Tridems can match or even beat a conventional 6x4 rigid for manoeuvrability, but offer a similar payload to a conventional 8x4 rigid. Understandably they have become popular with bulk animal feed hauliers who have to deal with country lanes and antiquated farmyards on a daily basis.
Daf also offer a number of other alternatives to a conventional 8x4 rigid, with the FAX 8x2 rear steer, the FAQ 8x2 Tridem with a single drive axle mounted between two hydraulically steered axles, this offers the very best manoeuvrability and is ideal where the truck rarely leaves hard surfaces for long.
A number of Daf Tridems have gone into service with UK fleets and the fully air suspended rear bogie gives a blend of good traction with two drive axles and excellent manoeuvrability with its hydraulically steered rear axle, which can be lifted when running empty and dumped to transfer more weight onto the drive axles to aid off-road traction when loaded.
The shorter wheelbase and rear steer axle reduce the FAW’s turning circle by 3.5 metres when compared with the standard FAD 8x4, a considerable difference which makes a driver’s life a lot easier by reducing the need to continually shunt back and fore to get into tight places, saving a lot of tyre wear and time.
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