Cummins Inc. has announced the launch of its new Meritor RT‑160 HE high‑efficiency tandem drive axle family, with its public debut at Truck World 2026 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, going on April 16-18, 2026.
The new axle line is designed for heavy linehaul applications and builds on the performance of the MT40‑14X HE axle already used widely across North America.
Available in both 40,000‑lb and 46,000‑lb gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), the RT‑160 HE family is engineered for on‑highway applications of up to 185,000 gross combination weight (GCW). The axle ratio range spans from 3.07 to 4.89, giving fleets flexibility across a wide range of duty cycles.
Cummins stated that the new RT‑160 HE delivers a one‑percent axle efficiency gain over the previous RT‑160 model in linehaul applications. While one percent may appear modest, even small efficiency improvements can translate into meaningful fuel savings for high‑mileage fleets.
A key feature of the new axle family is the Meritor Lube Management System (MLMS), included in both the forward and rear carriers. MLMS is a passive system with no pumps, valves or electronics; instead, it uses the axle’s own rotation to distribute lubricant. This eliminates “pump and churn” losses, reduces oil operating temperature by up to 15°F, and extends the service life of seals, bearings and gear pinions. The system 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 has also been redesigned with an integrated bearing cage, resulting in a 35‑lb weight reduction compared to the previous model while maintaining 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.”
Production of the RT‑160 HE is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Visitors to Truck World can see the new axle on display at the Cummins booth (#2628).
Cummins, headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, was founded in 1919 and has grown into a global power leader with approximately 67,400 employees worldwide. The company operates five business segments—Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins—and provides a broad portfolio that includes diesel, electric and hybrid powertrains; power generation systems; and critical components such as aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls, transmissions, axles and brakes. For more information, visit www.cummins.com.