As of 1 November 2024, the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension, and Loading) National Regulation were amended to allow increased axle mass limits for heavy vehicles complying with Euro VI emissions standards (ADR 80/04). These changes are designed to facilitate the adoption of cleaner, more environmentally friendly vehicles while maintaining safe operational standards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for operators.
New Mass Limits for Euro VI Vehicles
Under the amended regulations, the following mass increases apply to Euro VI vehicles:
1. Complying steer axle: Increased to 7,000 kg (up from 6,500 kg) GVM ≥ 15,000 kg
2. Single steer axle: Increased to 6,500 kg (up from 6,000 tonnes) GVM < 15,000 kg
3. Twin steer axle: Increased to 11.5 tonnes (up from 11 tonnes)
These increases are like the 0.5 tonne concession provided when Australia transitioned to Euro 4 emissions standards in 2008. There are technical requirements that must be met.
Technical Requirements Summary:
Mass Transfer Allowance Explained
The Mass Transfer Allowance allows operators to apply the 0.5 tonnes concession to the drive axle group rather than the steer axle.
This means that it’s possible to go up to 17.5 tonne (CML/HML) provided that the steer axle mass doesn’t exceed 6.5 tonnes in the case of a complying steer axle vehicle or 11 tonnes in the case of a twin steer axle.
However, the additional 0.5 tonnes cannot be applied to the drive axle to improve Startability and Gradeability performance under PBS.
Axle Spacing Requirements
The increased mass limits for Euro VI vehicles do not require changes to axle spacing, as specified in Table 2 (General) and Table 3 (B-double) of Schedule 1 of the regulations.
The additional 0.5 tonne concession applies directly to the existing axle mass limits without altering the required spacing between axles.
Implications for Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Vehicles
The new Euro VI mass limits will also affect PBS combinations. While the concession should extend to all PBS combinations, Design Approvals and Vehicle Approvals will need to be updated to reflect the increased axle limits and ensure continued compliance with PBS standards.
Operators of Truck and Dogs and combinations operating under the Class 2 PBS Tier 1 Notice should see a straightforward transition once the Vehicle Approvals are updated.
However, the situation is less clear for PBS High Productivity Reference Vehicles, such as those used in Victoria’s A-double configurations. Since VicRoads bridge assessments have historically been based on 6.5-tonne steer axles, it is likely that road managers will require reassessment of bridges and structures before approving the 7-tonne steer axles.
Summary
While the amendments to the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension, and Loading) National Regulation offer greater flexibility for Euro VI vehicles, particularly with the additional mass allowances, operators need to carefully review the specific conditions that apply. The increased limits on steer and twin steer axles come with new technical requirements and are not universally applicable across all mass limit categories.
PBS operators will need to ensure their approvals are updated to reflect the new mass limits, and for those operating in Victoria, the additional 0.5 tonnes may require further structural assessments before being approved for use on the road network.
As always, if you have any questions relating to these changes, particularly if they relate to your PBS combination, please feel free to contact Tiger Spider:
• Phone: (03) 9537 1027
• Email: pbs@tigerspider.com.au.
• Website: tigespider.com.au
Comments