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REGULATIONS 17-TONNE LIMIT
Page 68
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R17N13, R17P16 and R17P18s all have design weights of 17 tonnes, incorporating a front axle plated weight of 6,610kg.
The front axle of the earlier 200-series R17N358 is restricted to 6.5 tonnes, but also allows for 17-tonne operation with the appropriate tyre specification.
Front and rear spring kits are available to uprate 300and 400-series 4x2 prime movers to give axle capacities of 6,610 and 10,500kg for drawbar operation. Vehicles built before July 1981 may need to have the bottom steering lever changed. All models need 12R x22.5 tyres on 8.25in wheels for the front axle.
To upgrade Renault G170 vehicles from chassis number 500791, ensure that the drive axle is equipped with an 11-leaf spring pack and that 12R x22.5 or 295/ 80R X22.5 tyres are fitted front and rear. This gives a design weight of 17,500kg
incorporating a 6.7-tonne front and an 11.6-tonne rear axle.
Conunando G16s currently using 11R x 22.5 or 275/80R x 22. 5 tyres should at least change to 12R x22.5 front and 11R x22.5 rear or 295/80R x22.5 front and 275/80R x22.5 rear. Insufficient clearance between tyre and the spring prohibits the use of 12R x22.5 or 295/ 80R x22.5 tyres on the drive axle.
To fully uprate the front axle, add new brake drums, wheel studs, track rod assembly, ball joints and steering arms. Irrespective of the tyre equipment it will be necessary to fit new earn levers for the front and rear brakes and to reset the load sensing valve.
To obtain the full 6,700kg rating, the front axle must be fitted with an eight-spring pack with a stack height of 103mm. With the standard seven-leaf pack, having a stack height of just 90mm, the axle is rated at 6,610kg.
For the past six months ERF has been building it's E6 4x2 rigid chassis with a design weight of 17 tonnes. Older models may require changes in part or whole to the front axle brakes, springs and tyres.
On Volvo F6 models fitted with ZF steering boxes the front axle can be up rated from 6,100kg to 6,500kg using 295/ 80R tyres and 8.25in wheels. If Burman steering is fitted, on chassis before number 7436, the front axle can't be uprated.
All FL616 models can be uprated with 295/80R tyres and matching wheels for the front axle and by fitting new springs to the rear axle.
Volvo is expected to introduce a 6,700kg front axle by the end of April, but a 7,000kg axle is still some way off.
All standard-build Cargos originally plated to 16.26 tonnes GVW with full air brakes can be uprated and subsequently plated at 17 tonnes, subject to changes being made. These may include changes to the rear springs, wheels, tyres and load sensing valve settings. Full details of the necessary modifications can be obtained from Iveco Ford dealers.
o by Bill Brock