Decoding Truck Axle Configurations: 4x2, 6x4, 8x4 and More

Decoding Truck Axle Configurations: 4x2, 6x4, 8x4 and More

"Discover the meaning of different axle configurations for trucks and learn the advantages of each one.

In this video, we will demystify the numbers behind 4x2, 4x4, 6x2, 6x4, 6x6, and 8x2, and explain what they mean in terms of the number of wheels, towing capabilities, and rotatable axles.

From the common 4x2 configuration used for long-distance transport, to the powerful 6x6 off-roader, we will give you a comprehensive understanding of each type.
Find out how the 6x2 configuration provides fuel savings, while the 8x2 offers good maneuverability for city driving.

Don't miss out on learning the pros and cons of each configuration, and make informed decisions for your next truck purchase. Watch now!"

▬▬▬ The video ▬▬▬
00:00 Start
00:40
4X2
01:21 4X4
01:56 6X2
03:17 6X4
04:05 6X6
04:45 8X2
05:41 8X4
06:13 8X8
06:42 10X4

▬▬▬ Credit ▬▬▬
Volvo

Volvo USA

Freightliner

BigTruckOnlineMagazine

Scania

MAN

Mercedes-Benz

DAF

▬▬▬ End ▬▬▬
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[NFSGamerful]

The 10x8 is also fairly common here in europe for tipper trucks that need to go offroad and can be ordered from a large amount of manufacturers as well

[aanriuha]

A 4x2 tractor with a 3-axle trailer is some kind of European misunderstanding, it can only drive on highways and in summer. A little snow and they become dangerous and cause chaos on the roads. In northern Scandinavia we call them mosquitoes, they disappear with the first snowflakes and appear when the snow melts

[Deritsuku]

You should do a video on trailer configurations, like standard, A-trains, B-trains, heavy duty, flat beds, and self steering trailers if you haven't already.

[wheelman]

Thank you. A very good presentation. These various drive axles all have something in common - the final drive (differential) ratio. This ratio affects pulling power, fuel consumption, top speed and engine rpm. This ratio is usually stamped on the differential case. A good rule of thumb is : the higher the ratio, better pulling up hills although with higher gas consumption. Good for gravel pits and very heavy loads .A lower ratio is poor for climbing but allows a higher road speed and better fuel economy. Good for long haul, flat terrain deliveries .
Basically having more drive axles gives better traction and haulage, doesn't necessarily make the tractor more powerful. The real engineering trick is this differential ratio.

[dionsaures]

you forgot 10x8. the 10x8 is widely used in the Netherlands. And the 6x6 and 8x8 are quite comfortable (that's my opinion)

[stark]

Europeans have the possibility of disconnecting the rear axle from the suspension on 6x4 models, allowing it to be raised. A very important fact that is not discussed in the video.

[syberracer]

8x4 configurations are also usually found on heavy haulage trucks here in the UK and Europe. It offers great weight distribution for transportation of abnormal loads (industrial generators, silos, large concrete pipes, heavy construction machinery, etc...). Sometimes, they can be 8x8s if a higher traction and pulling power is required for the weight of the load, but still follow the conventions of 8x4s for steerable axles (/4, standard 8x8 and *4 as appropriate for where the steering axles are located).

The axle configuration of European heavy haulage trucks is usually seperated into a single forward axle and a set of 3 axles at the rear, with the forward axle of that triplet being steerable (8x4/4). It is most common on articulated tractor units. However, 2 sets of 2 axles (2 forward steering and 2 rear driven) (standard 8x4) can also be configured for a heavy haulage artic. The single forward and rear triplet axle set (with a steerable tag axle) (8x4*4) can also be configured, but is most commonly found on rigid/box (what Europe calls Tandem) trucks.

[thebrow]

Fantastic video!
You should make a video on trailer configurations. We have some 3 axle trailers where the front axle lifts and the rear axle steers, meaning you get zero tyre scrubbing in turns. They are a joy to drive.

[onnieheekkon]

Purposes list

4x2: Trucks commonly around in Europe.
4x4: For offroading purposes.
6x2: For maneuverable trucks with trailers.
6x4: For American trucks purposes.
6x6: For military purposes, dump trucks and firetrucks.
8x2: Trucks constructed with a crane.
8x4: For offroading dump trucks.
8x6: For offroading firetrucks.
8x8: For offroading military trucks.
10x4/6: For heavy duty purposes and construction trucks.

[antarcticviking]

8x8s are very common on some logging trucks that go into the bush, I’ve heard the are extremely well designed and that the plantation has brought more of them

[TheCoyote]

The 6x4 long nose semi might be the norm for over the road trucking in the USA, but the short 4x2 conventional semi is also fairly common as well. Especially in the less than truckload realm where city pick ups at multiple stops or ease of use with multiple shorter trailers between cities is an advantage.

And in certain parts of the US, the 8x4/4 semi is also decently common, especially the PNW, mountain west, and in Hawai'i. Though those in Hawai'i tend to be on much shorter wheelbases than their PNW/Rockies cousins.

[Chewiebakke]

This video confuses me a little...
All axles rotate otherwise they'd be skids :), but it's being used in the steering sense here. In the UK it appears we just call them steering axles - '2nd steer', 'rear-steer' etc.
I've always thought of the 1st number being the number of hubs on the truck, with a wheel being a rim and tyre. Hearing someone say a 6x2 has 6 wheels feels odd as to me there are two wheels on each rear hub.
Working at DAF dealers for nearly 20yrs now, I still enjoy picking up knowledge - it never stops. Thanks for the videos.

[kinyerainnoarnolds]

Thanks for making it easy to understand.

[antarcticviking]

We only refer to the 8x4s as twin steers and we use them as they turn great and preform very well. We use them on hour road trains too.

[ahh]

He forgot my two favorite types, the 8x6 and the 200x198 :(

[GOOD_FARMER]

Here in India 10x2/4 and 10x2/6 trucks are becoming popular.

[faradaybhaskoro]

everytime i heard 8×4, i always remember new zealand trucks, and that is beautiful😎😎

[RiyanMayimele]

4x2 best common in Europe and 6x2/4 in Europe 😊😎😎

[iboyioghenetejirigift]

As a truck driver, I have learn a lot today. Thank you @trucktropia

[onnieheekkon]

6:54 This configuration is much more complex, because it is used for construction, heavy duty tasks, and vehicle carriage tasks. Nice comment. If you'd drive the truck, with the 10x4 configuration, brakes are better!