Axle Configurations

[agent006]

Passing the time on a trip to London today, and being a huge truck nerd, I was pondering the various axles of the trucks we passed.

I know the various layouts. Single rear axle, twin with both mid lift and rear (tag?) lift. I'm not sure on the benefits of each.

I've seen mention of needing twin axles to be able to take the full weight limit; but then you see things like new FH 750s with single axles. Surely they would be able to take max weight or it defeats the point of the power?

I assume there are various differences in handling/manoeuvrability between mid and rear lift, is this the case?

Is the lifting axle likely to be driven on a standard unit or is this likely to be only for more specialist things? Or if driven does it not lift?

[agent006]

Thanks for all that. Another passenger seat journey last week brought it back to mind with one last question.

if a rear lift is better for manoeuvring, why do you see so many mid lifts? Seems that all fleet stuff is mid and the only rear lifts I see around are smaller companies and owner/drivers.