LOUISVILLE, KY. Dana Corporation’s Commercial Vehicle Systems Group, part of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group, announced yesterday at the Mid-America Trucking Show that the company has expanded its family of heavy-duty single and tandem drive axles with the introduction of the new Dana Spicer 590 drive axle series.

The new 590 series models are available with drivetrain ratings up to 2,450 lb.-ft. of torque and 700 hp and gross combination weight ratings (GCWR) in excess of 260,000 lbs.

Model numbers for the new 590 series single drive axles are S23-590, S26-590, S30-590, and S35-590. Tandem drive axle models include D46-590P, D52-590P, D60-590P, and D70-590P. Production is planned for September 2005 and the series will be available for all makes and models of commercial and specialty vehicles manufactured in North America.

According to the company, the helical reduction axles represent a natural extension of the successful 190 series that debuted last year. They are designed for the unique requirements of vehicles involved in vocational applications such as construction, heavy hauling, mining, logging, oil fields, and refuse. "The new 590 drive axle series features helical reduction gearing technology that significantly enhances startup performance and durability on severe grades," said Leo Wenstrup, senior product manager, drive axle systems for Dana's Commercial Vehicle Systems.