Ideal for 6x4 or 8x4 applications such as timber trucks that often run unladen in one direction, reducing fuel consumption by up to 6 percent.
Scania now introduces the RB662 tandem bogie axle with an optional lift-and-disengage function. The new option, when engaged, can save up to 6 percent on fuel, depending on operation, and reduces the turning radius. Lifting takes less than 25 seconds and, with normal chassis height and tyres, ground clearance is nearly 70 mm (2.6 in).
The liftable and disengageable tandem bogie (LDTA) requires air suspension and will increase the trucks kerb weight by 60 kg (132 lb). Most of the fuel savings can be attributed to the reduced friction inside the second (disconnected) axle gearing and only some 10 percent of the saving derives from reduced rolling resistance. Three bogie weights – 19, 21 and 26 tonnes – are available and load limits with the second axle lifted are 9.5, 10.5 and 13 tonnes respectively.
A dog clutch connection is part of the option that makes Scanias tandem axle RB662 both liftable and disengageable thus offering substantial fuel savings reduced tyre wear and much tighter turning radiuses. The LDTA option can presently not be combined with hub reduction axles or tridem configurations. The driver raises the axle by simply turning a knob. A pop-up warning appears in the instrument cluster if the truck identifies an overload situation, in which case it will not lift the axle. The lifting can be called for at any speed. The disengagement itself is performed via a “dog clutch” connection. The added cost will rapidly be compensated given the highly positive contribution to the total operating economy. Source