The axle is one of the core components on the rear axle of a semi-trailer. The strength of the axle is directly related to the load-bearing capacity of the axle. For the axle, the performance of the axle head is crucial.
The axle head is the key part of the axle connecting the wheel hub, brake drum, bearing and other wheel end components. Whether the performance of the subsequent wheel hub assembly is stable depends largely on the strength, toughness and precision of the axle head. For example, if the wheel end is a high-rise building, the axle head is the foundation. Only when the foundation is well laid can the building be strong and stable.
Generally speaking, the axle head structure of the rear axle of a semi-trailer is mainly divided into two categories: American and German. This is also one of the main differences between American and German axles.
From the appearance, the shape of the American axle head is relatively regular, basically cylindrical, and the axle diameter is relatively thicker; the shape of the German axle head is relatively complex, with more inclined surfaces, and it is generally thinner. This leads to the thicker axle head of the American axle, the higher strength of the part connected to the bearing, and the relatively larger load that can be borne.
The axle head of the German axle is smaller in diameter and relatively thinner, and the production precision requirements are high. Its advantages are more concentrated in the deadweight, which is more in line with the lightweight trend.
On the whole, the American axle has a high cost-effectiveness, relatively low purchase cost, good heavy-load performance, large ownership, and more convenient maintenance; the disadvantage is that the deadweight is large and the maintenance frequency is relatively high. In general, American axles can be widely used in various general cargo transportation conditions, especially in the transportation of heavy-loaded goods such as sand and gravel, steel coils, wood, and coal.
German axles are light in weight, have relatively good heat dissipation and braking performance, are more stable and reliable, save tires and fuel, have a long maintenance cycle, and are relatively more effective; their disadvantages are high prices, large upfront costs, and difficult to buy accessories. Generally, German axles are more commonly used in standard-load long-distance transportation conditions, especially for the transportation of valuables or complex mountain roads, and the demand for German axles is higher.
