Cummins Launches New RT-160 HE High-efficiency Tandem Drive Axle at Truck World 2026

Cummins Launches New RT-160 HE High-efficiency Tandem Drive Axle at Truck World 2026

Cummins Inc. [NYSE: CMI] today announced they will launch the new Meritor® RT-160 HE tandem drive axle family for heavy linehaul applications at Truck World, Mississauga, ON, Canada. 

The new family offers efficiency gains similar to those enjoyed by linehaul users of the MT40-14X HE axle in North America, while maintaining the proven axle capacity required for heavier demands like those in the Mexican and Canadian markets. Available in both 40k and 46k gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), the axles are suitable for on-highway applications of up to 185,000 gross combination weights (GCW). The RT-160 HE family axle ratio range is from 3.07 to 4.89

Cummins – the world’s largest independent manufacturer of heavy-duty truck axles – states that the RT-160 HE provides a one percent axle efficiency gain over the predecessor RT-160 product in linehaul applications.  

The RT-160 HE features the Meritor Lube Management System (MLMS) in both the forward and rear carriers. A passive system with no pumps, valves or electronics, it uses the axle’s own rotation to manage lubricant distribution, eliminating ‘pump and churn’ losses, reducing oil operating temperature by up to 15°F, and extending the service life of seals, bearings and gear pinions. MLMS is compatible with low-viscosity 75W-80 lubricants and supports drain intervals of 500,000 miles or more in most applications. Total lubricant capacity is reduced by 5.1 liters.

The rear-rear carrier design has also been optimized with an integrated bearing cage resulting in a 35lb weight reduction versus its predecessor without compromising its industry-leading durability.

Dawn Clegg, Senior Director of Front Axles and Trailer at Cummins, said, “The RT-160 HE is based on a proven Meritor product while leveraging design knowledge for increasing drive axle efficiency.”

Cummins prides itself on offering axles for every truck and application, and RT-160 HE is a welcome addition to this offering. The RT-160 HE is scheduled to start production in Q1, 2027.

See the RT-160 HE on display at the Cummins booth 2628.