Tridrive but still allowed 63,500 KG? What gives?

Discussion in 'Canadian Truckers Forum' started by rbrauns, Jul 2, 2017.

  1. rbrauns

    rbrauns Light Load Member

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    Hi,

    I live in BC and haul coal but see a lot of logging trucks on the mill road and 90% of them are tri-drives.

    I checked the weight limits and a tri-drive does allow for higher steer and drive axle weights but the GCVW is still maxed out at 63,500 KG meaning less payload using a tridrive than a tandem pulling a Super B (7 axles). The max weight is 63,500 KG for 7, 8, 9 or even 10 axles so why would anyone run a tri-drive?

    Is there some super secret overweight permit that allows higher GCVW than 63,500 KG or is it really just the extra traction and not having to chain up as much that is the selling feature?

    Thanks for your answers in advance.

    Regards, Robert
     
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  3. orcen

    orcen Heavy Load Member

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    Better traction on mountain bush roads.
     
    Dye Guardian Thanks this.
  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Mobility is the big thing in the bush. In the mountain areas you need to have a short combination because there isn't much room to turn around. Can't get much shorter than a tridrive with a tridem pole trailer or quad wagon loaded up on the truck. Gotta keep in mind loggers get paid by weight and you'd have a hard time making money with a tandem and pole trailer simply because you can't pack that kind of weight on a tandem without sacrificing mobility by going to b trains or a super b.

    On the plus side, not only better traction with a tridrive but by being able to load a single trailer onto the truck reduces trailer tire and brake wear, improves ride quality when empty and keeps weight on the drives for improved traction.
     
    MartinFromBC, Cat sdp and Dye Guardian Thank this.
  5. Tacodriver

    Tacodriver Bobtail Member

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    Traction both up and down the hill. With the move to short logs by more mills the truckers can use either b trains or hay racks or a tridrive with a wagon, in really steep ground dragging a trailer up the hill simply does not work.
     
    MartinFromBC Thanks this.
  6. orcen

    orcen Heavy Load Member

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    I like Tacos
     
  7. rbrauns

    rbrauns Light Load Member

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    Thanks everyone for your responses.
     
  8. Zeviander

    Zeviander Road Train Member

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    RTAC weight limits, regardless of axle configuration, AFAIK remain at 63,500kg unless you are permitted over.
     
  9. fuller

    fuller Light Load Member

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    My guess is they load the scheiss out of them while off road, and so as to not void any warranty... while still able to run on road at 63,500kg...
     
  10. Jazz1

    Jazz1 Road Train Member

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    Compensated for only having a 4 axle trailer. This here in Ontario image.jpg
     
    jimbo47 Thanks this.
  11. westernstarheavyhaul

    westernstarheavyhaul Light Load Member

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    Arrow has a permit to run over 63,500 with tridrives pulling btrain coal wagons.
     
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