Distinguishing trucks based on the number of axles (wheel axles) is essential for drivers and those working in the transportation industry. This article will guide you on how to identify trucks by axle number simply and accurately.
What is a Truck Axle?
“Truck axle” is a common term referring to the axle of a truck’s wheels. One “axle” corresponds to one wheel axle. A truck with 2 axles means it has 2 wheel axles. The truck axle’s role is to transmit weight to the tires. Each axle can have single tires or dual tires (2 tires on the same axle).
Distinguishing Trucks by Axle Number
The number of axles on a truck is often related to its permissible load capacity. Based on the number of axles, we can classify trucks into: 2-axle trucks, 3-axle trucks, 4-axle trucks, and 5-axle trucks.
2-Axle Trucks
2-axle trucks have 2 wheel axles. For medium-duty trucks, the front axle usually has single tires (2 tires), and the rear axle has dual tires (4 tires – 2 tires on each side). For small trucks, both axles may have single tires.
3-Axle Trucks
3-axle trucks have 3 wheel axles. Typically, the front axle has single tires, and the 2 rear axles have dual tires to bear a larger load. Most 3-axle trucks use this configuration, especially heavy-duty trucks.
4-Axle Trucks
4-axle trucks have 4 wheel axles, evenly distributed from the front to the rear of the truck. The two front axles have single tires and are used for steering. The two rear axles have dual tires and bear the main load. 4-axle trucks are usually heavy-duty trucks, transporting large quantities of goods. With a total of 12 tires, these trucks operate stably, smoothly, and can withstand high loads.
5-Axle Trucks
5-axle trucks have 5 wheel axles. The difference with this type of truck is that the 3rd axle onwards can be lifted or lowered using an air suspension system. When not carrying cargo, drivers can lift some axles to save fuel. When carrying heavy loads, lowering the axles helps distribute the load more evenly, increasing load-bearing capacity and operational stability.
Conclusion
Identifying trucks by axle number is simple by counting the number of wheel axles. The number of truck axles is directly related to the truck’s load capacity and operational capabilities. We hope this article has provided you with useful information on how to distinguish different types of trucks based on the number of axles.
