 program. The selection of Link® came after a year-long process in which Link® and Volvo® collaborated in the product engineering. The Link pusher will be marketed in the US, Canada and Mexico through both the Volvo® and Mack® brands.

The unique lift axle configuration features Link’s robust 20K DuraMax axle with a modified 9” drop center. Other features of the Link axle include patented adjustable mounting brackets, compact frame mounting, unique air bag locations to ensure rapid axle deployment and its open designed lift spring, greatly reducing road debris entrapment. The system is configured within Volvo’s fuel-efficient Adaptive Loading package on its XE Series. The same axle configuration will also be available on the Mack Load Logic as part of the Super Econodyne powertrain package.

The Volvo field-testing was conducted utilizing selected fleets ensuring multiple on-road driving applications in all weather conditions. During this trial program, the Link® 6×2 showed increased fuel efficiencies of 3-5% over 6×4 configurations, and extended tire life when compared to 6×2 tag configurations. Volvo® will be the first truck OEM to offer the 6×2 in the pusher position for the US market.

“The opportunity to partner on this project with an innovative global leader like Volvo is a significant milestone for Link” said Michael Hof, Director of Sales and Marketing for Link. “Link prides itself on high quality engineering and world-class manufacturing, but this project has challenged us to be even better. From improved efficiencies to higher environmental standards, we were able to meet the elevated expectations of Volvo.”

For more information, visit www.linkmfg.com.

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