"SINGLE AXLE TRACTOR" How different does it handle? ??

If you're going to correct someone on their use of sarcasm, the example you use should be researched or understood completely. That "sticker" you mention, with the number "54" (your example)...is the maximum combination weight, not the tractor weight. Also, each axle has a weight limit, single axle is generally maxed at 20k (generally is open, yes they can be greater), tandem axles generally allow for 34k...but now you're getting into tire ratings and sizes. This doesn't change the registered GVWR...that is GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING.

Please show me any single axle (drive) tractor with a GVW sticker of over 62k. Somehow....I don't think you can!

 

If you are smart and you are running a single axle in bad weather it WILL make you a better driver. You will be more alert to where you can and shouldn't go, you will be able to get into some spots (depending one your WB) that you can't with a twin screw.

Yes the single axle will wallow around a bit more, but you get used to it, as far as getting stuck easier, it ALL depends on how the truck is equipped, I had some 99 KW T2's that were single axle with anti-slip AND an air locker rear, as long as you had a "bottom" you could go places that some twin screws couldn't touch.

The main attraction for us is the increased fuel mileage, and quite a savings on tires, we run spread axle low-boys so we can always scale. Since we only reg, for 54,000 my S/A trucks were/are 3,000 lighter than my D/A trucks, It's nice to have the extra cap. if needed.

Stan

 

everything else was pretty much covered. short wheelbase..horrible ride.

 

I agree with Kansas Transit if you watch what your doing they go pretty good in snow or ice once you get them going, but sometimes (I suppose the short wheel base) will cross up quicker on ice and such, but will also comeback quicker. I drove single axles for several years and ran double most of that time, our trailers were ordered with longer slides on the tandems and you had to play with the tandems to finally get a good ride, I'm sure these companies pulling doubles would be a different deal and probably do ride rough.

 

You can't exceed the manufacturer rating of the tires and axles, even if the state law allows for 20k. You will get placed OOS if your steers weigh in at 18500 when they were rated for 12. The reason states have higher weight allowances is for Longer Combination Vehicles, or LCV's.

*discussion #2*

Single axle trucks is the most common term to describe a truck with only one drive axle. It doesn't apply to the steer or trailer axles. If the truck has 2 drive axles, it is commonly referred as a "tandem axle" truck.

*back on topic*

Single axle trucks are great to have when maneuvering into tight spaces. They do turn quite nicely.

 

I would say everything has been covered and agree they usually ride like crap. I still like my 2004 single axle columbia day cab, very maneuverable.
Rob

 

4x2's are fine for motorways or brilliant for city deliveries, we use them alot in Europe cos of our length limits and higher axle weight limits, we can carry 40,000 kgs on 5 axles of any configuration so they provide room to carry extra fuel on our short tractors, they roll more than a 6x4, traction off road is pitiful , but are cheaper to buy and are more economical to run

 

Old thread I know but I was curious as to what kind of fuel mileage difference you would expect to see between a single axle vs a tandem drive in 2 similar spec'd trucks (ignoring variables like driver habbits and operating conditions). Would having one less drive axle and 4 less tires make a significant difference?

 

Out West we use the single drive tractors to pull trains/triples due to length restrictions. When navagating mountain roads handling can become a concern. All the weight and length is way back there (100 ft). Your in one corner and your 3rd box is in another at 60. Tha5 can cause a crack the whip effect. I think everything else has been um discussed.