Phoenix boosts the load
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• Derbyshire-based Heanor Haulage is to become the latest operator to use a lifting selfsteering axle to convert a triaxle tractive unit to an 8x4 for Category 2 and 3 Special Types work.
Phoenix Truck and Trailer Equipment of Loughton, Derbyshire will supply and fit the conversion to Heanor's Volvo F16. The axle will be fitted 1.35m in front of the leading drive axle, within the Volvo's 4.57m outer axle spread.
The axle is rated at 14 tonnes and features Weweller air suspension. It is made in Verona, Italy by the Fin Ceschi and adds 1,160kg to the chassis tare, but used with 15 or 16in wheels it allows an extra 12 or 14 tonnes gross (depending on whether the double-drive bogie is rated at a maximum of 12 or 16 tonnes per axle).
The Phoenix conversion offers greater loading tolerance across the unit's axles without the need for a jeep dolly. To improve traction when pulling away Phoenix supplies an incab control which exhausts the air suspension.