“The rear axle of a tag is still going to provide stability and load-carrying capability,” Donnelly points out.
#Moving semi axle weight distribution drivers
“With a pusher axle, drivers can sort of ‘stretch the wheelbase’ by applying power far back behind the fifth wheel where they’re probably going to have more of a weight loading,” says Scott Donnelly, aftermarket training and senior quality engineer for Dana.Ĭonversely, with a tag axle, power is applied at the forward axle. “A pusher definitely has some advantages in places where there is inclement weather,” Mastroianni says. When operating in more northern environments, Mastroianni says a pusher configuration becomes more favorable. That is because those southern environments present minimal scenarios where traction is significantly compromised due to weather conditions. Secondly, due to the fact that it is positioned upfront, a pusher axle can be lifted when not needed, which helps reduce tire wear.Īccording to Steve Mastroianni, senior manager of product planning for axles at Dana, a leading drivetrain and propulsion systems provider, a tag axle is more than adequate in areas south of Interstate 40, which runs east to west from northern Arizona through North Carolina. First of all, the powered drive axle remains in the far back which aids traction. Since only two of those tires are powered, they can tend to wear faster.Ī 6x2 pusher axle helps reclaim some of those downsides. All four rear tires are on the road at all times. It is generally perceived to have traction issues in challenging conditions. A pusher axle is where the forward-most drive axle is not powered. A tag axle is where the rear-most drive axle is non-powered, also referred to as a free-rolling or dead axle. There are two general types of 6x2 axles. “For fleets that really pay attention to the details and work with OEs and tire manufacturers to get the best configuration for their operation, the 6x2 axle is a real opportunity going forward,” says Joel Van Den Brink, senior engineer for Link Manufacturing, a manufacturer of suspension systems including lift axles for commercial vehicles. Additionally, new design approaches and the leveraging of technology are making certain 6x2 configurations more functional, versatile, and cost effective. However, 6x2s offer a couple of unmistakable benefits where many fleets are placing higher levels of importance: fuel economy and weight. Since 6x4s continue to outsell 6x2s by a wide margin, there isn’t a terribly large market for used 6x2s.Īll of those factors have continued to thwart the more widespread adoption of 6x2 axle configurations.
Resale value is another reason why some fleets have shied away from 6x2s. Additionally, a 6x4 provides more power and torque since both rear axles are receiving power. With a 6x4, both rear axles are powered axles which helps with traction, whereas a 6x2, has only one of the rear axles powered.
Traditionally though, traction has always been one of the generally accepted downsides of a 6x2, notes Morrow.
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You can actually get better traction as long as you understand the aspect of weight distribution.” “Now I prefer 6x2s, even in snowy weather.
#Moving semi axle weight distribution driver
“I have learned all the little quirks over the years,” says Morrow, senior driver and head of research and development for Ploger Transportation in Norwalk, Ohio. Nowadays, Morrow has come to prefer a 6x2. His family’s trucking business has been using both 6x4s and 6x2s for 40-plus years. The 6x2 axle configuration has been around for decades.
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