New Axle Series From Spicer® Off-Highway Systems Offers Multiple Platform Possibilities for Global Forestry Markets

Richmond, VA -- Jun 02, 2004 -- Dana Corporation’s (NYSE: DCN) Off-Highway Systems has introduced the patented Spicer® Hercules 37R and 43R axles for forestry and other heavy duty off-road applications.  Their rigid three-piece load supporting design with differential carrier, housing arm, and planetary wheel-end enables multiple platform possibilities for forestry applications. 

“The Hercules axle structure uses extra-high capacity wheel end bearings and heavy section modular structural components to allow for a wider range of vehicle weights, tracks, tires, and chain combinations,” says Greg Dewald, chief engineer, advanced products, Off-Highway Systems – N.A.  Dual tires and extra wide flotation tires are approved for most vehicle configurations.

Axle Models 37R116 and 43R175 were designed especially for skidders and feller bunchers.  Inboard multi-disc brakes take advantage of oil-sump cooling within the differential and housing arm areas for optimum braking performance and durability.  The outboard 6.00 ratio planetary reduction system employs field-proven, high efficiency gearing and bearing designs for long life and cool operating temperatures.  Free floating sun gear, internal gear, and axle shaft components optimize contact ratio and load sharing for reduced stress.  Mechanical face seals are used for extreme sealing integrity in swampy environments.

The Spicer® Hydraloc differential design features extra-high capacity spiral bevel gearing to provide smooth performance and long life for the forestry duty cycles.  The Hydraloc “lock-on fly” differential delivers free to mild torque bias while unlocked for excellent vehicle steering and maneuverability.  When locked at the touch of a button, it provides up to 100 percent locking capacity per wheel for use in extremely poor traction environments. 

“Spicer® Hydraloc offers up to 50 percent increased capacity over other designs for the best traction control yet in the forestry market,” said Dewald.  Spicer® Posi-Torq II limited slip differentials with 45 percent locking capacity are also available as an option for less severe traction requirements.

spDesigned for proven performance and long life in the forestry environment, the Hercules axles are the ideal partner to Dana’s S32000 and S33000 six-speed transmissions, though they also pair well with other models.  

Dana also offers a full line of Spicer, Spicer GWB, and Spicer Italcardano driveshafts with standard torque capacities ranging from 400 to 1,750,000 Nm, and lubrication packages ranging from extended to permanently lubricated.  These products provide for complete drivetrain systems capability in the forestry vehicle market.

Off-Highway Systems Overview

Off-Highway Systems is part of Dana Corporation’s Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group. Off-Highway Systems is composed of division facilities and research and development operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The group designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets axles and transaxles; driveshafts and end-fittings; transmissions; torque converters; electronic controls; and brakes. Off-Highway Systems also provides replacement parts and service.

Off-Highway Systems serves 30 countries and more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities. In addition, through Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Service, it has two global distribution centers and more than 30 authorized service center organizations in 50 nations serving more than 100 countries. Construction, agriculture, specialty chassis, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power, leisure/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment are just some of the markets that demand the quality found in Spicer’s off-highway systems and products.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. The company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide and reported sales of $7.9 billion in 2003.  Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries.

  For more information, please visit www.dana.com/offhighway.