Truck and Trailer Scale Solutions by Loadsense: Tailored for Steer and Drive Axle Group Compliance

In today’s freight and heavy haulage industries, accurate axle group weighing is no longer optional—it’s essential for road compliance, fleet efficiency, and driver safety. Whether you’re operating an 8-wheeler or a 6-wheeler truck, fitted with air bag suspension or mechanical spring suspension, the team at Loadsense delivers a smart, cost-effective truck scale solution that integrates seamlessly into both trucks and trailers.

From New Zealand to Australia, across the USA and Canada, and throughout the UK and Europe, overloading remains a major risk—leading to fines, vehicle wear, and non-compliance. Let’s explore how Loadsense on-vehicle weighing scales support optimal weight distribution across steer and drive axle groups, especially for modern truck fleets.

Understanding Steer and Drive Axle Groups: 6-Wheeler vs 8-Wheeler Trucks

What Is a Steer Axle Group?

The steer axle group typically refers to the front axle of a truck—this is the axle that turns the vehicle and bears a significant load when stationary and in motion. It is crucial for balancing weight distribution during loading.

What Is a Drive Axle Group?

The drive axle group includes the powered axles that deliver torque from the engine to the wheels. These axles bear the brunt of a loaded truck’s weight and play a key role in propulsion and braking.

6-Wheeler vs 8-Wheeler Axle Configuration

Feature 6-Wheeler Truck 8-Wheeler Truck
Typical Axle Setup 1 Steer + 2 Drive Axles 1 Steer + 3 Drive Axles
Payload Capacity Moderate Higher
Application Regional deliveries, lighter freight Heavy construction, long-haul transport
Drive Axle Load Spread Less spread, more load per axle Better distribution of heavy loads
Compliance Risk Higher when overloaded Reduced when loads are evenly distributed

While 6-wheelers offer greater manoeuvrability in urban settings, 8-wheelers provide superior load handling due to more drive axles, making them better suited for heavy-duty operations.

Suspension Types: Air Bag vs Mechanical Spring

Air Bag Suspension Weighing

  • Common in modern fleets for ride comfort and auto-leveling.

  • Loadsense scales can read dynamic pressure changes to provide accurate live axle group weight data.

  • Best for applications requiring real-time load monitoring and precision.

Mechanical Spring Suspension Scales

  • Rugged, durable and often used in older or heavy construction vehicles.

  • Loadsense’s integrated load cell system provides reliable measurements on spring setups.

  • Cost-effective solution where air systems are not present.

Loadsense Truck and Trailer Scales are engineered for both suspension types, making them the perfect retrofit or OEM option for fleets looking to avoid overload penalties and maintenance costs.

How Loadsense Enhances Compliance Through Axle Group Monitoring

Overloading a steer axle can compromise steering capability, especially dangerous at highway speeds or during tight turns. Overloading drive axles, on the other hand, puts immense pressure on suspension, tyres, and braking systems.

Benefits of Loadsense Onboard Scales for Steer and Drive Axles:

  • Real-time axle group weight display in the cab

  • Avoid fines and violations for overweight axles

  • Better load distribution for safety and fuel efficiency

  • Compliance across jurisdictions (NZTA, NHVR, DOT, EU Transport)

  • Reduce maintenance costs from overloaded components

Whether you’re operating a Kenworth, Scania, Mack, Volvo, DAF, or Western Star, Loadsense systems are designed to integrate with your existing setup and support both truck and trailer configurations.

Global Compliance and Loadsense Applications

✅ New Zealand & Australia (NZTA & NHVR)

Road user charges and weight limits are strictly monitored. Axle overloads can cost thousands in fines or downtime. Loadsense helps operators stay compliant with axle group weight limits.

✅ USA & Canada (DOT Regulations)

Each state/province has specific bridge and axle weight regulations. Onboard truck scales by Loadsense give real-time assurance of compliance before entering weigh stations.

✅ UK & Europe (EU Transport Compliance)

Loadsense systems ensure legal axle group loads for diverse road conditions across Europe. Perfect for logistics and construction fleets operating under EU vehicle weight laws.

Why Choose Loadsense?

  • Proven accuracy in both dynamic and static weighing

  • Easy installation for both air and spring suspensions

  • Designed in New Zealand, trusted worldwide

  • Live support and calibration available

  • Scalable across truck brands and fleet sizes

📞 Get In Touch

Start your journey to safer, smarter axle group weighing today.

📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]

Or visit our site to learn more:
🌐 www.loadsensescales.com