a I drive an articulated outfit which used to run at
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24 tons gross with a four-infine trailer. It has recently been tested and plated and the gross trailer weight given is 20.25 tons, the tractive unit gross weight 13 tons and the train weight 20 tons. Could you tell me which weight is the maximum Trust load to and what is the difference between gross weight and train weight?
AThe figures quoted on your tractive unit plate refer to the gross weight that can
)e imposed on the road by the four wheels —13 tons—and the gross train weight of any irticulated outfit of which it forms a part?Cr tons.
The plated weight of the semi-trailer is juite a separate matter and the 20.25 tons ,ou quote refers to the limit that, will apply o the trailer and its load. The limit for a trailer ; assessed independently as it may be used vith various tractive units. Yours could, for .xample, operate with a different two-axle ractive unit at 24 tons that is plated for this veight. If used with a three-axle tractive unit. he limit would be 20.25 tons plus the weight f the tractive unit provided the gross train veight on its plate was not exceeded.
The main point to remember is that the igure quoted on the tractive unit plate for rross train weight is the limit for any outfit )f which it forms part. And the gross weight imit includes the driver and anyone else in he cab.