How does a tandem drive axle work?

Many heavy-duty truck have what is referred to as tandem axles. When the differential or power divider lock is engaged, each axle now drives the truck whether the other axle has traction or not. Later axle models may also include wheel differential locks so that each wheel will turn, regardless of traction conditions.

What is a tandem drive axle?

Any truck with a double axle in the back is considered a tandem truck. Many have two wheels on each end of each axle. The tandem axles allow the truck to carry much more weight, they provide stability and a smoother ride, and they provide better traction on slippery surfaces.

What is tandem axle configuration?

A tandem axle truck has a pair of axles at the rear of the tractor. This configuration can provide greater traction and weight carrying capacity than a single axle. Tridem drive axle trucks have a group of three axles at the rear of the tractor. Trucks will have a forward set steering axle or a setback steering axle.

What is a tandem rear axle?

Our tandem axles are built to handle the heavy loads while helping to reduce maintenance and operating costs. We offer a wide selection of axle ratios with the availability of fast ratios for better fuel economy and performance.

Which axle is the drive axle?

The drive axle is a split axle with a differential and universal joints between the two half axles. Each half axle connects to the wheel by use of a constant velocity (CV) joint which allows the wheel assembly to move freely vertically as well as to pivot when making turns.

What axle is the drive axle on a semi?

If your referring to the dual drive on most semi trucks. The rear axle is there more for it’s load carrying than the traction. The dual axle drive is in fact a carry over from the military spec trucks of the 40s. After World War Two, that was the way heavy trucks were built and it stayed that way for decades.

What is the dot weight limit per axle?

In addition to Bridge Formula weight limits, Federal law states that single axles are limited to 20,000 pounds, and axles spaced more than 40 inches and not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds.

How many drive axles is there in tandem axle trailer?

Two trailer axles
Two trailer axles are also called tandem axles. The total weight of an empty vehicle in a condition ready to receive payload.

Are spread axles better?

Among the advantages of wider spaced axles is the stability while loading and unloading the trailer. The weight between the axles is also distributed better comparing to tandem axles. Spread axle trailers are also easier to balance on scales. It affects how much weight the axles can carry.

Where is the drive axle?

Typically, drive axles are encased within an axle housing, which offers the part more protection and allows it to operate much more efficiently. They can be found on both front or rear wheel drive vehicles and are necessary to operate both the front axle and the rear axle.

What will happen if my axle breaks?

If an axle begins to fail while driving, your car will start to pull to one side as one wheel loses power. When the axle breaks completely its corresponding wheel will no longer turn and although the engine may still run, the car won’t move.

How many drive axles are there in tandem axle trailer?