Heavy Haulage and Increased Axle Load Recommendations - Volvo

Heavy Haulage and Increased Axle Load 

Recommendations 

1. Performance requirements for heavy haulage applications 

Theoretical performance 

• Startability on lowest gear (CL, crawler low) = 10% 

• Startability on lowest synchronised gear (1L) = 5% 

• Gradeability on lowest synchronised gear (1L) = 10% 

Practical application 

• Hills < 5% slope. 

• Experienced heavy haulage driver. 

• Good asphalt paving. 

• Tyres having enough loading capacity. 

• Metric tonnes used as default unit if not otherwise is stated. 

• The truck must fulfil existing vehicle regulations as well as the trailer independent 

of each other. 

• Short annual driving distances. 

NOTE! 

For some markets EC directives of brakes, speed limitation and steering forces are 

required. 

If there is a modification of axle arrangement e.g. additional axle installed, the bodybuilder 

who install this axle is FULLY responsible for all approval of steering, brakes 

and load distribution. All Volvo certificates and approvals are automatically invalid. 

2003 05 19 ENG Version 01 1 (16) Volvo Truck Corporation



2. High Gross Combination Weight (GCW) 

If the requirements in chapter 1 are fulfilled, the tables below will give the maximum technical 

permitted Rear Axle Load (RAL) in combination with the maximum permitted 

Gross Combination Weight (GCW). 

(See next page for more detailed info). 

Rear axle 

RAL 

(tonnes) 

0-45 

km/h 

RAL 

(tonnes) 

46-60 

km/h 

RAL 

(tonnes) 

61-75 

km/h 

RAL 

(tonnes) 

76-90 

km/h 

GCW 

(tonnes) 

RSS1344B 15 13 13 13 44 

RS1352HV 15 13 13 13 52 

RS1356SV 15 13 13 13 56 

RS1365HV 15 13 13 13 65 

RS1370HV 15 13 13 13 70 

RT2610HV 30 26 26 26 

RTS2370A 27 23 23 23 70 

RT3210HV 36 32 32 32 

Comment 

Max. GCW = 80 

if v




permitted Gross Combination Weight (GCW in tonnes) regarding the driveline. 

Gearbox cooler with highest possible performance is always recommended. 

R e a r 

a x l e 

type load * 

Ratio 

D12D500, 

VO2514 

D12D460, 

VO2514B 

D12D420, 

VO2214 

RT2610HV 

(max. 45 km/h) 

RT2610HV 


RT3210HV 


30 

26 

32 

3.61 100 85 80 

3.76 110 90 85 

4.12 125 100 95 

4.55 145 120 115 

5.41 165 155 145 

3.61 100 85 80 

3.76 110 90 85 

4.12 125 100 95 

4.55 140 120 115 

5.41 140 140 140 

3.61 100 85 80 

3.76 110 90 85 

4.12 125 100 95 

4.55 145 120 115 

5.41 175 155 145 

R e a r a x l e 

type load * 

Ratio 

D12D500, 

V2514 

D12D460, 

V2514 

D12D420, 

V2214 

RT2610HV 


RT2610HV 

(max 45 km/h) 

RT3210HV 


RT3210HV 


30 

26 

32 

36 

3.61 140 115 110 

3.76 145 125 120 

4.12 165 145 135 

4.55 165 165 150 

5.41 165 165 165 

3.61 140 115 110 

3.76 140 125 120 

4.12 140 140 135 

4.55 140 140 140 

5.41 140 140 140 

3.61 140 115 110 

3.76 145 125 120 

4.12 165 145 135 

4.55 175 165 150 

5.41 175 175 175 

3.61 140 115 110 

3.76 150 125 120 

4.12 165 145 135 

4.55 185 165 155 

5.41 195 195 185 

* Tonnes 





permitted Gross Combination Weight (GCW in tonnes) regarding the driveline. 

Gearbox cooler with highest possible performance is always recommended. 

With retarder RET-TPT extra oil to air cooler is recommended (RTO). 

R e a r 

a x l e 

type load * 

Ratio 

D12D420, 

V2206PT 

D12D460, 

V2206PT 

D12D460, 

V2206PT ** 

RT2610HV 


RT2610HV 


RT3210HV 


30 

26 

32 

3.61 70 75 90 

3.76 80 85 95 

4.12 85 90 105 

4.55 90 95 115 

5.41 110 115 135 

3.61 70 75 90 

3.76 80 85 95 

4.12 85 90 105 

4.55 90 95 115 

5.41 110 115 135 

3.61 70 75 90 

3.76 80 85 95 

4.12 85 90 105 

4.55 90 95 115 

5.41 110 115 135 

R e a r a x l e 

type load * 

Ratio 

D16C610, 

VO2814 

D16C550, 

VO2814 

RT2610HV 


RT2610HV 

(max 45 km/h) 

RT3210HV 


RT3210HV 


30 

26 

32 

36 

3.61 110 110 

3.76 120 120 

4.12 135 135 

4.55 150 150 

5.41 175 175 

3.61 110 110 

3.76 120 120 

4.12 135 135 

4.55 150 150 

5.41 165 165 

3.61 110 110 

3.76 120 120 

4.12 135 135 

4.55 150 150 

5.41 185 185 

3.61 110 110 

3.76 120 120 

4.12 135 135 

4.55 150 150 

5.41 185 185 

* Tonnes 

** With extra oil to air cooler (RTO). 




Transmission Cooler for gearboxes V2814 / VO2814 

See transmission oil cooler recommendations for guidance. 

Parking Brake 

EC regulations state that engaged parking brake should hold the Gross Combination Weight 

(GCW) in a 12% slope. Maximum GCW in tables below fulfils this requirement. 

NOTE! If the body-builder do any kind of modification of the Volvo parking brake system, the 

body-builder is fully responsible for the approval of the parking brake system. 

A heavy haulage truck requires a 2 cylinder compressor (sales variant 2COM1080). 

Execution No. of braking axles GCW (tonnes) ** 

4x2, Drum brake 

1 50 

2 * 70 

4x2, Disc brake 2 70 


6x2/6x4, Drum brake 

6x2/6x4, Disc brake 


8x2/8x4, Drum brake 

8x2/8x4, Disc brake 

1 50 

2 * 70 

2 65 

3 * 120 

2 65 

3 * 120 

2 65 

3 * 120 

2 65 

3 * 120 

2 70 

3 * 120 

* AUXPARK mounted. 

** Trailer without parking brakes. 

GCW > 120 tonnes requires that trailer parking brakes can be applied from the truck. 

NOTE! Local approval for parking brake and heavy haulage may be required. 




Brakes 

Below table shows designed braking capacity for trucks with approved available 

EC certificates with speed >45 km/h. 

NOTE! If the body-builder do any kind of modification of the Volvo brake system, 

the body-builder is fully responsible for the approval of the brake system. 

Certified Vehicle Type 

Max GVW (tonnes) 

4x2 20.0 

4x4 20.5 

6x2, RAPD-A6 27.0 

6x2, RADT-A8 28.0 

6x2, RADT-AR 28.0 * 

6x4, RADD-A8 (RAL19) 27.6 

6x4, RADD-A8 (RAL21) 29.6 

6x4, RADD-BR (RAL19) 27.6 

6x4, RADD-BR (RAL21) 29.6 

6x4, RADD-TR (RAL23) 31.6 

6x4, RADD-TR (RAL26) 34.6 

6x4, RADD-TR (RAL26, FAL9.0) 35.0 

6x6, RADD-BR (RAL21, FAL8.0) 27.0 

6x6, RADD-TR (RAL26) 34.0 

8x2, RADT-AR 33.0 

8x2, RADT-A8 (FAL16, DRAL11.5) 35.0 

8x4, RADD-A8 37.0 

8x4, RADD-BR 37.0 

8x4, RADD-TR (FAL16, RAL21) 32.0 



8x4, RADD-TR (FAL17.4, RAL26) 41.0 

* 26.0 before week 0351. 

Be aware of that Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is maximum weight (Max). There can be 

combinations with lower values. 

Verify available valid certificate for Your vehicle combination (FALXX+DRALXX+TRALXX; 

RALXX = DRALXX+TRALXX). 

The "high end" heavy haulage vehicles, needed for traction, axle pressures exceed the 

design axle loads. These axle pressures are only to be used below 45 km/h. 

The low speed and the special precautions taken under "high end" heavy haulage, make the 

standard braking equipment and its braking performance still acceptable despite the extra 

axle loads. However, local regulation must always be fulfilled and is in this document not 

concerned. 

NOTE! Volvo Truck Corp. requirement regarding retardation must be fulfilled (≥ 5 m/s 2 ). 

At least one brake analysis has to be performed in order to prove that concerned requirement 

is fulfilled. 




Frame 

If the guidelines above are followed no extra frame reinforcement, e.g. help frame is required. 

Steering Capacity 

In table below be aware of that the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is maximum weight (Max). 

There can be combinations with lower values. Verify that there is a valid certificate for your 

vehicle combination. 

NOTE! If the body-builder does any kind of modification of the Volvo steering system, the 

body-builder is fully responsible for the approval of steering system. 

At least 20% of the GVW must be applied onto the truck steering axle. 

Designed steering capacity 

(certified) 

Axle 

arr. 

Front Axle Load 

(FAL) 

Front 

suspension 

Rear Axle Load 

(RAL) 

Rear axle installation 

Max GVW 

(tonnes) 

4x2 6.7 / 7.1 / 7.5 / 8.0 / 9.0 Air / Leaf 13 RAD-L90 / RAD-A4 20 

4x4 8.0 / 9.0 Leaf 13 RAD-L90 20 

6x2 6.7 / 7.1 / 8.0 / 9.0 Leaf 19 / 21 RADT-AR 28 * 

6x2 6.7 / 7.1 / 7.5 / 8.0 / 9.0 Air / Leaf 18 / 18.5 / 19 

RADT-A8 

(fixed or self steered) 28 **) 

6x2 7.1 / 8.0 Air / Leaf 18 / 19 

RAPD-A6 

(fixed or hydr. steered) 

27 

6x2 6.7 / 7.1 / 8.0 Air / Leaf 18 / 19 RADT-A8 (hydr. steered) 27 

6x4 6.7 / 7.1 / 8.0 / 9.0 Leaf 19/ 21 / 23 / 26 / 32 

RADD-BR / 

RADD-TR1 / RADD-TR2 

34 

6x4 6.7 / 7.1 / 8.0 / 9.0 Leaf 21 RADD-A8 29 

6x4 9.0 Leaf 26 / 32 RADD-TR2 35 

6x6 8.0 / 9.0 Leaf 21 / 26 

RADD-BR / 


34 

8x2 16.0 Leaf 18 / 19 / 21 RADT-A8 / RADT-AR 42 

8x4 13.0 / 16.0 / 17.4 Leaf 21 /23 / 26 

GVW = Gross Vehicle Weight 

* Certificate will be available after week 0351. 

** Certificate will be available after week 0335. 

RADD-A8 / RADD-BR / 


42 




3. Increased axle loads 

If the truck speed is lowered there is a potential of increased axle loads for some variants. 

NOTE! If the body-builder does any kind of modification of the Volvo axle arrangements, 

the body-builder is fully responsible for the approval of the vehicle. 

Front axle 

Front axle 

arrangement 

One (1) nondriven 

axle 

Two (2) nondriven 

axles 

One (1) driven 

front axle 

Front 

suspension 

FST-AIR, 

FAL8.0 

FST-PAR, 

FAL7.1 

FST-PAR, 

FAL7.5 

FST-PAR, 

FAL8.0 

FST-PAR, 

FAL9.0 

FST-PAR, 

FAL16.0 

FST-PAR, 

FAL17.4 

FST-PAR, 

FAL8.0 

FST-PAR, 

FAL9.0 

0 – 45 

km/h 

Front axle load (tonnes) 

46 – 60 61 – 75 

km/h km/h 

76 – 90 

km/h 

9.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 

8.0 7.1 7.1 7.1 

9.0 7.5 7.5 7.5 

9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 

10.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 

18.0 16.0 16.0 16.0 

18.0 17.4 17.4 17.4 

9.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 

9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0 




Rear suspension 

Rear 

suspension 0-45 

km/h 

Rear axle load (tonnes) 

46-60 

km/h 

61-75 

km/h 

76-90 

km/h 

Comment 

RAD-A4 15 13 13 13 

RADT-AR 

22 19 19 19 RAL19, TRAL-RF (axle distr. 52/48) 

22 19 19 19 RAL19, TRAL-STD (axle distr. 56/44) 

24 21 21 21 RAL21, TRAL-RF (axle distr. 52/48) 

24 21 21 21 RAL21, TRAL-STD (axle distr. 56/44) 

RAPD-A6 21 19 19 19 Choose TRAL75 

RADT-A8 23 21 19 19 Choose TRAL75 

RADD-BR 24 21 21 21 Spring 257887 or 257871 or 257900 

RADD-A8 26 21 21 21 

RADD-R1/2, 

RAL26, 

RSH-STD 

RADD-TR2, 

RAL32, 

RSH-STD, 

RT3210HV 

RADD-R1/2, 

RAL26, 

RSH-XHIG 

RADD-TR2, 

RAL32, 

RSH-XHIG, 

RT3210HV 

30 26 26 26 

36 32 32 32 

26 26 26 26 

32 32 32 32 





Rear 

suspension DRAL TRAL/ 

DRAL2 

0 – 45 km/h 46 – 60 km/h 61 – 75 km/h 76 – 90 km/h 

DRAL 

TRAL/ 

DRAL2 

DRAL 

TRAL/ 

DRAL2 

DRAL 

TRAL/ 

DRAL2 

Comment 

RAD-A4 15 - 13 - 13 - 13 - 

RADT-AR 

11.44 10.56 9.88 9.12 9.88 9.12 9.88 9.12 RAL19, TRAL-RF 

(axle distr. 52/48) 

12.32 9.68 10.64 8.36 10.64 8.36 10.64 8.36 RAL19, TRAL-STD 


12.48 11.52 10.92 10.08 10.92 10.08 10.92 10.08 RAL21, TRAL-RF 


13.44 10.56 11.76 9.24 11.76 9.24 11.76 9.24 RAL21, TRAL-STD 


RAPD-A6 12.7 8.3 11.5 7.5 11.5 7.5 11.5 7.5 Choose TRAL75 

RADT-A8 14 9 12.78 8.21 11.5 7.5 11.5 7.5 Choose TRAL75 

RADD-BR 12 12 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 Spring 257887, 

257871 or 257900 

RADD-A8 13 13 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 

RADD- 

TR1/2, 

RAL26, 

RSH-STD 

RADD-TR2, 

RAL32, 

RSH-STD, 

RT3210HV 

RADD- 

TR1/2, 

RAL26, 

RSH-XHIG 

RADD-TR2, 

RAL32, 

RSH-HIG, 

RT3210HV 

15 15 13 13 13 13 13 13 

18 18 16 16 16 16 16 16 

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 

DRAL = DRive Axle Load 

TRAL = TRailing Axle Load 

DRAL2 = DRive Axle Load on second drive axle 




4. Airport Vehicles 

Introduction 

This recommendation DO NOT cover emergency vehicles such as fire fighting vehicles etc. 

At airports special conditions prevail, e.g. very good paving, flat surfaces, fenced in areas, 

etc. Under these circumstances extra high axle loads may be used. Using these extra high 

axle loads, standard suspensions sometime need customisation. 

High Gross Combination Weight 

Depending on engine power, transmission and rear axle load the maximum Gross 

Combination Weight (GCW) may not be possible to obtain. 

R e a r 

a x l e 

type load * 

Ratio 

D9D260 

VT1705PT 

D9D260 

VT2206PT 

D12D460, 

VT2206PT 

RT3210HV 


* Tonnes 

32 

3.61 50 70 100 

3.76 55 75 105 

4.12 60 80 115 

4.55 65 90 125 

5.41 80 105 150 

7.21 100 140 200 

Rear Suspension 

Axle load for a 4x2 rear leaf suspended vehicle (RAD-L90) is shown in table below: 

Speed (km/h) RAL (tonnes) 

0 - 6 16.5 

7 - 15 16 

16 - 30 16 

31 - 45 16 

46 - 60 13 

61 - 75 13 

76 - 90 13 

RAL = Rear Axle Load 

Adaptation: 

• Springs: RAD-L90, RST-PAR3 (part no. 257 845) 

• Rear axle RSS1344B 

• Bump stop, part no. 39 43 388, mounted to the flange of the chassis frame with a 5 mm 

spacer between. 

• Rear stabiliser anchorage, part no. 10 76 637, mounted between rear axle casing and 

spring leaves. 





Axle load for a 4x2 rear leaf suspended vehicle (RAD-L90) is shown in table below: 

Speed (km/h) RAL (tonnes) 

0 - 6 20 

7 - 15 20 

16 - 30 20 

31 - 45 16 

46 - 60 15 

61 - 75 15 

76 - 90 15 


Adaptation: 

• Springs: RAD-L90, RST-PAR3 (part no. 257 845). 

• Rear single reduction axle RSS1344B. 

• Bump stop, part no. 39 43 388, mounted to the flange of the chassis frame with a 

5mm spacer between. 

• Rear stabiliser anchorage, part no. 10 76 637, mounted between rear axle casing and 

spring leaves. 

• Two extra hollow rubber springs (part no. 15 06 399) to be mounted at each side, i.e. a 

total of 4 per truck. They should be respectively mounted 250 mm from the leaf spring 

clamp bolt. The rubber springs to be mounted just to touch the leaf spring when rear axle 

load is 15 tonnes. 

Rear Axle Load (RAL) for a 4x2 rear air suspended vehicle (RAD-A4) is shown in table below: 

Speed (km/h) 

Rear axle NOT leaning 

on bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 

Rear axle leaning on 

bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 

0 - 6 15 16.5 

7 - 15 15 15 

16 - 30 15 15 

31 - 45 15 Not allowed 





Adaptation: 

• None. 





Rear Axle Load (RAL) for a 4x2 rear air suspended vehicle (RAD-A4) is shown in table below: 

Speed (km/h) 


on bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 


bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 

0 - 6 15 20 

7 - 15 15 18 

16 - 30 15 18 






Adaptation: 

• Frame calculations to be performed for each specific truck by Volvo. 

• FRAME88 and FRAMEHIGH. 

• New bump stop bracket LH/RH according to enclosed conceptual sketch. 

• New bump stop bracket must be fixed with 4x2 M14 bolts to the frame according to 

existing frame hole pattern. 

• Bump stop rubber must be re-installed at the same position (z-direction) relative to frame. 

Picture below shows a conceptual sketch of the new bump stop bracket on RAD-A4 

Standard dimension 

tube with wall 

thickness = 8 mm 

4x2 holes for M14 bolts 

Plate thickness =12mm 





Rear Axle Load (RAL) for a 6x2 rear air suspended steered tag axle vehicle is shown in table 

below: 

Speed (km/h) 


on bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 


bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 

0 - 6 23 28 

7 - 15 23 26 

16 - 30 23 26 






Adaptation: 

• TRAL75. 

Rear Axle Load (RAL) for a 6x4 rear air suspended vehicle (RADD-A8) is shown in table 

below: 

Speed (km/h) 


on bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 


bump stop 

(RAL, tonnes) 

0 - 6 30 33 

7 - 15 30 30 

16 - 30 30 30 






Adaptation: 

• None. 




Front Suspension 

Front Axle Load (FAL) for a 4x2 front leaf suspended vehicle. 

Speed (km/h) FAL (tonnes) 

0 - 6 12.0 

7 - 15 9.0 

16 - 30 9.0 

31 - 45 9.0 

46 - 60 8.0 

61 - 75 8.0 

76 - 90 8.0 

FAL = Front Axle Load 

Adaptation: 

• FST-PAR, FAL8.0. 

Front Axle Load (FAL) for a 4x2 front leaf suspended vehicle. 


0 - 6 13.0 

7 - 15 11.0 

16 - 30 11.0 

31 - 45 10.5 

46 - 60 10.5 

61 - 75 9.0 

76 - 90 9.0 


Adaptation: 

• FST-PAR, FAL9.0 

Front Axle Load (FAL) for an 8x2/8x4 front leaf suspended vehicle. 


0 - 6 18.0 

7 - 15 18.0 

16 - 30 18.0 

31 - 45 18.0 

46 - 60 18.0 

61 - 75 16.0 

76 - 90 16.0 


Adaptation: 

• None 




Front suspension 

Front Axle Load (FAL) for a 4x2 front air suspended vehicle with 8 tonnes front axle. 

Speed (km/h) 

Front axle NOT leaning 

on bump stop 

(FAL, tonnes) 

Front axle leaning on 

bump stop 

(FAL, tonnes) 

0 - 6 12.0 13.0 

7 - 15 10.0 Not allowed 







Adaptation: 

• None 

General Requirements 

• When retarder RET-TPT extra oil to air cooler is recommended (RTO). 

• At least FRAME88 on 4x2. 

• At least FRAME88, FRAMEHIG and full innerliner on 6x2 and 8x2. 

• Flat and good paving. 

• No driving on common roads. 

• A special approval must be given for each vehicle. 

• The operator is responsible that the tyres have enough loading capacity. 

• Preventing declination on leaf suspended vehicles, arbitrarily numbers of spacers can be 

used. Note that the bump stop must be moved downwards accordingly. Ref. 4x2 

vehicles use spacer part no. 10 76 637. 

• Brake analysis required for concerned speeds. 

5. Unregistered Vehicles 

Requirements of this type of vehicles are identical to vehicles presented in 

chapters 1-3.

Heavy Haulage and Increased Axle Load Recommendations - Volvo

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