The case for air suspension in preference to steel has long been established for highway vehicles. Increasingly, air suspension is also being used for construction vehicles, where operating conditions do not demand extra-high ground clearance, heavy-duty suspension or tandem drive rear axles.

Scania two-bellows air suspension has a well-established reputation for reliability and durability, both for highway and on-off road operations. The system is inherently robust and requires no routine maintenance. The same basic design is used for both front and rear axles.

Despite its simple design, the system offers outstanding functionality, not least load protection. It also has extra stiffness compared to some systems, to give a high measure of roll resistance leading to excellent stability. For some operators, especially those carrying heavy loads, this could be an important consideration.

However, some cargo is so fragile and of such high value that load protection way above all other factors is what counts. In such circumstances, the new Scania four-bellows rear air suspension should be considered. Current availability is for 4x2 tractors.

This new system has more flexibility and compliance. As a result, it has the benefits of superior load protection, better traction and enhanced ‘road feel’. This is achieved at the cost of less roll resistance and outright strength. Accordingly, it is recommended for use on good roads; on poor roads, the more robust two-spring system is recommended.

Load handling
Both systems have easy-to-use load handling functions that can elevate, drop or tilt load platforms in order to assist with loading and unloading. They also have an automatic load levelling function. Control of the load platform can be from inside or outside the cab.