Modified three-axle
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• Modifications to a standard three-axle semi-trailer suspension have been carried out by M and G Trailers (Lye) Ltd. as a means of overcoming inherent rapid tyre wear and early failure. The company calls the unit a "variable load suspension" and the conversion has the effect of increasing the load carried on the centre axle by 2 tons and decreasing that on the leading-and-trailing axles by 1 ton each, so the scrub severity on the tyre equipment of the outer axles is reduced when the vehicle is negotiating sharp bends and corners.
In order that the tyres on the centre axle can carry the increased load, the standard equipment is replaced by low-profile tyre and wheel assemblies. The division of load has been achieved by dispensing with the variable rate slipper pads on the centre axle ends of the balance beams and substituting fixed rate pads.
A prototype in operation with Leathers Chemical Co. Ltd. of Bradford is expected to afford mileage in the region of 90,000 from the low-profile tyres and 40,000 to 50,000 miles from the conventional equipment according to the wear measurements taken during 50,000 miles of prototype testing.