Recently, I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of two loaded rigs to experience, first hand, Volvo Trucks North America's new Adaptive Loading.
It is the first factory installed, fully integrated, 6x2 liftable forward axle that automatically adjusts to load weight changes by transferring weight between the drive and non drive axle. The technology also offers 6x4 operation under certain light loads conditions.
For those operations where trucks go out loaded and return empty, or run lightly loaded much of the time, or have diminishing-loads, Adaptive Loading is an innovative way to change the truck’s configuration on the fly for improved efficiency.
Volvo officials say the key benefits of Adaptive Loading include:
-Greater fuel efficiency.
- Improved traction.
- Lower maintenance costs.
- Increased driver productivity.
On the road
The road test was a roundtrip from Brigham City, Utah, to Heyburn, Idaho – a distance of around 150 miles one way.
The two tractors were:
- A new Volvo VNM62T 200 with a 405hp D11 diesel engine with the XE (eXceptional Efficiency) High-Torque powertrain package that automatically operate within the rpm “sweet spot” (1050 rpm to 1500 rpm) and a 12-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission makes every driver more fuel efficient by ensuring the right shift at the right time.
- A new Volvo VNL62T 630 with a 425hp D13 diesel engine with the XE Adaptive Gearing powertrain package that improves fuel economy by lowering engine rpm at a given vehicle speed (downspeeding.) It also operates in direct direct when the vehicle is loaded and in overdrive when empty. This tractor also had 12-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission.
How it does it
Like other 6x2 setups, Adaptive Loading improves fuel efficiency compared with traditional 6x4 configurations which have two drive axles.
With the Adaptive Loading suspension, 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 reduced weight – more than 300 pounds compared with a 6x4 – enables a greater payload.
The liftable forward axle and Volvo’s Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) technology offer additional fuel efficiency benefits. Adaptive Loading and Volvo’s current 6x2 option both use ECS to dynamically transfer weight among the two axles.
In Adaptive Loading, ECS – based on pre-programmed weight thresholds – automatically lifts the axle in empty or light-load situations to create a 4x2 configuration, which reduces rolling resistance from tires.
Adaptive Loading also can improve productivity for drivers. By operating the ECS in manual mode on a parked truck, drivers can raise the tractor’s suspension system up to two inches above normal ride height. This can speed trailer drop-and-hook operations by make lifting the trailer’s landing gear easier and safer.
Traction
Volvo official says its Adaptive Loading technology alleviates any concerns over traction in a 6x2 operation versus a 6x4.
ECS preserves traction under lighter loads by transferring more weight to the drive axle, they explain. In adverse weather or other special situations, drivers can achieve enhanced traction through special ECS settings and traction support integrated into the chassis.
Enhanced traction supports the truck during high-slip situations – better than 6x4 without inter-axle differential lock, they note.
A video showing the Adaptive Loading technology can be found here.
A video showing how the technology performs in winter weather conditions can be found here. Adaptive Loading will go into full production in January of next year.