Haweka Axis 4000 – measuring a tri-axle coach in under 10 minutes

Fuel consumption and tyre wear account for a large chunk of most transport operators’ ongoing costs, thus it is crucial to eliminate all unnecessary expense. Incorrectly aligned bus and coach wheels, for example, can have an adverse effect on both tyre wear and fuel consumption. When PSV wheels are aligned properly, these two problems are reduced, less strain is placed upon mechanical components, drivers report reduced fatigue and tyres are less likely to overheat.

While aligning bus and coach wheels could often be a drawn-out and complicated process in the past, the Axis 4000 wheel aligner from Haweka is designed to allow for the measurement of a tri-axle coach in under ten minutes. The Haweka unit is able to do this due to its camera measuring head and easy to use magnetic chassis scales.

The measuring head is held on to the wheel hub by powerful magnetic feet (with additional grab arms for aluminium rims), enabling measurement to start immediately. This means compensating the measuring head for wheel rim run out is not necessary, and the vehicle does not need to be either jacked up to allow the wheel to be rotated or rolled backwards and forwards – as is required by other systems. The Axis 4000 measures front toe, individual toe, camber, toe out on turns, turning radius, castor, kingpin inclination angle, angular tilt of axles, thrust angle and axle offset.

The unit’s measurement gauges are stored on either a heavy-duty tool stand or the premium tool car, ensuring their protection in the workshop environment. The rechargeable camera batteries allow for a minimum of eight hours continual use, and the hand held pc is charged while sitting in its own docking station and can then be removed during adjustment under the vehicle.  The system is completely portable and can be used on a level or non-level site. While most traditional wheel alignment machines need a level floor, Haweka claims an industry first with the Axis 4000 system, which compensates for any unevenness in the floor.

A problem area for traditional wheel alignment machines is buses and coaches with twin steer and tri axles. The Axis4000 wheel alignment system, when equipped with two additional turning plates, makes it possible to quickly measure and adjust the steering axles one after the other.  This, notes Haweka, is another first in the industry. Bus manufacturers have traditionally insisted that wheels were aligned to the chassis. This is done using the Haweka chassis frame scale when the bodywork covers the chassis, preventing use of the magnetic scales.

Haweka states that tests published by the Department for Transport show it is possible to save up to five per cent on fuel costs through correct wheel alignment. Furthermore, it can increase tyre lifespan by 20 per cent and reduce carbon emissions. These days many transport operators include a wheel alignment service check in every other service, and Haweka says the latest research at hand shows many fleet operators are spending thousands of pounds every year employing the services of mobile wheel alignment companies. Those with their own alignment equipment can save this expenditure, notes Haweka.

”Wheel alignment offers a cost effective solution with greater tyre life and better fuel economy,” commented Alan Matthews, DAF group service manager at the Barnes Group, who recently purchased two Haweka wheel aligners. “The cost of checking and adjusting the alignment of the steering is less than the cost of one new tyre. We purchased the kit to update the facility that we have in both workshops as we had issues in the past regarding incorrect settings causing loss of revenue to the company, Axis200 is very easy to use and set up.”