Better grip and lower fuel consumption with the new Tandem Axle Lift
Volvo Trucks’ new function, Tandem Axle Lift, makes it possible to disengage and raise the second driven axle. This gives better road grip and up to 4 per cent lower fuel consumption when the truck is driven without a load.
Volvo Trucks is now launching its Tandem Axle Lift. The new function is designed for heavy duty transports with loads being carried one way and empty return trips, for instance when hauling timber or in construction and bulk cargo operations.
“With Tandem Axle Lift the second driven axle can be disengaged and its wheels raised off the road when the truck is driven empty. This offers many advantages, of which the foremost is fuel savings. Driving with the second driven axle raised saves up to 4 per cent in fuel compared with having all the axles lowered,” says Jonas Odermalm, segment manager Construction at Volvo Trucks.
By replacing the differential in the first driven axle with a dog clutch, the second driven axle can be disengaged and raised. The driver thus has access to both the power and capacity of two driven axles (6X4) and also the better manoeuvrability of a single driven axle (4X2). What is more, driving with the second driven axle raised also cuts the turning circle by a metre and imposes less wear on tyres and suspension systems.
“Tandem Axle Lift is perfect for transports where ground conditions or gross vehicle weights demand a tandem-drive truck, but where the vehicle returns empty or lightly loaded in the opposite direction. On slippery or soft surfaces, the driver can increase pressure on the first axle by raising the second driven axle, which results in better grip and reduces the risk of getting stuck,” explains Jonas Odermalm.
Tandem Axle Lift also offers the driver better comfort when the truck is driven empty, which in many cases corresponds to 50 per cent of the operating time. The in-cab noise level is lower and steering wheel vibration is reduced when only the tyres of one drive axle are in contact with the road.
Tandem Axle Lift is available for the Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FH and Volvo FH16.
Facts Tandem Axle Lift
- With Tandem Axle Lift the second driven axle can be disengaged and raised while driving.
- The tyres can be lifted 140 mm off the road surface.
- When Tandem Axle Lift is activated, the truck consumes up to 4 per cent less fuel. Tyre wear is lower and the turning circle is one metre shorter.
Links
See the film on Volvo Trucks' YouTube channel (link)
Download images at Volvo Trucks’ Image Gallery (link)
See running footage on Volvo Trucks’ YouTube channel (link)
September 8, 2015
For further information, please contact:
Agneta Malmcrona, Volvo Trucks Media Relations. Phone: +46 31 322 07 07,
e-mail: agneta.malmcrona@volvo.com
For broadcast-quality videos supporting this press release and more, please visit http://www.thenewsmarket.com/volvotrucks
Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery at http://images.volvotrucks.com
Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,200 dealers and workshops in more than 120 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 16 countries across the globe. In 2014, more than 117,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, and drive systems for marine and industrial applications. The Group also provides solutions for financing and service. Volvo´s work is based on the core values quality, safety and environmental care.
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