Axle weighing specialist, Axtec, has launched the latest generation of its market-leading OnBoard Axle Load Indicator which, in an industry first, has been further developed to enable installation on most four-axle rigid vehicles. Axtec, the UK’s leading specialist in axle weighing technology, says this 3rd generation OnBoard equipment will deliver significant operational benefits; offering particular appeal for tipper operators.
The Axtec OnBoard system has delivered reliable and accurate results for thousands of two- and three-axle vehicles over many years. However, the complex suspension systems required for four-axle rigids has meant high accuracy has been difficult to achieve. “Following many months of development and successful trials,” said Axtec’s Managing Director, Keith Gresham, “Our latest 3rd generation OnBoard model is a true solution for tipper operators and four-axle rigids generally, and we’re very satisfied to be offering this highly robust and accurate equipment for the first time”.
Including the many innovative features which comprise Axtec’s existing OnBoard model, the latest version takes advantage of state-of-the-art technology both to improve existing features and to add many more such as additional camera inputs, a vastly increased memory to store overloads and a larger yet sleeker 5” display.
Gresham points out that the Axtec OnBoard has proved itself to be an invaluable preventative measure for hundreds of operators, saying, “We know the impact that an overloading offence can have on an operator, however inadvertently it was caused. Vehicles,” he says, “can be subjected to a prohibition notice resulting in disruption to customer service, perhaps missed deliveries, cost, of course, and delay of sending out a second vehicle to take on part of the load.
A simple colour numeric and graphic interface is retained, although a choice of larger, clearer displays, enhanced graphics and a faster response time greatly improves the user experience. The system boasts a 5” touchscreen display with an option for a 7” screen; the latter ideal for customers specifying reverse and nearside camera options. A useful customer reset facility is included, which helps keep service costs to a minimum.
All management functions are password-protected, while no manual controls are accessible by drivers, thus offering ultra-reliable operation. Importantly, Axtec OnBoard benefits from fit-and-go installation with no driver training required. The use of a single wire connection for the display offers great flexibility of location in the cab, while the redesigned sensor mounting means faster installation, easier servicing and greater reliability.
The latest Axtec OnBoard uses almost 50% less power than its predecessor, and, therefore, is ideal for new- generation electric and hybrid vehicles. Axle weights are shown in a familiar traffic light configuration; green for legal weights, amber as maximum limits are approached and flashing red to indicate an overload. Outputs to tracking devices are provided as standard, while enhanced functionality allows for more detailed information to be obtained by telemetry rather than a simple overload alert.
The latest Axtec OnBoard also has a host of new features as standard including a display that can blank a few seconds after switch-on to avoid driver distraction and minimise fatigue, automatic logging of overloads and fault conditions, and will even continue to weigh and report to a tracking device even if the display is disconnected.
“We are constantly developing our products in response to customer demand,” Gresham says, “and we have improved on an outstandingly successful product, while retaining a focus on even more technological advancements.”
