Rear-steer gets re-run
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by Brian Weatherley • The imminent arrival of 44tonners is creating fresh interest in rear-steer trailers as hauliers struggle to meet artic turning circles within the new weight limit.
As predicted by Commercial Motor (8-14 April), truck manufacturers are warning of potential load distribution problems on 3+3 artics running at 44-tonnes. These can be remedied
by moving the 24-tonne trailer bogie backwards to ensure an optimum distance from the centre axle of the bogie to the back of the trailer, but it creates problems with meeting the 5.3m inner turning circle demanded by C&U regs.
Leyland Daf's Dave Skinner says: The work we've done indicates that with a rear steering axle on the trailer bogie you can meet weight distribution and turning circles, assuming the DOT makes no changes to existing axle weight limits."
Daf's 44-tonne three-axle 85 FTC twin-steer is now available in the UK "and ready for 44-tonne work", says Skinner. But for an operator to run at 44 tonnes he needs to be very careful in specifying a trailer."
One of the first FTG tractors has gone into service with Shrewsbury-based EJ Bywater. The 85.360 6x2 will cover around 4,000km a week on domestic work.
With the advent of limiter legislation Leyland Daf is offering its EGAS electronically controlled cruise control as an option on all 75, 85 and 95 tractors and rigids. The drive-by-wire throttle system, which complements the vehicle's standard top-speed limiter, includes variable speed and memory/reset functions.
The 75 and 85 ranges are also available with factory-prepared Pet Reg conversions.