Fuel consumption and tyre wear are a large part of the operating costs for haulage firms. If the truck wheels are misaligned it can have an adverse effect on both tyre wear and fuel consumption, as Haweka explains.
As well as the safety benefits, hauliers can also reduce their running costs by ensuring they have the correct wheel alignment. When a truck’s wheels are correctly aligned, tyre life is extended and fuel consumption is
improved (just one degree of misalignment can increase fuel consumption by 5%).
Emissions are also reduced, there is less wear and tear on mechanical components, drivers report reduced fatigue and tyres are less likely to overheat. Haweka says its Axis500 machine allows the operator to measure a twin-steer, rigid, semi-trailers and buses in less than 10 minutes, thanks to its patented laser measuring head and easy to use magnetic chassis scales.
The measuring head is placed on the rim by powerful magnetic feet (with additional grab arms for aluminium rims) and measurement can start immediately. Given that the measuring does not need to be compensated like all other machines, there is no need for lifting up the vehicle for wheel rim run-out compensation. The system allows for the measurement of front toe, individual toe, camber, toe out on turns, turning radius, castor, kingpin inclination angle, angular tilt of axles, thrust angle and axle offset.
The precise measurement gauges are stored in a heavy-duty wooden trunk that ensures, even in mobile use, the investment is totally protected. No electricity supply is required, as the batteries in the laser heads have a minimum of eight hours continual use, and the battery in the electronic protractor lasts over 2,000 hours.
Portable
The system is completely portable and can be used on a level or non-level site and it comes with additional calibration tools to cope with the new ACC and EBA systems now appearing on new trucks in the U
K. Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) are advanced systems that help the driver to keep a safe distance from other traffic ahead. In order for workshops to set the adjustment on the radar sensors, the wheels and axles need to be correctly aligned.
The new calibration tool is also used to calibrate lane guard cameras – the system that monitors when the vehicle leaves its lane without the driver having indicated. Haweka says that with increased tyre and fuel costs every mile has-to-count, therefore it’s important that a truck’s wheels are correctly aligned.
