Premium Emergency Vehicle Suspension

The Air Link® tandem drive axle suspension is a unique combination of air spring over walking beam technology. It delivers everything you demand in an emergency vehicle suspension — high roll stability, low maintenance and a smooth ride. The unique design also ensures maximum traction and load equalization. The distinctive Air Link® design provides optimum ride height and premium on or off highway performance.

Air Link’s walking beam provides improved traction and load equalization, key aspects for pumpers and aerial applications. Municipalities can distinctively see how an air ride suspension can attribute a clear reduction in costs associated with equipment wear, tire life, bushing life and reduce downtime when compared to a rubber block suspension. Fire fighters will always be action ready with the suspension fully functional even if air-loss occurs.

Air Link was first used in fire truck applications in 1999 to help remedy ladder breakage for major OEM fire apparatus trucks. Today, Air Link is available for most fire truck manufacturers with tandem drive configurations. Air Link is available in capacities ranging from 52,000 lbs to 85,000 lbs.

Features

  • Air Link - Ride Height Brackets

    Mounting Bracket System

    The mounting is flexible with engineered variants to be bolted to C-Channel frame rails or welded to box frame designs. For bolt on suspensions, the pattern and size of bolts can be adjusted to suit OEM grid patterns and preferred hardware.

  • Air Link - Walking Beams

    Rugged Walking Beams

    The rugged beam construction evenly distributes the load for maximum traction and maintained alignment. The walking beams are designed without bearings and seals for minimal maintenance and wear points.

  • Air Link - High Volume Air Springs

    High Volume Air Springs

    High volume air springs offer low natural frequency for optimum ride qualities. An internal rubber jounce stop supports the vehicle during airless operation and allows the truck to be mission capable as if it was a rubber block suspension.

  • Air Link - Dual Height Control Valves

    Dual Height Control Valves

    Dual height control valves maintain optimum vehicle ride height independent of load. Both control valves level the vehicle side-to-side. Each valve controls one side of the suspension to reduce lean with uneven cargo.

  • Air Link - Shock Absorbers

    Shock Absorbers

    Each set of shock absorbers are tuned for optimal ride characteristics, enabling the best ride possible, regardless of road conditions. Shock absorbers dampen the suspension over uneven terrain to enhance driver comfort.

  • Air Link - Polyurethane Bushing

    Low Maintenance Bushings

    Heavy duty bushings provide a longer service life and minimal maintenance. The bushings do not require grease. The bar pin end bushing shims allow for easy alignment.

  • Air Link - Axle Compatibility

    Axle Compatiability

    Compatible with most common drive axles including Dana, Meritor, and others. The suspension comes with a variety of axle connections including bar pin, through-pin, and alignment bushings.

  • Air Link - 100% Off-Highway Rating

    100% Off-Highway Rating

    Air Link suits a variety of fire and rescue applications. The unique combination of air over walking beam design delivers high stability and vertical stiffness to create a stable on or off-highway suspension.

  • Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association

    Member of FAMA

    Link is a certified member in good standing with the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association. We meet all the membership qualifications through 2020.

Testimonials

“The Air Link meets all our requirements for a suspension. We have realized significantly less long-term structural problems, and no jarring to the aerial equipment. The Air Link is rugged, dependable and a fast installation.” Drew Sutphen President of Sutphen Corporation
“We have delivered several aerial platforms with the Air Link rear suspension. The customers have been extremely happy with the ride quality of their new aerials. I have no doubt that the Air Link plays a large role in the smooth ride that our customers expect.” Andy Herb President of Herb Fire Equipment
“We installed Air Link on our aerial truck and could immediately tell there was a night and day improvement. The unit now has a smoother ride without sacrificing stability. Our drivers are overwhelmingly happy with the suspension and upgrade in ride quality.” Jeremy Leisenheimer Emergency Vehicle Technician
“The City of Syracuse, NY Department of Fire has used the Air Link suspension for decades and has benefited from its reliability and ease of service. The department responds to 22,000 calls annually and operates this suspension on its tower fleet.” Zack Smith Syracuse Fire Department

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