Performance Innovation Transport (PIT) has wrapped up testing on 6x2 tractors, which shows fuel savings of 2.6-3.5% compare to 6x4 configurations.
The testing was done in conjunction with PIT's Energotest trials in Blainville, Que. in June. The testing also found 6x2s do have less traction than traditional 6x4s.
"The objective of our Energotest trials is to conduct controlled test-track studies for the trucking industry of technologies that increase fuel efficiency and lower emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG)," said Yves Provencher, director of PIT. "The results being released today scientifically demonstrate that for the vehicles tested, 6X2 tractors have better fuel performance than similar 6x4 tractors, which can lead to significant savings for fleets."
The following vehicles were used for comparisons:
2013 Volvo VNL 64T 6x4 - Meritor MT40-14XC rear axle, 2.64 ratio 2014 Volvo VNL 62T 6x2 - Meritor RS23-160/161 rear axle, 2.67 ratio; Volvo non drive axle 2012 Kenworth T660 6x4 - Dana Spicer D40-170P rear axle, 3.21 ratio 2012 Kenworth T660 6x2 - Dana Spicer D40-170P rear axle, 3.21 ratio; modified (emptied rear housing, removed the drive shaft between front and rear housing, change gears in the front housing, same ratio) 2012 Kenworth T660 6x2- Dana Spicer D40-170P rear axle, 3.21 ratio; modified (switched front and rear housing, emptied rear housing; gears not changed).
In tests using the SAE J1321 Fuel Consumption Test Procedure - Type II (SAE International 2012) for Kenworth models, 6x2 tractors consumed from 2.6% to 3.5% less fuel than similar 6x4 models. Using the TMC-SAE Type III Test Procedure (SAE J1526), the Volvo 6x2 tractor used 3.3% less fuel than the 6x4 model.
PIT traction performance evaluations of the 6x2 and 6x4 tractors used a pull sled test to compare pulling distance, maximum speed and acceleration. When pulling the same sled on a similar surface, the 6x2 tractors traveled from 5.4% to 13.5% shorter distances, reached maximum speeds that were about 17% lower, and exhibited from 10.5% to 35% slower acceleration rates compared to the 6x4 tractors.
PIT will host its next biannual Energotest at the Transport Canada test track from Sept. 11-19. The event will feature fuel consumption tests comparing North American and European trucks in addition to testing the fuel consumption claims of many new products on the market.
