A truck tractor is a specialized truck designed for transporting both small and large cargo in trailers and semi-trailers. The tractor received its name due to the use of a special fifth-wheel coupling device (saddle) for attaching the tractor and semi-trailer. In this case, the traction force is created due to the pressure of the trailer, transmitted through the saddle to the frame of the tractor. The saddle design helps to easily change semi-trailers, in turn reducing the time of transporting goods. The tractor itself is lightweight, but is capable of transporting large and heavy loads.
Application of tractor
A truck tractor is indispensable in all spheres of our life: industrial, construction, agricultural, mining, etc. Every day the number of cargo transportation is only increasing, and the number of transport companies is also growing. Any self-respecting transport company has at least one truck tractor in its fleet.
The main value of a tractor is that, regardless of the type, they can transport cargo of any nature, including large platforms, tanks, refrigerators, military equipment, etc. Tractors significantly reduce the number of freight shipments, which allows for significant savings in financial costs for freight transportation.
SCANIA Griffin P340 LA4×2HNAHighline.
Advantages of the tractor
A truck tractor has a lot of advantages that make it stand out from other trucks. One of them is a fifth wheel coupling device (FDH). The saddle reliably connects the tractor and the semi-trailer, and also serves as a fracture axis. In addition, thanks to the saddle, you can easily change the semi-trailer, as well as tow them from place to place in the warehouse, saving time and money. A significant advantage of the tractor is the ability to reverse, which conventional trucks with a trailer lack.
So, here are the main advantages of the tractor:
— maneuverability — high load-to-weight ratio — reverse gear capability — ease of attaching the semi-trailer to the tractor — the ability to transform the semi-trailer into a trailer — high capacity, the ability to transport long, bulky cargo — the ability to tow the semi-trailer in warehouse conditions with any tug — availability of a berth
As for the disadvantages, truck tractors also have them, namely:
- the tractor is less stable than a regular truck - practically useless without a semi-trailer
Truck tractor MAN TGX 29.480 Year of manufacture 2015
Truck tractors, depending on the nuances of operation, are divided into three types:
- for regular trips over short distances
— for transporting goods over long distances
- as universal tractors
The latter are especially popular all over the world.
Specifications
Tractors have a lot of variations, taking into account the number of axles, wheel formula and center distance. The number of axles determines the load capacity of the tractor, and the wheel formula determines its maneuverability. A truck tractor can be two- or three-axle and consists of a cab, frame, engine and saddle.
Truck tractors, taking into account technical features, can be divided into several types:
— wheel formula (4x2, 6x4, 6x6, 8x2, 8x4)
— clutch height (high, normal, medium and low)
— number of axes (two- and three-axis)
As for the wheel formula, there are several most popular types:
— 4X2 with one steering and one driving axle
— 6X2 with rear lift axle and single tire
— 6X2-2 with rear lift axle and double tires
— 6X2/4 suspension bridge is located between the steering and driving axles, and can act as a thruster. This wheel arrangement is called Pusher.
— 6X4 with one steering and two driving axles
There are other wheel formulas, but they are more often used in special equipment. One of the important characteristics of a truck tractor is the coupling height, and there are several types of chassis heights, namely:
- high - normal - medium - low
Each type has its own characteristics. The high chassis (130-135cm) is used when operating with trawls and special equipment. Normal (118-123 cm) - for tractors with semi-trailers that are not constrained by height dimensions. Medium (110-114 cm) - has a different frame geometry, with a maximum 150 mm saddle installed without a plate, or on a plate with a maximum thickness of 22 mm, with a minimum height of the drive axle air suspension. Low chassis (up to 1 m) is also called LowLiner. This is a special and most expensive option, it features a frame with a smaller channel and an arch over the drive axle. Often has air suspension on all axles.
Regardless of the body design, all types of truck tractors come in only two or three axles. Three-axle tractors are considered more powerful and are used in heavy transportation.
Tractors are divided into American and European types. Their technical characteristics are almost the same, but there are still differences. The main external difference is the cabin. In American tractors, the cabin is made of plastic and chemical fibers, while in European ones it is made of steel, while the engine is located in front of the cabin and under the driver, respectively. Europeans make the cab cabover and extremely compact, which is important given the restrictions on the length of vehicles in some countries.
Almost all European brands have underrun bars installed that prevent small vehicles from getting into the space between the semi-trailer and the rear axle. Also, almost all brands of European tractors use rolling axles, which is rare in American tractors.
Truck tractor (6×4) shacman SX4256NT324
Despite the fact that the wheel rims are unified, the American and European standards are still different from each other. Braking systems are also different. European tractors often use disc brakes, while American tractors use drum brakes. The on-board voltage of American tractors is 12 volts, and that of European tractors is 24 volts.
Tractors are also distinguished according to other parameters. For example, European tractors come in both two and three axles, while American tractors only have three axles.
American tractors can be both medium and heavy, but among European tractors there is a fairly clear distinction.
Examples of comfortable tractor units
What to do if the Check engine light comes on
Many modern cars have a “Check Engine” light on the dashboard, which literally means “check the engine.” As the name suggests, a light that comes on indicates the need to check the operation of the engine and the entire vehicle. If the light comes on while driving, but no engine malfunctions are heard or felt, you can easily drive to an official service center to diagnose the problem. That is, this signal is not necessarily critical, it just signals some kind of malfunction. There are a lot of reasons for the check engine light to appear, and it is very difficult to understand why it came on; even those cars that have self-diagnosis and can display errors and error codes on the screen will not be able to diagnose the very cause of the signal. The best action in this case would be to contact the official service to accurately diagnose the problem and solve it. But for car owners who have at least a little knowledge of how vehicles work, in this article we will talk about common mistakes and solutions. This will help you spend your time usefully and spend money on more useful or pleasant things by repairing the car yourself. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 1. Why the oxygen sensor fails The oxygen sensor, or rather the data from the lambda probe, is involved in adjusting the proportions of the fuel mixture. This sensor measures the amount of unburnt oxygen in the vehicle's exhaust gases in the exhaust system. According to these data, the control unit regulates the operation of the engine for more complete and accurate combustion of the fuel mixture. In modern machines, from 2 to 4 elements are installed. If the sensor fails, the control unit uses distorted information in calculations, which causes an increase in gasoline or diesel fuel consumption and a possible decrease in its power. Using self-diagnosis of a new car or a device that reads error codes through the OBD2 diagnostic port of the car, you can easily identify a specific non-working sensor. yandex_stat_id = 3; yandex_partner_id = 149162; yandex_site_bg_color = 'ffffff'; yandex_ad_format = 'direct'; yandex_font_size = 1.0; yandex_direct_type = 'vertical'; yandex_direct_border_type = 'ad'; yandex_direct_limit = 1; yandex_direct_title_font_size = 2; yandex_direct_links_underline = true; yandex_direct_bg_color = 'ffffff'; yandex_direct_border_color = 'ffffff'; yandex_direct_title_color = '0C77EC'; yandex_direct_url_color = '000000'; yandex_direct_text_color = '000000'; yandex_direct_hover_color = 'CC0000'; yandex_direct_favicon = true; yandex_no_sitelinks = true; document.write("); Cause of failure The main cause of failure lies in the principle of operation of the exhaust system; the sensor is directly in the path of exhaust gases, which causes the gradual accumulation of soot and oily deposits. When large amounts of sediment accumulate, the probe loses its sensitivity and begins to distort the data. This can lead not only to increased vehicle refueling costs, but also to increased emissions of toxic substances into the atmosphere. There may also be a problem with the wiring that connects the on-board computer and the sensor. Perhaps the integrity of the wires itself is damaged, or the contacts have oxidized. Troubleshooting First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that operating a car with a faulty oxygen sensor can cause serious consequences. This threatens premature failure of the catalyst, and modern car models have more than one catalyst installed, which will lead to high costs. Today, the price of a part can reach up to 100,000 rubles, since its production is very labor-intensive and contains expensive metal alloys. Do not delay installing a new sensor or diagnosing and repairing wiring. You can also save a significant amount of money on DIY repairs. Nowadays on the Internet you can find many instructions for the repair and operation of almost any car. So, it won’t take much time to find information and detailed instructions on replacing the oxygen sensor. Important: do not delay car repairs, this can lead to expensive repairs. 2. Fuel system tightness Many people will think that the “check engine” light on the dashboard is a sign of a serious malfunction, which is not always true. The indicator only reports problems in the normal operation of the machine, but does not indicate a specific problem. One of the first steps in the initial diagnosis is to check the gas cap, it may be cracked or loose. Cause of the error Failure to properly seal the fuel tank cap will reduce the pressure in the fuel system and lead to increased fuel consumption. This will trigger a check engine light. Correcting the error If the engine error indicator lights up, the car has not changed its behavior, no unnecessary sound has appeared in the engine and it works as stably as it did, then you should first check the gas tank filler cap. If you inspect and find a crack, you must purchase a new one as soon as possible. And if the cap was not tightened tightly, then you need to tighten it well and drive the car a little until the error disappears. 3. Failure of the automobile catalyst The catalyst is installed in the car to purify exhaust gas and reduce emissions into the atmosphere. This tool converts harmful substances into harmless compounds. It is quite easy to notice a breakdown of the exhaust gas catalyst. Not only will the engine malfunction indicator light up on the dashboard, but the power unit itself will significantly lose power and dynamics during acceleration. Causes of catalyst failure If the vehicle is serviced in a timely manner according to the manufacturer's regulations, the catalyst should not fail. One of the main causes of failure is a non-functioning lambda probe (as mentioned above), or unstable operation of spark plugs that have expired. At the same time, normal operation of the catalyst becomes impossible, which is why it overheats and its body bursts. Correcting the breakdown If, after diagnostics, you are convinced that the catalyst is broken, then repair cannot be avoided. With a non-working catalyst, the operation of the car will be difficult, this will be indicated by a lit “check engine” indicator, and the car will lose dynamics and gasoline consumption will increase. Unfortunately, replacing the catalyst is an expensive repair, which must also be performed by a qualified technician. Self-repair is impossible for most car owners. It is worth noting that there is a cheaper way out of the situation. You can replace the catalyst with a flame arrester; this solution will be much cheaper. But it will not guarantee a solution to the problem. Important: timely repair of the oxygen sensor and replacement of spark plugs will save the automobile exhaust gas catalyst from premature failure. 4. Mass air flow sensor The mass air flow sensor is involved in regulating the amount of oxygen when mixing the fuel mixture. It is this element that determines the amount of air supplied to the engine under various vehicle operating conditions. If the sensor breaks down, the correct proportion of the fuel mixture is disrupted, which will lead to increased exhaust emissions, increased gasoline consumption, and reduced engine power and stability. Also, the car may start harder in cold weather and lose dynamics when accelerating. Reasons for sensor failure The main cause of failure is incorrect or careless replacement of the car's air filter. The sensor also fails if the need to replace the air filter is ignored for a long time. Solution to the problem In principle, with such a malfunction it is possible to operate the car for a long time, this will not lead to other breakdowns. But over time, fuel consumption will increase, and a constantly burning indicator light will get on your nerves. Replacing the sensor takes very little time; even changing it yourself is not difficult. The main problem lies in the cost of the sensor itself. Depending on the car model, the price can be up to 15 thousand rubles for an original part, or up to 6 thousand for an analogue. Important: to avoid possible damage to the sensor and stable operation of the engine, change the air filter on time. 5. Spark plugs and high-voltage wires Automotive spark plugs are the main element in the car, to which special requirements are applied in terms of stability of operation. If the spark plugs are faulty, the spark to ignite the fuel mixture may be supplied intermittently or at the wrong interval. Most often, the cause of problems in the operation of candles is the end of the working stock provided by the manufacturer. Less commonly, spark plugs can become clogged if the engine is not operating properly or the quality of the fuel is very poor. Also, the cause of a light bulb can be high-voltage wires, for which the main cause of failure is old age. Causes of breakdown of spark plugs or wires As mentioned above, spark plugs fail after serving their allotted time. Very rarely there is another reason. On older and budget cars, it is recommended to use spark plugs for no more than 25 thousand kilometers. Modern and powerful cars use more expensive versions of spark plugs containing platinum or iridium, which allows them to be used for up to 150 thousand kilometers. High voltage wires also have a long service life. But they can also fail, which disrupts the stability of the spark supply to ignite the fuel mixture. Methods of elimination In the case when the “check engine” indicator becomes active, and you know that you have not changed the spark plugs for a long time and the engine runs and starts with some interruptions. Then you should immediately replace the car spark plugs with a new set. By doing this you can correct the error and significantly increase the efficiency of the motor; we also advise you to pay attention to the high-voltage wires; in case of noticeable aging or cracks in the wire insulator, also install a new set. Replacing spark plugs and wires itself is very easy and not expensive. Almost every car owner, if he has a special spark plug key, is able to replace them, or go to a service station, where they will be replaced very quickly and inexpensively. Important: Spark plugs are consumables when operating a car, and like any consumable, they must be changed on time in accordance with the regulations of the car or spark plug manufacturer. This will ensure stable operation of the engine. View news
