Q Could you say what is the maximum weight which can
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be carried on a four-in-line axle vehicle operated under the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1972? ARegulation 20 of the Special Types Order provides the answer to your query. Subsection (o) paragraphs (ii) and (iii) taken in conjunction with the final paragraph of (iv) allows 4 x 11.430kg (about 45 tons) to be carried on a four-in-line axle provided it comprises four wheels each of which is not less than 610mm
(2ft 0.016in) from its neighbour.
If the distance between the centres of the areas of contact with the road surface of any two wheels is less than 610mm then these are regarded as only one wheel. Should this be the case in relation to the two inner wheels of the axle, then the axle would be regarded as having only three wheels and the maximum axle loading would become 3 x 11.430kg (about 34 tons).