The STEERTEK NXT Front Axle and Suspension System is optimized to provide maximum performance and riding capability.  Hendrickson, an industry leader in manufacturing suspension systems, has launched the STEERTEK NXT system on the following KME custom chassis: pumper, tankers, rescue, and aerial. This suspension system combines an innovative spring clamp and a fabricated box-shaped axle to allow for an increase in performance, and reduction in weight. The customization also maximizes ride comfort, adds durability, increases maneuverability, and reduces maintenance.

Add the STEERTEK option to your KME fire apparatus for a better turning radius, longer service life, and an improvement on roll stability. The only limits to be aware of when adding this include:

• May not be available on trucks, like aerial ladders, that have a travel height limit due to the STEERTEK’s 2” increase to the travel height of the cab.
• Incompatible with truck’s that have a front driving axle
• Incompatible with cabs that measure 60” or less from the front axle to back of the cab.

To provide optimized comfort, the custom-tuned STEERTEK  NXT is manufactured with parabolic leaf springs which help to produce maximized handling. This system also provides a progressive rate bump stop, which enables units to handle high dynamic loads without the harshness of impact.

With a 45-degree wheel cut and 10% improvement in turning ability, the STEERTEK NXT achieves a tighter turning radius and an overall increase in maneuverability. Providing more than 7ft extra clearance in one full turn, turning curb to curb is 56.5 feet.

The STEERTEK NXT system makes service simple because there is no need to worry about constant maintenance. The one-piece knuckle design eliminates the need to remove the kingpin to service the bushings. There are also no U-bolts to retighten, which reduces maintenance by a significant amount.  

KME STEERTEK NXT utilizes an innovative spring clamp and a fabricated box-shaped axle beam allowing for a reduction in weight and an increase in performance and durability. The front axle, supporting up to 24,000 lbs., consists of a continuous beam architecture to minimize stress points and a fabricated cross-section with a 100 ksi plate.