I received numerous messages from members raising their concerns with my
proposal.  To each of you I say thank you for taking the time to reply.  It
was only in reading your reply that I realised that I had not made it clear
that the 23t rear axle load would in fact be carried by a tri axle group
consisting of two drive axles and a lazy axle.  That means the individual
axle loads in the axle group would be 9.2t x2 (drive axles) + 4.6t (lazy
axle) = 23t (axle group). The load share ratio, ie., 40%/40%/20% would be
maintained regardless of the axle group mass.  Furthermore the axles in the
group would be fitted with dual tyres meaning that the group would have a
total of 12 tyres (wheels).

There is no need to reply to this message update.  I have posted it simply
to clarify the misunderstanding and to offer my apology for the "grave"
concerns that it caused.

Regards
Wayne Checker 

>Date: Fri, 19 Nov 1999 11:40:39 +1000
>To: Road Transport Technology Mail
>From: "Wayne Checker, Edwards Consulting Services" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Towtruck Mass Permits
>Bcc: Wayne Checker5
>
>I am currently engaged to obtain a mass permit for a heavy towtruck that
is to be operated in South Australia.  The vehicle is heavier than the ones
I have experienced in the past, probably because it is a genuine purpose
built heavy duty wrecker (towtruck)intended for some very heavy towing.
Couple its tare mass with the extra mass that is added to the rear axle
group when it picks up a heavy truck (approx 6t lift)and we experience in
the order of a 23t rear axle mass. This is when I set the truck up in the
best configuration that I can reasonably use, which is tri axle with a
40%/40%/20% load share.  The 20% load is on a lazy axle, the 40% loads are
on drive axles.  Suspension is air and can be considered road friendly
using the local regulatory authorities definitions.
>
>The local regulatory authorities are to say the least horified with my
proposal, but as it is the best I can propose through vehicle alterations
it means any further progress with them will rely on negotiating a
policy/standards change. This leads me into the reason why I am contacting
members. 
>
>Has any one had any success in getting approval to operate towtrucks with
a rear axle mass in the order of 23t?  If you have I would appreciate it if
you would contact me so that I can get some information from you and or
learn from you what is required to get approval.  Australian contacts will
be ideal but please still contact me if you are from another country as you
may still have something relevant that I can use.
>
>My e-mail address is [log in to unmask]
>
>Regards
>Wayne
-------------------------------------
Wayne Checker
Compliance Services Consultant
Phone: +61 8 8342 5999
Fax:   +61 8 8342 1555
Find out more about us
http://www.adelaide.net.au/~edcons
-------------------------------------


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