GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 1-13 E UROCARGO Euro 4/5 Using stabiliser bars Supplementary stabilising or anti-roll bars, where available, spring reinforcements or the application of rubber components (in compliance with point 2.7) may increase the height of the centre of gravity of the payload which must be defined as each occasion arises. The modification must be carried out after careful consideration has been given to the specifications of the version, to the wheelbase and to the distribution of the cross-stresses acting on the suspension both at the front and at the rear of the vehicle.
It must be borne in mind that it is often advisable to modify the rear axle only since a modified front axle would give the driver a false sense of stability making it more difficult to perceive the safety limits. Modification to the front axle may be made where the load is positioned behind the cab (e.g. crane) or where the superstructures are very rigid (e.g. van conversion). Exceeding the limits When transporting goods with an exceptionally high centre of gravity (e.g. machinery, indivisible cargo etc.) from a technical point of view it is possible to exceed the values indicated in the table provided that the steering system of the vehicle is suitably adapted to this condition (e.g.
reduced speed, gradual changes on the steering wheel, etc.). 1.13.3 Observing the permitted weights All limits indicated in our documentation must be adhered to. The load of the front axle is of particular importance under varying load conditions, in order to ensure the correct steering characteristics on road surfaces of all types. Particular attention must therefore be paid to vehicles with a weight which is concentrated on the rear overhang (e.g. cranes, tail-lifts, centre axle trailers) and to vehicles with a short wheelbase and a high centre of gravity (e.g. silo vehicles, cement mixers). When positioning the body and equipment, the loads must be correctly distributed transversally.
For each wheel a variation in the rated load (1/2 of the axial load) of 4% is permitted (e.g. admitted load on axle: 10,000 kg load admitted on each wheel: 4,800 to 5,200 kg) provided that the tyres permit it, without impairing braking or driving stability. For vehicles with an added rear lift axle it must be remembered that, with the axle in the raised position, the effective wheelbase is reduced, whereas the rear overhang is increased. It is therefore advisable that the centre of gravity of the body and payload is located in front of the centre line of the driving axle.
In addition to this it is not advisable to equip a vehicle which has its load concen- trated at the rear, with a lifting device. Apart from different specifications for specific individual vehicles, the following may be taken to be the minimum values for the front axle: - 20% of the total vehicle weight with uniformly distributed loads - 25% of the total vehicle weight for loads that are concentrated on the rear overhang. The rear overhang of the body must be built in strict observance of the permitted axle loads, the limitations in length, the positioning of the tow hook and of the underride guard stipulated by the relevant regulations and legal requirements.
Variations in the permissible weight Special exceptions to the maximum permissible weight may be granted for particular applications for which, however, precise limitations regarding the use will be imposed in addition to possible vehicle reinforcements. Such exemptions, if they exceed the limits imposed by law, must be authorised by the Administrative Authority. A reduction in admissible vehicle load (downrating) may require modifications on some parts, such as the suspension. In these cir- cumstances, the necessary information may be supplied. The request for authorisation must include: - Vehicle type, wheelbase, identification number, designated use.
- Weight distribution on the axles (e.g. vehicles equipped with crane and body) including positions of the centre of gravity of the payload. - Proposals concerning the reinforcement of the vehicle components where necessary. Dimensions and weights Print 603.93.431 Base - January 2008