Optimizing Municipal Trucks: A Suspension Challenge

In municipalities, maximizing equipment return on investment depends largely on versatility. Heavy-duty trucks are a perfect example:

• In winter, they are configured as snowplow trucks with plows, wings, and spreaders.
• In summer, snow‑removal equipment is removed, and the same truck becomes a vocational vehicle.

This strategy makes financial sense, but it creates a major technical challenge: adapting the suspension to drastically different loads from one season to the next.

Snowplow Trucks: Extreme Demands on the Front Suspension

A snowplow truck carries a very high front load, mainly due to the weight of plows and snow‑removal equipment. As a result, trucks are often fitted with very high‑capacity suspension springs, specifically designed to withstand winter loads.

The problem arises when winter ends.

Summer Mode: Overbuilt and Uncomfortable Suspension

Once snow equipment is removed, the front axle weight drops significantly. Springs designed for maximum load become far too stiff, resulting in a harsh and uncomfortable ride.

To address this issue, many municipalities are left with only one option: replace the springs with lower‑capacity ones for summer, then repeat the process again in the fall.

This leads to:

• Significant costs
• Complex logistics
• Vehicle downtime
• Repeating the same work… twice a year

The Solution: An Adaptive Front Suspension Designed for Municipal Operations

With the AMS20A front suspension, this seasonal problem is eliminated.

How does it work?

The AMS20A uses air springs equipped with height‑control valves that can:

• Increase pressure when the truck is heavily loaded (winter mode)
• Reduce pressure when the load decreases (summer mode)

The suspension automatically adjusts to the truck’s actual weight—without mechanical intervention.

Real Benefits for Municipalities:

• Consistent driver comfort, regardless of the season
• Load capacity adapted to all types of equipment
• No seasonal spring changes
• Major reduction in maintenance costs
• Less vehicle downtime
• Extended component lifespan

In Summary, the truck remains stable, comfortable, and fully efficient year‑round, whether carrying a snowplow or summer vocational equipment.

The AMS20A suspension turns a four‑season truck into a truly adaptive vehicle—aligned with the operational realities of municipalities.

Fewer technical compromises. Lower recurring costs. Greater comfort and durability.