We are seeing large improvements in fuel mileage, lower tire cost, and increased performance through weight savings.
Idaho Milk Transport
Tell us about your experience with Volvo Trucks Adaptive Loading.
Our experience with the new Adaptive Loading has been very positive to date. We are seeing large improvements in fuel mileage, lower tire cost, and increased performance through weight savings.
What are the main benefits you receive from using Adaptive Loading for your Volvo Trucks?
The first is fuel economy, increased tire life, better traction in severe weather, and increase in payload.
How does Adaptive Loading handle in harsh conditions such as snow, wind, rain etc.?
According to our drivers, the handling is substantially better, especially when empty. By having the axle up when empty, it creates more weight on the steer axle for better drivability. Also when empty, and the axle is up, it creates a longer wheel base which results in a smother ride. With the weight transfer of the Adaptive Loading, we also get good traction by having more weight on the drive axles instead of being spread evenly over a standard configuration.
How have you worked with Volvo Trucks to determine if Adaptive Loading was right for your operation?
We started with the basic concept that as many miles as we travel empty, it only made sense to lift the axle. We have donned this on our trailers for a number of years and had seen improved fuel economy, once the technology was developed; Volvo has worked well with us on increasing efficiencies on the overall vehicle.
How does your experience with Adaptive Loading’s 6x2 pusher setup compare with past 6x2 tag configuration experiences?
There is no comparison between the two.
What feedback have you received from your drivers operating tractors with Adaptive Loading?
Once the drivers get used to the truck, they do not want to go back to a standard 6x4.
When driving/operating a tractor equipped with Adaptive Loading, are there any noticeable differences versus a 6x4 configuration?
Better handling, better ride, etc…
Describe your experiences; any feedback that you can provide when it comes to hooking up and dropping trailers with tractors equipped with Adaptive Loading? Any traction comments?
It takes a lot of stress off of the trailer when the hooking and unhooking, because there is no dropping of the trailer. There is also no grunt or twisting of the truck when backing under a trailer as the tractor can adjust to the height of the trailer, therefore saving on driveline damage.
Company: Idaho Milk Transport
- Drivers: Robert Brice (left), Gene Brice (right)
- Location: Burley, Idaho
- Operation: Runs over 150 tractors and 250 tank trailers hauling food grade products throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Related Content
Driving Progress
Get the latest product information, Volvo Trucks news and updates delivered. Sign up below.