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LIFT AXLES
TRIAL SUMMARY
performance better than conventional vehicle
The Green Truck Partnership is designed to be a 3 METHODOLOGY
forum for the objective evaluation of the merits DATA COLLECTION
of clean vehicle technologies and fuels by heavy
This trial involved measurement of the fuel
vehicle operators. This report discusses the
consumption of a single vehicle operating with a
results of a lift axle technology trial conducted
full load in the outbound direction and no load on
under the program in 2010.
the return journey. The vehicle was a prime
1 LIFT AXLE TECHNOLOGIES mover with a single trailer.
Truck trailers may be fitted with dual or triple Under typical operation, the return routes would
axles in order to support heavier loads. However, involve the lifting of axles due to the lighter load.
when the truck trailer is unloaded or lightly For the purposes of the trial, the baseline
loaded there is an opportunity to lift one of the assessment was conducted by disabling the lift
axles from the road, resulting in a reduction in axle technology in order to emulate conventional
rolling resistance and a potential reduction in fuel vehicle design. Data was collected for a two‐week
consumption. period to establish the baseline fuel
consumption.
The primary motivations for heavy vehicle
operators choosing to fit lift axles are reduced Following collection of the necessary baseline
tyre wear and maintenance. However, the extent data, the lift axle was reactivated and fuel
of the fuel efficiency benefit derived has not yet efficiency data was collected over a four‐week
been assessed in an Australian context. period with the lift axles operating on the return
journey.
2 TRIAL OBJECTIVE
During the trial period, data loggers were used to
This trial sought to assess the fuel efficiency collect drive cycle data relating to the operation
improvements in a mixed urban and linehaul of the trial vehicles to ensure validity of the
operation when using lift axle technologies before and after comparison.
relative to conventional axle operation.
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C ACSAES ES T SUTDU YD Y
D U A L L I LF ITF TA XALXELSE S
2
C ACSAES ES T SUTDU YD Y
D U A L L I LF ITF TA XALXELSE S
F ig ur e 1
A v e r ag e d r iv e fuel ec ono my of l if t a x l e vs. con ven ti on al t r a il e r
F ig ur e 2
Comparison of b ase lin e and t r i al period en g ine lo ads
3
C ACSAES ES T SUTDU YD Y
D U A L L I LF ITF TA XALXELSE S
F ig ur e 3
Comparison of b ase lin e and t r i al period av e rag e speeds
4