What are the chances you know ATC on Tridems?

Gary Hey
Jun 19
2 min read

Tridems TRACTORS are STD (since 3/1/97) with 6S/6M but are subject to a fwd drive axle Spin Out/Lack of Lube Failure given ATC (Automatic Traction Control) with ESP/ESC/RSC just like the 4S/4M on tandems. No one makes a 8S/8M, but they should. Not for braking, but for traction.

Since ATC is STD on tractors, there is not much that can be done except driver education. Locked axles resolve the issue. However, locked axles only want to go straight.

Tridems ABS sensors are located on the two rear axles. However, when under power, ATC exposes the fwd drive to a failure. ATC on straight trucks should be discussed to see if it makes sense since it's not mandatory.

The non-planetary fwd drive axle does ½ the work so why it eats tires. The 1st axle pulling heavy will be the one to snap an axle shaft because the others are 25% each. GCW rating of a tridem is the same as a tandem, so a tridems are all about traction and locations where lift axles are not recognized.

Planetary tridems are designed for 1/3, 1/3, 1/3, therefore GCW is increased. SISU 425K tandems, 625K tridems. Meritor P600 420K tandems, 560K tridems. Since these axles have a GAWR greater than 29K, ABS is not required.

Credibility and knowledge is paramount, not just taking the order and copying what was previously spec'd. Analyze failures and spec for solutions. 4S/4M on tandem tractors is an example that should never be allowed. ATC (with disengage sw) should always be called out on single axles without a locker.

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