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GO DUTCH CARRY MORE
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Using the latest computer technology, Dutch axle specialist Tridec has slashed the weight of its stub-axle suspension. This could boost
double-deck trailer payloads by 500kg. Bryan Jarvis reports.
Dutch steering axle specialist Tridec has redesigned its stub-axle suspension, effectively providing double-deck trailer operators with another half-tonne of payload capacity.The original LV-0 suspension, which dates back to 1994. evolved from much older Continental designs developed for the glass and pre-cast concrete sectors.
Now, using finite element analysis techniques, the existing swing arm, which was cut from heavy steel plate,is replaced with a much lighter casting.The new suspension arm, which is 20nun narrower than its predecessor. pivots on a redesigned main bearing which is maintenance-free and has special set studs to facilitate track alignment.
In a triaxle installation the narrower design reduces the axle spread by 90mm to 1,310nun, allowing a slimmer (465mm) and shorter (3,950mm) wheelbox to be used, increasing the floor space between them to 1,620nun. It also saves 50kg per side, so with 160kg saved per axle line the final assembly weight in a triaxle dry-freight semi is cut to 2.592kg; a total weight loss of around 580kg over the earlier LV-0.The cast swing arms' curvature easily accommodates 385/65R and 385/55R 22.5in tyres for nine-tonne operation, as well as 425s, which will increase the rating to 10 tonnes.
But Tridec's weight-saving calculations are all based on the use of BPW stub axles, steel wheels and drum brakes, and not (as yet) discs. So although other makes (Mentor, SAF,Gigant etc) can be adapted into the new design,the weight saving will be correspondingly less.The design isn't yet ready to accept aluminium wheels either,
Tests at MIRA
Tridec's new suspension only completed its durability trials last month, at MIRA's proving ground near Hinckley. The main focus was on braking temperatures around each wheel station and on determining the wheelbox's final shape to ensure maximum air flowThe swing arm's new profile has allowed the shock absorbers to be turned back through 90° and positioned directly in line with it.There's also provision for easy access to the two mounting bolts, and the grease points for the revised brake linkage which trails the swing arm, For optimum braking this operates in the direction of driving rotation.
To facilitate wheel, tyre or brake maintenance,Tridec has added a special forked bracket to the top of the pivot arm. Devel oped jointly with Gray & Adams, it involves connecting a steel hook rod between the wheel box outer and fork, then deflating the suspension and isolating the single air bag. With the rest of the suspension raised the wheel can be removed.
Tridec's own wheelbox makes for easier trailer assembly and helps ensure that a standard 4m-high twin decker with 1.83m headroom on each floor will accept 55 Euro or 35 UK pallets: 21 (800x1,200mm)Europallets on the bottom deck and 34011 top. But as well as palletised or stacked loads, the LV-0 is suitable for other loads such as concrete castings,glass stillages or large boats, and it can be adapted for car transporter use too.
This kit is also finding a home in specially bodied urban artics for food and drinks deliveries into restricted areas.
Made in Portugal
Made at Tridec's factory in Murtede, Portugal, the suspension will be made available to other trailer manufacturers by September, including its best UK customer, Gray & Adams.
G& A supplies double-deck trailers, all with the existing LV-0 suspension, to operators like Initial City Link; it's also half way through a large order for Tesco.This includes both refrigerated and dry-freight versions, but there's little doubt that the new LV-0 will soon be adapted for other large fleet operators' specifications too. • • Tridec anticipates an increased use of lightweight artic delivery outfits, especially in Germany, where a toll for vehicles over 12 tonnes is planned, and in the Netherlands, where more use is being made of B+E licence holders for 7.49-tonne attics.
To this end it has designed a new fifth wheel to match its light steering system; next year it will be joined by a type-approved rubbing plateahe three-tonne TKS has a standard 400 jaw angle to accept the TD steering wedge; with a mounting plate it weighs just 65kg.