6X2 VS 6X4

[Catastrophology]

I object to the fact that a 6X4 as more points in heavy haulage than the 6X2. 6X2 is a lighter truck than the 6X4.

[Chris]

Originally posted by Catastrophology:

I object to the fact that a 6X4 as more points in heavy haulage than the 6X2. 6X2 is a lighter truck than the 6X4.

6x2 would be like pulling a D11 cat dozer with a riding mower . We object you have ZILCH understanding of a class 8 truck

[Rookie-31st]

Truck is lighter but pulling with only one rear axle.

[CaptainHazzard92]

youll blow the rear end of a single drive. my grampa was just telling me how he saw someone blow a set of tandems riding the jake down a hill with i forget how much weight.

[Catastrophology]

The only difference with the 6X4 is if you are stuck on a slippery surface, then you get 4 wheel to pull you. But on the road, on the asphalt, concrete, the power of the engine is sent to only 1 wheel, not 4. The only good explanation is from Super Kami Guru. And even then, I have some reserve. Because you can do that to a 6X4. I've seen someone blow 2 differential in the same night on 2 different tractors.

[Chris]

Originally posted by Catastrophology:

The only difference with the 6X4 is if you are stuck on a slippery surface, then you get 4 wheel to pull you. But on the road, on the asphalt, concrete, the power of the engine is sent to only 1 wheel, not 4. The only good explanation is from Super Kami Guru. And even then, I have some reserve. Because you can do that to a 6X4. I've seen someone blow 2 differential in the same night on 2 different tractors.

Weight laws are one factor .and if u watched 1 guy tear out 2 rears then u was watching a complete moron that cant drive

[Ampeded]

A 6x2 chassis has 1 powered axle which makes it a truck suitable for normal cargo. Whilst a 6x4 chassis which has 2 powered axles will make it suitable for a heavy cargo.

[Catastrophology]

Originally posted by PrimeGamer:

A 6x2 chassis has 1 powered axle which makes it a truck suitable for normal cargo. Whilst a 6x4 chassis which has 2 powered axles will make it suitable for a heavy cargo.

Yes, but once you are on the asphaslt, road, highway, concrete. It doesnt matter, the power is sent to 1 wheel / 1 axle.

[Nimir-Raj]

More powered axles = better use of torque = better pulling power.


So a 6x4 will always be better than 6x2 for heavy haul as it always has 2 powered axles.

[Rookie-31st]

Originally posted by Catastrophology:

Yes, but once you are on the asphaslt, road, highway, concrete. It doesnt matter, the power is sent to 1 wheel / 1 axle.

No, this is not correct. All 4 wheels / both rear axles are powered at all times

[Elwenil]

Originally posted by Catastrophology:

Originally posted by PrimeGamer:

A 6x2 chassis has 1 powered axle which makes it a truck suitable for normal cargo. Whilst a 6x4 chassis which has 2 powered axles will make it suitable for a heavy cargo.

Yes, but once you are on the asphaslt, road, highway, concrete. It doesnt matter, the power is sent to 1 wheel / 1 axle.

This is incorrect. As long as both wheels have traction on an axle with an open differential, both will recieve equal torque. If you double the axles, you double the available traction. This is common knowledge to any good mechanic. Watch this 1937 video from GM, it will explain how a differential works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYAw79386WI

[Catastrophology]

Originally posted by Elwenil:

Originally posted by Catastrophology:

Yes, but once you are on the asphaslt, road, highway, concrete. It doesnt matter, the power is sent to 1 wheel / 1 axle.

This is incorrect. As long as both wheels have traction on an axle with an open differential, both will recieve equal torque. If you double the axles, you double the available traction. This is common knowledge to any good mechanic. Watch this 1937 video from GM, it will explain how a differential works:

First: this is 1937
Second: its GM ( Just kidding) those apply to cars, they are light weight.

When we talk about trucks, sending power to 1 wheel instead of 4:
Pros:

-Saves alot on fuel
-It will increase manoeuvrability in curves. Other wise, the truck will tend to go straight as you turn the steering wheel because of the amount of weight on the fifthwheel.
-It will save you in a slippery situation (while on the move)

Cons:

-Well, basicly, the driver never know wich wheel get the full power, he might know wich side, but that's it, and it can change during a trip.
-You can get stuck if you are stopped in a slippery situation (when you are stopped) (Hence the 6X4 usefullness)

[Robinicus]

Lots of "experts" on here who know nothing about the mechanicals of a truck obviously.

If the power divider is not engaged, toque will travel to any of the 4 drive wheels in varying percentages; in a typical straight line good traction scenario the right side will apply a slightly higher percentage due to the torque twist physics. If the power divider is engaged 50% of the torque will travel to each axle but again, can flow to either wheel on each of the axles. The only way you get torque to all 4 wheels for sure is if you have both the power divider engaged and an inter-wheel locking diff engaged. ATS simulates this incorrently but doubt they will ever add a power divider so the wheel lock simulates the power divider and inter-wheel diff locks both engaged.

In a 6x4 the rear diff typically receives a higher percentage of the torque (with both power divder and inter-wheel disengaged) again due to the torque twist physics. This is normal but does cause increased tire wear on the rear diff.

EDIT: just as FYI - a lot of modern trucks use the ATC (automatic traction control) function through modulating the ABS brake valves. On the comments of blowing rear ends running 6x2 vs 6x4, this is either a maintenance, driver or spec issue....lots of idiots out there who will spec a 32,000 lb rear in a 6x2 and try run trains or CDN legal weight and wonder why they have problems....

[Rookie-31st]

Originally posted by Catastrophology:

When we talk about trucks, sending power to 1 wheel instead of 4

No, in case of 6x4 tandem axles both rear axles are powered at all times. Power divider and differentials change torque sent to each axle/wheel according to situation (mainly load and traction), but in normal condition (straight line driving on tarmac in good traction) all wheels on both rear axles receive about same torque

[Maddus_]

JUST BUY A 6X4! BIGGER IS BETTER IN CHASSIS!

[Robinicus]

Originally posted by rookie31st:

Originally posted by Catastrophology:

When we talk about trucks, sending power to 1 wheel instead of 4

No, in case of 6x4 tandem axles both rear axles are powered at all times.Power divider and differentials change torque sent to each axle/wheel according to situation (mainly load and traction), but in normal condition (straight line driving on tarmac in good traction) all wheels on both rear axles receive about same torque

This is incorrect, the power divider and axles do not change torque (unless it is engaged...see my other post); torque will be highest at the wheel with the greatest level of traction regardless.

In a spinout situation for example, the tire that is not spinning is receiving almost 100% of the torque and the spinning wheel is receiving almost 0%. By engaging a lock you are not moving more torque to the wheel with traction, you are actually doing the opposite but this forces the torque in the wheel with traction to be converted to movement as it can't be lost through the spider pinions to the wheel without traction.