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Novel suspension
Page 14
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• Phoenix Truck and Trailer Equipment has unveiled an unusual multi-wheeler-doubledrive bogie air suspension system at the Motor Show.
The suspension has been developed with an eye to the proposed EC rigid weight increases scheduled for 1993 when six-wheeler gross weights will go up to 26 tonnes and eight-leggers to 32 tonnes, but only if they are fitted with double rear tyres and air suspension.
It remains to be seen, however, whether the UK will adopt both weight increases within the EC timescale. Although Britain seems likely to accept a 26-tonne 6x4 rigid, it has backed derogation on the 32-tonne 8x4 until 1999.
The Phoenix suspension uses German Weweler compo
nents and is suitable for Rockwell, or similar, back bogies. Two versions are currently available — either nine tonnes per axle ratings or 13 tonnes per axle — with the latter mainly for export. The locating quarter elliptic leaf springs can be either over, or underslung.
The underslung version weighs 350kg per axle and overslung weighs 384kg.
The Phoenix system is unusual in that it is fully approved for on-off road work, having completed a two-year trial in remote areas of Ireland on logging and rigid tanker use.
Phoenix is also showing its SK drop-centre, one-piece tubular steel, non-steered axle (a self-tracking version is expected in 1991) which is available with 178 or 140mm width brakes.