SUSPENSION SYSTEMS IN SEMI-TRAILERS...

Suspension systems in semitrailers can be classified in various types.  

I am not going to blog on the type of suspensions or their classifications but what I am going to bring to the fore here is the inherent advantage of having a properly manufactured suspension systems such as York as compared to the indigenous ones which are so widely used by fleet owners but the following write-up will clear a lot of misconceptions.

The only advantage one can gain from using a indigenous or plate fabricated type of suspension system is that the initial cost is less but 

obviously this cheaper option has a very high maintenance cost.  The transporters who opt for this type of fabricated suspension systems ultimately incur loss.

Reasons for failure of the indigenous type of suspension:

• The general wear tear is more in case of the fabricated type of suspension as compared to York manufactured  suspension because the material of construction of the fixed and move-able joints are all made up of forged steel where as the indigenous suspension components are fabricated out of mild steel plates.
• All the joints in a York manufactured suspension are provided with suitable bush so that the main components do not get damaged in the general course of usage.  During a maintenance cycle only the bushes have to be replaced and the job is done.  However in case of the fabricated type of suspension no bushes are provided.  The mating components are fitted with pin type of bolts directly with out any bush.  In due course of time the joints wear out damaging the main plates and thereby causing  play in the joints.  This results in misalignment and tyre wear & tear.  The only option during repairs will be to replace the primary supporting plates which is a costly option.
• In case of York suspension the balance rod has an option for adjusting its lengths so that alignment can be done in-situ, whereas the indigenous suspension have fixed type of balance rods where no adjustment is possible.

I hope this write up will throw some light on the suspension systems to be used so that cost cutting can be done and will help the transporter choose the right type of suspension system especially because there is stiff competition and therefore it is important to take into consideration the running and maintenance cost if we really have to cost effective ........ competitive!!!


Regards,

JAGDISH S KOLUR

Partner - BELCO ENGINEERS

Telefax: +91-22-27423841

Mobile:  +91-9819076201

E-Mail:   jagdish@belcoengineers.com