What are the extra wheels for on a concrete truck?

The extra set of wheels is needed to support that load so that the tyres stay safely within their individual load ratings, and that the load is spread on the road so it is less likely to damage the road surface, or sink into an unmade surface such as on a building site.

Why do some trucks have raised wheels?

Echoing what others have said, lifting axles save tyre wear and reduce rolling resistance on empty or partly loaded vehicles. Lifting axles are non-driven, so lifting an axle can transfer weight to a driven axle to aid traction but this can put the drive axle over its weight limit in the process.

Why do trucks have hanging wheels?

Why do some trucks have one pair of tires hanging in the air and not touching the road? Those tires can be lifted and lowered by means of (usually) air bags. They are lowered when the truck is loaded and raised when the truck is empty.

What is the third axle for on a dump truck?

The third axle is for weight distribution when loaded. The extra axle and suspension allows better loading on the frame, and gives additional stability. When empty, the axle is tucked up closer to the body of the druck, so that there is less rolling losses while the truck is moving empty.

Why do American cement trucks have extra wheels?

When you load a dump truck with gravel, the weight can easily exceed the per-axle limit, so the extra wheels/axles are lowered to make the truck legal. They are raised at other times to improve gas mileage and eliminate wear on the tires.

What is the most wheels on a truck?

The Overburden Conveyor Bridge F60 Mining Machine is the largest machine in the world capable of independent movement. It looks a lot less like a truck and more like a big bridge on tank tracks. It is 1,646 feet long and weighs 15,000 tons. It rides on two separate wheeled chassis with a total of 760 wheels.

Why do trucks have extra wheels that don’t touch the ground?

What are the extra wheels on a dump truck called?

Those tires are part of what’s called a “lift axle” and they have what you might call a part-time job. The driver can push a button on the dashboard that lowers to the ground the tires and the lift axle (the metal rod that joins the tires). The lift axle helps spread the weight of an especially heavy load.

What is double axle trucks?

A double axle trailer, sometimes known as a tandem axle trailer, is a type of tow-behind platform that features two axles with four or more wheels mounted to them. The purpose of a double axle trailer is to allow a user to tow heavy objects or numerous items behind a towing vehicle safely and securely.

Why do concrete trucks have so many wheels?

When the truck is full of concrete, it is much heavier. The extra set of wheels is needed to support that load so that the tyres stay safely within their individual load ratings, and that the load is spread on the road so it is less likely to damage the road surface, or sink into an unmade surface such as on a building site.

What are the extra set of wheels on a truck called?

The “extra” set of wheels you refer to are “Lift Wheels” or “Tag Wheels.” These wheels are frquently found on large dump trucks, cement mixers, and semi-trailers, as you mention. They can be lowered to the road when a truck is very heavily loaded.

Why do dump trucks have 3rd set of raised wheels?

What are those third (3rd) set of raised wheels and axle on a dump truck for and why are they usually raised up while the truck is moving? The third axle is for weight distribution when loaded. The extra axle and suspension allows better loading on the frame, and gives additional stability.

What are the different types of mixer trucks?

Mixer Trucks, while most commonly associated with concrete, can be used to mix other various materials as well. Browse Agitor Trucks, Front Discharge Mixer Trucks, Rear Discharge Mixer Trucks and other models from top manufacturers including International Mixer Trucks, Mack Mixer Trucks, Perterbilt Mixer Trucks and others.