The state of the art AL-KO Independent Rubber Suspension (IRS) Axle represents the benchmark in fully independent trailer suspension. Featuring AL-KO's unique hexagonal rubber suspension system, the IRS axle is manufactured to exact engineering.
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DATASHEET - ALKO INDEPENDENT RUBBER SUSPENSlONS
The AL-KO independent suspension system comprises a hexagonal shaped outer tube, incorporating three 120 degree included angles, into which rubber elements are fitted. These elements are retained in position by a triple fluted inner tube.
There are 5 different sizes of inner and outer tubes, and rubber elements, allowing a weight capacity range from 300kgs to 1450kgs in 50kg increments and 1500kgs to 2500kgs in 100kg increments. This is achieved by increasing or decreasing the length of rubber used.
There are only 2 manufacturers in Europe that can comply with the quality standards required for the rubber, which can withstand extreme temperature variations without deterioration.
This product was first introduced in Germany in 1966, and since then there are approximately 10 million axles in service throughout the world. Axles which were released in the Sixties have continually been tested and demonstrate the same damping properties as brand new axles, indicating that there is no rubber ''life'' under service conditions.
The most successful operation of the ALKO axle is achieved when the correct gross vehicle weight is specified (e.g. on a boat trailer, the weight of the trailer, boat, motor, fuel, ice box, safety equipment, liquid refreshments etc. are all included. (N.B. The trailer should be disconnected from the towing vehicle when being weighed at a weighbridge).
As the length of the two inner tubes is approximately 500mm each, the middle of the axle is hollow, allowing for independent suspension, which gives the trailed vehicle a smoother ride than conventional trailer springs and eliminates traditional axle steer.
The oscillation period is smaller than traditional leaf springs and hence the recovery period is shorter after the wheel strikes a pot hole or uneven surface. This smoother ride from the trailer results in less driver fatigue and more driver comfort whilst towing.
Track and camber are built into each axle and checked twice, during welding, and after assembly. A safety margin is also included in the suspension system. Each axle is capable of withstanding a static shock load of 3.5 times the capacity rating of the axle without causing damage to the suspension. (Please note this does not include the stub axle or bearings which could be the weakest link in the chain).
AL-KO rubber suspensions can be used in single, tandem or triaxle configuration and can be fitted with a wide variety of braking systems (excluding 9'' mechanical drum brakes and ''S'' Cam brakes).
The AL-KO axle is supplied with both the inner and outer tube zinc plated as standard. Galvanising of the outer tube is available as an optional extra. Each axle is custom built to your requirements, and we recommend that you contact our friendly staff by phone, fax or personal visit to discuss how we can meet your needs through various options available to the AL-KO rubber suspension system.