Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/588093
30 commercial carrier journal | october 2015 V olvo recently showed how its new 6×2 front lift axle can provide safety, efficiency and fuel economy benefits to operators who run diminishing loads or deadhead routinely. The company provided a demonstration of its new Adaptive Loading Axle System on a stretch of Interstate 84 running through the Utah-Idaho border. The system is based around Volvo's I-Shift automated manual transmission, which captures a wealth of vehicle data such as speed, horsepower, torque, cargo weight, pitch and yaw. Volvo engineers realized they could create a fully automat- ic drive axle by adding another electronic control module and a hydraulic actuation system that would adjust weight and downforce on the drive axle throughout a workday. The goal is to provide maximum traction and fuel economy even as the vehicle's cargo weight and center of gravity changes due to a lighter load. When the truck is loaded heavily, the system automat- ically balances weight between the two axles. As the load lightens, the system places more weight on the drive axle. This process continues as the load grows lighter, and once the truck is empty, the non-drive front axle automatically lifts up and off the road. All of this happens without any driver input. Volvo also designed the system to allow drivers to adjust downward force on the drive axle or lift the front tandem with the push of a button. The result is the Adaptive Loading Axle System. It will be available as a spec on VNL and VNM models with GCWs up to 90,000 pounds beginning next year. The new system is designed for tanker fleets, diminishing load carriers, bulk haulers and fleets with regular deadhead routes, says Chris Stadler, product marketing manager for re- gional haul. Robert Brice, who co-owns Idaho Milk Transport with his bother Gene, says the Burley-based fleet's overall fuel economy with trucks using the new axle has increased about 0.5 percent. "We're getting 26 percent better tire life," Brice says. "Our overall maintenance costs are down, because if tires aren't on the road, you're automatically saving on tread life and brake wear." Brice spec'd his latest Volvos with XE-optimized drive- trains to further boost vehicle fuel economy. Adaptive Loading is fully integrated into all XE drive- train options via the I-Shift AMT and works with them to deliver optimal fuel economy, power and torque in all road conditions. Smart axle Volvo offers details on new adaptive loading system By Jack RoBeRts T E S T D R I V E : V O L V O A D A P T I V E L O A D I N G A X L E S Y S T E M Volvo's Adaptive Loading Axle System is designed specifically for tanker fleets, diminishing load carriers, bulk haul- ers and fleets that have to deadhead regularly.