Old John:
It’s a 3 axle vehicle, and I think will be plated at 26 tons GVW. The fact that one axle is off the ground will not alter that fact
By that logic might as well go in for a penny in for a pound.Who needs 6 axles actually on the ground to run at 44t gross. 
robthedog:
Going back to the original post he could run that combination with the tag up at 44T therefore on 5 axles, so is that legal ?
Surely if the plate says it’s ok to load the unit to 20.5t gross on two axles it must be ok if its coupled to a trailer loaded to 23.5t on its three axles.Go for it.I’m learning not to argue with anyone.
This is becoming somewhat esoteric, but interesting too!
First of all, I know I’m splitting hairs, but unless Dan was pulling a three axle A frame trailer, (which can be operated at 26 tons, as opposed to a centre bogie type which is limited to 24tons. ) he can’t get beyond 43.5 tons with the configuration you suggest.
Regarding whether or not it would be legal, i think there would be a C+U offence regarding the tag axle being raised whilst the vehicle was being driven on a highway at a speed In excess of 20mph, as there is a requirement for a lifting axle, in whatever position it may be on the vehicle ,or trailer, to drop automatically when an adjoining axle becomes loaded to more than a given percentage of its permitted operating weight, and in the case of weight transfer devices used to enhance traction, that they are automatically cancelled either by a predetermined period of time, or by the speed of the vehicle exceeding 20mph.
Old John:
Also on a 26 tonne rigid 6 by 2 how about this example,the front axle 8 tonne and drive axle 11:5 tonne with rear axle lifted .
The weight being 19.5 tonne ,would an offence be committed being as the gross for a 2 axle rigid is 18 tonne
YES
Although the axles are rated to carry that capacity there would be a gross overload not an axle overload
[/quote]
Would there? I’m not sure. It’s a 3 axle vehicle, and I think will be plated at 26 tons GVW. The fact that one axle is off the ground will not alter that fact, therefore although it may technically be wrong, im struggling to see that it would be illegal, and it’s hard to see what the authorities could do about it.
(I think)
[/quote]
Going back to the original post he could run that combination with the tag up at 44T therefore on 5 axles, so is that legal ?
[/quote]
This is becoming somewhat esoteric, but interesting too!
First of all, I know I’m splitting hairs, but unless Dan was pulling a three axle A frame trailer, (which can be operated at 26 tons, as opposed to a centre bogie type which is limited to 24tons. ) he can’t get beyond 43.5 tons with the configuration you suggest.
Regarding whether or not it would be legal, i think there would be a C+U offence regarding the tag axle being raised whilst the vehicle was being driven on a highway at a speed In excess of 20mph, as there is a requirement for a lifting axle, in whatever position it may be on the vehicle ,or trailer, to drop automatically when an adjoining axle becomes loaded to more than a given percentage of its permitted operating weight, and in the case of weight transfer devices used to enhance traction, that they are automatically cancelled either by a predetermined period of time, or by the speed of the vehicle exceeding 20mph.
[/quote]
Esoteric, hopefully then CF will bow out at this point
I very much doubt that he will bow out. In fact, I’m becoming surer by the day that he is in the pay of the forum owners, and employed to prevent same from becoming utterly moribund, by his continual tilting at the rest of us!!
Old John:
I very much doubt that he will bow out. In fact, I’m becoming surer by the day that he is in the pay of the forum owners, and employed to prevent same from becoming utterly moribund, by his continual tilting at the rest of us!!
Stop your whingeing.
Do you really think that you can load a 3 axle unit to 26.5t gross and to 11.5t on the drive axle at 44t or not ?.
Carryfast:
Old John:
I very much doubt that he will bow out. In fact, I’m becoming surer by the day that he is in the pay of the forum owners, and employed to prevent same from becoming utterly moribund, by his continual tilting at the rest of us!!Stop your whingeing.
Do you really think that you can load a 3 axle unit to 26.5t gross and to 11.5t on the drive axle at 44t or not ?.
That dispelled that theory then
robthedog:
That dispelled that theory then
No surprises there. I reckon he’s a bot though.
acd1202:
Contrary to what some later posters have said, you are correct that if you operate at 44000kg, actually it’s 40001kg or more, the drive axle or axle 2 maximum does drop from 11500 to 10500kg.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hgv-maximum-weights/hgv-maximum-weights:
Articulated vehicles
6 44000 [footnote 2] 44000 [footnote 3]3 For operation above 40000kg, the drive axle(s) must not exceed 10500kg and have road friendly suspension OR have a maximum axle weight not exceeding 8500kg. Each part of the combination must have 3 axles and the trailer must have road friendly suspension. Additionally, an engine complying with at least Euro 2 specification (or gas) is needed for operation over 41000kg.
Edit:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/3111/schedule/2/made:
8. Articulated vehicle 5 or more 40000
11. Articulated vehicle satisfying the conditions specified in sub-paragraph (4) 6 or more 41000
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/3224/regulation/6/made:
13 Articulated vehicles satisfying each of the conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (4) and (5) 6 or more 44,000
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/3111/schedule/2/made:
(4) The conditions referred to in items 11 and 12 of Table 3 are that–
(a)the axle weight of each driving axle does not exceed 10500 kg; and
(b)either–
(i)each driving axle is fitted with twin tyres and road friendly suspension; or
(ii)each driving axle which is not a steering axle is fitted with twin tyres and the axle weight of each such axle does not exceed 8500 kg;
(c)each axle of the trailer is fitted with road friendly suspension; and
(d)each vehicle comprised in the combination has at least 3 axles.
Cuttlefish:
acd1202:
Contrary to what some later posters have said, you are correct that if you operate at 44000kg, actually it’s 40001kg or more, the drive axle or axle 2 maximum does drop from 11500 to 10500kg.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hgv-maximum-weights/hgv-maximum-weights:
Articulated vehicles
6 44000 [footnote 2] 44000 [footnote 3]3 For operation above 40000kg, the drive axle(s) must not exceed 10500kg and have road friendly suspension OR have a maximum axle weight not exceeding 8500kg. Each part of the combination must have 3 axles and the trailer must have road friendly suspension. Additionally, an engine complying with at least Euro 2
specification (or gas) is needed for operation over 41000kg.
Your a bit late to the party
I’m sure CF will oblige though
