Multi weights revised
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The DOT has revised its proposals for the increased weight limits governing six and eightwheelers and four-axle drawbars and artics due next year.
A gross train weight of 35 tonnes will be allowed for drawbar outfits and four-axled artics, but vehicles used on domestic work have to be fitted with "road-friendly" drive axles using air or air equivalent suspension or, in the case of a bogie, a weight not over 9,500kg. Vehicles used on international journeys will not have to comply with the road friendly rules.
The gross weights of four
axled, road friendly rigids invariably tippers — will no longer be governed by bands based on fixed axle spreads. Instead the permitted gross weight will be calculated by multiplying outer axle spread in metres by 5,000kg and rounded up to the nearest 10kg, to a maximum of 32 tonnes for an eight-legger.
The proposed 28.5-tonne GTW limit for drawbar rigs fitted with overrun brakes is increased to 29.5 tonnes.
A new gross weight limit of 24 tonnes for triaxle drawbar trailers with closely-spaced axles is introduced into the proposals, subject to the trailer and prime mover's axles being at least 4.2m apart.
At present on small-wheeled multi-axled vehicles all wheels which rest on a strip of road less than 1.02m wide count as one axle. That has been changed to refer to a strip 500mm wide.
Six and eight-wheelers with road friendly drive axles, whether on domestic or international work, will be allowed 26 and 32-tonne gross weights, but reductions in bogie weights will make load distribution more important.
The proposals, which were originally introduced in March, are due to take effect from 1 January 1993.