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NACFE Updates 6×2 Confidence Report

Third generation 6x2 systems feature liftable pusher axles, which are said to improve ROI by allowing for axle-up light-weight operation. Photo by Jim Park

The latest Confidence Report release from NACFE shows that 6x2 drivetrains are still viable options for fleets looking for fuel and weight savings, but uptake on the technology is lower than what was predicted. This latest report shows 6x2 technology is evolving as product refinements emerge and fleets continue to work around some of the configuration's perceived challenges.

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency and Carbon War Room today issued an update to the Confidence Report on 6x2 axles, originally published in January 2003. Because of the way the 6x2 is evolving, this is the first time NACFE has convened a new team of experts to re-investigate a technology on which it has already issued a Confidence Report.

“While we found that the fuel savings benefits as well as the challenges from the original report are largely still true, new product refinements are coming to the market that are aimed at addressing some of the concerns fleets had about 6x2 axles,” says Yunsu Park, NACFE study team manager. “For instance, fleets dedicated to 6x2s are improving tire wear by changing the tire models they use and [electronically] limiting [engine] torque when launching the truck. Also, driver training has proven to be a significant part of a successful 6x2 implementation.”

The study team identified three generations of 6x2 products, but focused special attention on Generation III products, which contain liftable pusher axles, automatic axle-load biasing and traction control.

Generation I: 6x2 with tag axle, no load-shifting technology, manual differential locks. This version offered a 2–3% fuel savings along with weight savings of 300–400 pounds compared to a 6x4. Reported issues included accelerated tire wear and reduced traction under certain conditions, ...Read the rest of this story

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