Euro 6 (Euro VI / ADR 80/04) is now the emissions standard applying to new heavy vehicles in Australia. Along with the stricter emissions requirements, eligible Euro 6 trucks can access up to 500 kg of additional mass across the steer and drive axles.
For operators, that means more flexibility in how allowable mass can be distributed between the steer and drive axles. But to make use of the additional capacity on the steer axle, the right wheel and tyre setup is essential.
What Does the Extra 500 kg Mean?
It comes down to how allowable mass is distributed between the steer and drive axles.
A truck can reach its allowable drive axle mass while still having capacity available over the steer. For eligible Euro 6 trucks, up to 500 kg of additional mass can be distributed across the steer and drive axles.
This gives operators more flexibility to redistribute weight across the truck, helping make better use of the available axle capacity.
It doesn’t mean every Euro 6 truck can automatically carry another 500 kg. The truck and its components still need to meet the applicable mass limits and manufacturer ratings.
Going Above 6.5 Tonnes on the Steer?
This is where your steer wheels and tyres come into it.
For an eligible Euro 6 truck to operate above 6.5 tonnes on the steer axle, the steer tyres must have a section width of at least 315 mm. The applicable Euro 6 complying steer axle limit is up to 7.0 tonnes, subject to the vehicle and all relevant components being appropriately rated.
For many applications, moving to a 315 tyre means moving from the traditional 8.25″ steer wheel to a 9″ wheel.
But simply fitting a wider tyre isn’t enough. The complete setup needs to suit the load being carried, including:
- tyre size and load rating
- wheel width
- wheel load rating
- axle rating
- suspension rating
- vehicle manufacturer ratings and applicable mass limits
The 315 mm requirement relates to tyre section width – it does not itself mandate a 9″ wheel. The wheel must be suitable for the tyre fitted and have the required load rating for the application.
Getting the Wheel Setup Right
Armoury has a range of 22.5″ x 9.00″ steer wheels to suit different truck fitments and applications.
For American trucks with 10/285 PCD axles, options include the Classic 9″ Offset Steer, Traditional 9″ Offset Steer, Traditional 9″ Bud Steer and Classic 9″ Bud Steer.
For European and Japanese trucks with 10/335 PCD axles, Armoury also offers the Euro 9″ Bud Steer and EU/JAP 9″ Offset Steer.
For applications requiring a wider steer setup, super single steer wheels can also be considered.
The right wheel depends on the truck, tyre size, fitment, offset and required load rating. Every part of the setup needs to work together.
Different mass limits and tyre requirements can apply to road trains and other specific heavy-vehicle configurations, so the requirements for the individual vehicle and application should always be confirmed.
Need Help With Your Euro 6 Wheel Setup?
Not sure which wheel suits your truck?
Talk to the Armoury Wheels team. We can work through your truck, tyre size and application to help you find the right wheel setup.
