EXECUTIVES from four test fleets said during an August press conference in southern Idaho that Volvo Trucks North America’s new 6x2 Adaptive Loading system is delivering impressive results. The system is improving fuel efficiency, vehicle handling—especially traction, and tire life.
In addition to Idaho Milk Transport Inc, the test fleets included Handy Truck Line Inc, Alpine Logistics, and Ploger Transportation LLC. Ploger Transportation (Bellevue, Ohio) was the only test fleet not based in Idaho.
Robert Brice, Idaho Milk Transport, said the new Adaptive Loading technology makes 6x2-liftable-axle tractors more viable for tank truck fleets and other carriers with empty backhauls. “The increased fuel economy and reduced tire wear help lower our environmental footprint,” he said. “Going forward, we believe the system will help with driver retention.”
Clay Handy, Handy Truck Line Inc, said he saw the potential in 6x2 configurations 20 years ago when the systems were all manual. “We waited for technology to catch up and make these systems more capable,” he said. “In addition to ease of operation, we are seeing improved fuel economy and reduced tire wear. For the future, we are looking for disc brake integration and expanded gross vehicle weight ratings.”
Joel Morrow, Ploger Transportation LLC, said his company’s focus was on fleet efficiency, pure and simple. “We saw the 6x2 liftable axle configuration as an attractive solution because general freight sees wide variations in load weight,” he said. “Volvo was the only truck manufacturer interested in working with us on this type of system.”
Volvo’s Adaptive Loading technology features a 6x2 liftable forward tractor axle that automatically adjusts to load weight changes and offers 4x2 operation under certain conditions. Like other 6x2 setups, Adaptive Loading improves fuel efficiency compared with traditional 6x4 configurations, which have two drive axles.
The non-drive axle, which is in the forward position of the tandem axles, helps distribute load weight without the internal gearing of a drive axle, lowering weight and reducing internal friction. The 6x2 arrangement eliminates 300 pounds from the tractor tare weight.
The liftable forward axle and Volvo’s Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) offer additional fuel efficiency benefits. In Adaptive Loading, ECS—based on pre-programmed weight thresholds—automatically lifts the axle in empty or light-loads situations to create a 4x2 configuration with less tire rolling resistance.
The new system is available on Volvo VNL and VNM models rated for gross combination weights up to 90,000 pounds. It is available on the XE Economy, XE Adaptive Gearing, and Eco-Torque powertrain packages. Fuel savings of 3% to 5% are possible, according to Volvo officials.
Volvo will begin delivering trucks with the Adaptive Loading technology in 2016. ♦