Lift axle
Many Knapen moving floor trailers are equipped with a lift axle. An activated lift axle affects the fifth wheel load or turning radius of the trailer. Reducing tyre wear is less important with moving floor trailers than with other types of trailers, due to the high load capacity in combination with loaded weights. The lift axle can be controlled automatically using the EBS system or manually.
The lift axle is controlled manually or automatically. Knapen Trailers enters the parameters in the EBS system based on the statutory regulations and axle specifications. However, for trailers with a longer wheelbase, the auto-lift function of the first axle is not permitted according to the EU directive. In this case, the lift axle can only be operated manually. With a higher weight, the lift axle lowers automatically. If the weight of the moving floor trailer drops below the set value, the lift axle will lift automatically, depending on the wheelbase. In other cases, the axle can be lifted manually.
For more traction and grip
The self-supporting construction of a Knapen moving floor trailer gives it a low own weight. When the moving floor trailer is empty there is relatively low weight on the fifth wheel, resulting in low traction on the drive axle. This can be problematic when pulling away from a standstill. Lifting axle 1 lengthens the wheelbase and increases the pressure on the fifth wheel and the drive axle. In mountainous regions or on uneven terrain or slippery surfaces, lifting axle 1 will improve the road holding and stability.
For maximum manoeuvrability
Lifting axle 3 shortens the wheelbase and reduces the turning radius. This increases the manoeuvrability of the moving floor trailer to making turning and handling easier in locations with tight spaces or on unpaved surfaces.
Your benefits
The multifunctionality and flexibility of our moving floor trailers allows you to maximise the load capacity of your trailer and minimise the number of empty runs. Reducing tyre wear is not usually why a lift axle is chosen on a moving floor trailer. The main reasons for choosing this option are:
➡️ Increased traction and grip
➡️ Greater stability
➡️ Better manoeuvrability on roads/sites with restricted space
There are various ways to operate the lift axle:
Automatic setting: (if permitted in compliance with axle configuration and statutory regulations) as soon as the moving floor trailer makes contact with the truck via the EBS system, the lift axle is automatically controlled based on the set weight parameters.
Knapen Trailers remote control: This enables you to lower or lift the lift axle using remote control. The remote control can be used to manually override the automatic settings.
Wabco control unit or Wabco SmartBoard: The lift axle can be manually lifted or lowered using the control panel on the moving floor trailer.
Button in the cab: The lift axle can be manually operated using the button in the cab.
Brake pedal operation: The lift axle can also be operated from the cab by pressing hard on the brake pedal three times. This only works when the automatic setting is activated or as traction assistance.
* With longer trailers, the first axle can no longer be lifted automatically; in this case traction assistance only works manually via a button or by remote control using the relieves.
The 'how to' video here shows the various ways to operate the lift axle.