Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/580471
66 | Overdrive | October 2015 V olvo recently showed how its new 6×2 front lift axle can provide safety, efficiency and fuel economy benefits to operators who run diminishing loads or deadhead rou- tinely. The company provided a demon- stration of its new Adaptive Loading Axle System on a stretch of Interstate 84 running through the Utah-Idaho border. The system is based around Volvo's I-Shift automated manual transmission, which captures a wealth of vehicle data such as speed, horsepower, torque, cargo weight, pitch and yaw. Volvo engineers realized they could create a fully automatic drive axle by adding another electronic control mod- ule and a hydraulic actuation system that would adjust weight and downforce on the drive axle throughout a workday. The goal is to provide maximum trac- tion and fuel economy even as the vehi- cle's cargo weight and center of gravity changes due to a lighter load. When the truck is loaded heavily, the system automatically balances weight between the two axles. As the load light- ens, the system places more weight on the drive axle. This process continues as the load grows lighter, and once the truck is empty, the non-drive front axle auto- matically lifts up and off the road. All of this happens without any driver input. Volvo also designed the system to allow drivers to adjust downward force on the drive axle or lift the front tandem with the push of a button. The result is the Adaptive Loading Axle System. It will be available as a spec on VNL and VNM models with GCWs up to 90,000 pounds beginning next year. The new system is designed for tanker fleets, diminishing load carriers, bulk haulers and fleets with regular deadhead routes, says Chris Stadler, product mar- keting manager for regional haul. Robert Brice, who co-owns Idaho Milk Transport with his bother Gene, says the Burley-based fleet's overall fuel economy with trucks using the new axle has increased about 0.5 percent. "We're getting 26 percent better tire life," Brice says. "Our overall maintenance costs are down, because if tires aren't on the road, you're automatically saving on tread life and brake wear." Brice spec'd his latest Volvos with XE-optimized drivetrains to fur- ther boost vehicle fuel economy. Adaptive Loading is fully integrated into all XE drivetrain options via the I-Shift AMT and works with them to deliv- er optimal fuel economy, power and torque in all road conditions. Volvo's Adaptive Loading gives lift axles a break to cut costs BY JACK ROBERTS Smart axle Because the system automatically adjusts downforce as the load lightens, it ensures optimal traction and fuel economy throughout a workday.