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Mid-lift axle for 6x2s
Page 20
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• Hendrickson has launched a 'smart' mid-lift axle to comply with the new Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 No. 3224.
The rules, in effect from January, allow midaxles on 6x2s to be lifted to reduce tyre wear when lightly laden and to assist move-off traction on the drive axle by increasing its loading up to 30% above its plated weight, at speeds below 30km/h. Above that speed and loading, the lifted axle must be lowered automatically and be tam per-proof, ensuring that the drive axle loading stays within limits at all times.
Hendrickson has developed its own electronic control module to ensure compliance. The 6.3-tonne MLA2 axle has a straight beam which the company claims to be stiffer and 60kg lighter than the previous cranked MLA1 design. The hubs incorporate long-life unitised bearings and can match 19.5 and 22.5in
steel or alloy wheels. With 19.5in wheels, the axle weighs 560kg gross with a lift of 210mm; with the larger wheels, it's 620kg and 280mm. As fitted to the Scania R124LA420 6x2/2NA tractor, Hendrickson claims a weight reduction of 498kg compared with a steering lift axle. The MLA2 is also fitted by Volvo, with ERF, Mercedes and Renault applications on the way.