Second drive-axle lift now an option on double-drive Volvos

Double-drive Volvo trucks can now be supplied with a facility to disengage and raise the second axle to give better traction, reduced fuel consumption and a tighter turning circle when the truck is running empty.

Volvo’s Tandem Axle Lift is said to be ideal for many of the applications for which double-drive is specified, such as tipper work. Typically these will include empty running on one leg of the journey and a certain amount of off-tarmac operation.

Jonas Odermalm, construction segment manager at Volvo Trucks, said: “Tandem Axle Lift allows the second drive-axle to be disengaged and its wheels raised off the road when the truck is driven empty. This offers many advantages, of which the most significant is the fuel saving. since driving with the second drive-axle raised saves up to four per cent in fuel compared with having all the axles lowered.”

The differential in the first axle is replaced with a dog clutch, allowing disengagement of the through-drive to the second axle. With the second axle raised, the truck’s turning circle is reduced by a metre and less wear is imposed on tyres and the suspension system.

Levels of noise and vibration registered in the cab are also reduced when only one drive-axle is in contact with the road.

The Tandem Axle Lift option is now available for all double-drive models in the Volvo FM, FMX, FH and FH16 ranges.