Accuride Introduces New Sizes of Gunite Optimum Lightweight Drums
EVANSVILLE, Ind.--Accuride Corporation (OTCBB:Â ACUZ) today announced that in support of the revised stopping distance regulations for standard three-axle tractors, it is introducing two new sizes of its Gunite Optimum Lightweight Drum (GOLDTM). The new regulations will go into effect August 1, 2011.
“Adding the new GOLD drums for the larger high performance drum brake systems that will be coming out in August 2011, can save fleets an additional 76 pounds over full cast drums, offsetting weight penalties of the larger front and rear brakes.”
“The new 16.5 x 8 inch (9020X) and 16.5 x 8 5/8 inch (9019X) GOLD drum sizes complement Gunite’s existing 16.5 x 5 inch steer axle GOLD brake drum (9002X),�?? said Tony Pape, Accuride’s Vice President of Marketing. “Adding the new GOLD drums for the larger high performance drum brake systems that will be coming out in August 2011, can save fleets an additional 76 pounds over full cast drums, offsetting weight penalties of the larger front and rear brakes.�??
GOLD brake drums are designed to be an optimum balance between durability and thermal capability, providing the performance of Gunite’s standard full-cast drums, yet saving as much as 170 pounds versus standard full-cast drums on a typical tractor/trailer combination.
“During two years of GOLD drum field-testing on standard 15 x 4 inch steer axle brakes and 16.5 x 7 inch drive and trailer axle brakes, fleets reported longer drum life without increased lining wear,�?? added Pape. “Collectively, drum life expectancy was reported to increase in front (steer) axle applications by 50-75 percent, rear (drive) axle applications by 20-50 percent, and trailer axle applications by 20-40 percent. Gunite field-testing is also showing that GOLD brake drums are effective in reducing brake drum ‘squeal’ versus lightweight steel shell composite brake drums.�??
GOLDTM drums are a key component in Accuride’s Lightweight Wheel-end offering consisting of Accuride aluminum wheels, the lightest weight industry standard steel wheel, Gunite GOLDTM drum, Gunite Tru-Set® optimized ductile hub, and the Gunite automatic slack adjuster.
“Standard three-axle tractor�?? refers to typical three-axle tractors that have a steer axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) less than or equal to 14,600 pounds and a combined drive axle GAWR less than or equal to 45,000 pounds, for a total Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) equal to or less than 59,600 pounds.
Accuride Corporation is one of the largest and most diversified manufacturers and suppliers of commercial vehicle components in North America. Accuride’s products include commercial vehicle wheels, wheel-end components and assemblies, truck body and chassis parts, seating assemblies and other commercial vehicle components. Accuride’s products are marketed under its brand names, which include Accuride, Gunite, Imperial, Bostrom, Fabco, Brillion, and Highway Original. For more information, visit Accuride’s website at http://www.accuridecorp.com.