According to Colrain’s General Manager, Peter Loimaranta, the MTA series is the product of extensive design and development work. “Exhaustive modelling, analysis and prototyping led to an innovative structure and manufacturing process which has been validated in the laboratory, on independent proving grounds and in real- world applications,” he says. “The result is a suspension system that substantially exceeds industry durability benchmarks. Just wait until you see it in action – it seems that the ride ‘floats’ over bridges and rough places in the road.”
On that account, it is hardly a surprise that Colrain did not hesitate to bring the new line up to Australia. “The MTA has proven to be almost twice as durable as the competition, which could revolutionise the whole market,” says Peter. “In addition, it is one of the lightest suspensions in its market segment, allowing for more payload on every trip.”
The list of technical features that are supposed to make the MTA an industry- leading product is long. The new, patent- pending axle wrap design, for instance, provides a secure axle connection for greater overall suspension durability, while the large, more robust shock absorbers are specifically tuned to the suspension in order to provide superior damping force, braking performance and vehicle control.
“Another key aspect is the patented pivot bushing, which can absorb road inputs and thereby improve ride and cargo protection,” says Peter. “The interleaf shims we use provide a high degree of fore and aft stiffness. Overall, the MTA can therefore maintain a better axle alignment down the road and help reduce tyre wear and roll induced steer.”
Optionally, the MTA is also available with a lift kit, allowing the operator to efficiently raise select axles to improve manoeuvrability and extend tyre. The lift kit can be installed by the OEM or as a field retrofit. According to Peter, however, the most important aspect of all is the unpretentious plug-and-play design for simple installation – designed to suit a wide variety of trailer frames. “In trailer building, ease-of-use can be a determining factor as it saves time and money,” he says. “In combination with Colrain’s nation-wide service network, such a detail can make all the difference.”