6x2

It's still an oddball spec in road tractors, but some believe the 6x2 — a single drive axle with two powered wheels among six total wheel positions — will someday become more common as truck operators look for ways to save fuel and cut tare weight.

It’s still an oddball spec in road tractors and you’re not likely to consider it, but the 6x2 – a single drive axle with two powered wheels among six total wheel positions – will someday become more common as truck operators look for ways to save fuel and cut tare weight, suppliers think. Today, progressive fleets are testing or embracing it, and it might even be a good choice for some owner-operators.

The 6x2 concept isn't new, but it's not popular on our side of the Atlantic Ocean. Meritor aims to change that with its new SmarTandem single-drive-axle tandem configuration. Equipment Editor Jim Park reports on his driving impressions.

The Truck Writers of North America picked Meritor’s FueLite 6x2 tandem-axle assembly with an electronically controlled air suspension from the Meritor Wabco joint venture for its latest Technical Achievement Award.

Phil Braker, VP of operations at Illinois-based Nussbaum Transportation and an HDT Truck Fleet Innovator, gives an overview of his company's innovative use of 6x2 specs to help save fuel.