How does a tandem axle differential work?
While a differential divides power to the wheels on an axle, the power divider or inter-axle differential (IAD) equally distributes torque between both axles of a tandem truck. When “locked,” the IAD causes the front and rear axles to spin at the same speed.
Which axle drives on a tandem axle truck?
If it is a standard tandem axle truck then both of the back axles are driven. The drive shaft is carried from the front axle to the back axle through a power divider which is basically another differential. A few things like some buses only the front of the two axles is driven.
Do both axles have differentials?
The differential allows wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds. When your vehicle goes around a corner the wheel on the outside has to travel faster than the wheel on the inside. The differential allows this to happen. Two wheel drive vehicles have one axle and four wheel drive vehicles have two.
What is the purpose of the inter-axle differential?
An inter-axle differential (IAD) is commonly employed in such vehicles to split the input shaft torque between the front and rear axle of the tandem.
How are rear axles different from tandem axles?
The axles allow the truck to carry more weight and assist in propelling the truck. A two rear-axle truck is commonly paired with a tandem axle trailer which can be identified with two pairs of wheels near the end and a kingpin at the front that connects to the hitch.
What kind of differential does a tandem truck have?
We know that a tandem truck has two axles in the rear, but not all are set up the same. If there’s an interaxle differential, there’ll also be an intermediate shaft running to the rear axle, and that’s what’s known as a twin screw or 6×4 setup. The driveshaft connects to the interaxle differential, and that transfers power between the two axles.
Which is drive shaft drives a tandem truck?
If it is a standard tandem axle truck then both of the back axles are driven. The drive shaft is carried from the front axle to the back axle through a power divider which is basically another differential. A few things like some buses only the front of the two axles is driven. I have been working in the world of axle since my teenage.
What makes a dump truck a tandem truck?
Both axles are usually drive axles — they propel the vehicle. Many have two wheels on each end of each axle. The tandem axles allow the truck to carry much more weight, they provide stability and a smoother ride, and they provide better traction on slippery surfaces. Many dump trucks are tandem trucks, as are many firetrucks,…