The structure and designs of Commercial Vehicles are very different from those of normal vehicles. The loading vehicle has many similarities and differences with a normal four-wheeler. But what are the terms and parts which become very important in these things? We use many terms in commercial vehicles that are nowhere in the passenger car segment.
So here in this blog, we will talk about some of the parts and terms of Heavy Duty vehicles.
4 Terms & Parts of Commercial Vehicles:-
Let’s check out the different terms and parts of commercial vehicles.
1. Toe In or Toe Out:-
The term Toe In or Toe Out comes in automobiles when the alignment of the tyres is imperfect. If we want to figure out what the vehicle is facing, then there is a simple practice for it. Just drive your vehicle in a straight line and check the marks of the treads on the roads. If the vehicle has “Toe In”, the wheels will point towards the centre line of the vehicle or show the tread inside. The Toe In is also called the Positive Toe. And if the vehicle has “Toe out” or the negative Toe, then the tyres’ tread marks will face outside the centre line.
The Toe In and Toe Out is neither a vehicle feature nor a part; it’s a term we use for vehicles when we see these abnormalities. These abnormalities come after a very long time of working and taking loads. Some products like the Mahindra Jeeto have a powerful suspension and axle, reducing the chances of these things happening. It can also occur from the wear and tear of parts like bushes, springs, ball bearings, etc.
2. Differential:-
The DifferentialDifferential is one of the essential components of a 4-wheeler vehicle. Historically, the Differential has been why we can now drive at high speed on the turns because differentials deliver the same amount of power to the tires, which get the power. So if the power is delivered on front wheels as in the Front Wheel Drive (FWD), the DifferentialDifferential will be mounted there. And if the power is transmitted to the rear wheel, then the DifferentialDifferential is mounted on the rear wheel.
Why is the Differential Important?
When we drive on a curve with four-wheelers, the outer wheels of the vehicles travel more distance than the inner wheels; why? If we point to a centre and drive the vehicle in a curve with that centre, the outer wheels will travel a bigger distance than the inner wheels. It will create two radii, in which the outer one will be greater than the inner one.
So, if the vehicle has to complete both paths at a similar time, it needs two different speeds. The smaller way will need less speed, and the bigger way will need a high speed. The Differential does this work and provides appropriate speeds to both tyres according to the needs. The structure of this part is very complicated, as the power is transmitted through a propeller shaft to the crown wheel. The Crown wheel is connected to a Sun gear, and this one is connected to the Planet gear.
This whole structure provides a smooth transmission of power to the wheels.
3. Propeller Shaft:-
What is a Propeller Shaft? Is the Drive Shaft and Propeller Shaft the Same?
These questions pop up in my mind when the word propeller shaft comes into the picture. The rear and front wheels of the vehicles are at a good distance from each other, and most vehicles are rear-wheel drive when the engine is mounted on the front. So we need a part to transfer the power from the front to the rear side, and then the propeller shaft comes into action. A propeller is a long and big part which consists of many small parts. If we want to understand it, it has two tubes or shafts and has 3 universal joints.
The propeller shaft is very heavy as it transmits very high power. To reduce the chances of breaking and decrease the brittleness of the parts. The propeller shaft is joined from the gearbox to the DifferentialDifferential of the vehicle and transmits the power. The main work of the propeller shaft is to transfer the power to the DifferentialDifferential. But the completion of this work is also critical. We all know that when we deliver power from one part to another, there will be some loss in the %. New technologies are also discovered in the propeller shaft to decrease power losses. The propeller shaft and Differential of the vehicle are the most important parts of the drive trains. You can check out the Tata Ace Gold Price, wheelbase, and propeller type, which have advanced features.
4. Air Brakes Tanks:-
Many of you have seen big cylinders attached to the truck bodies for the brakes. But, have you ever wondered what the use of these tanks is and why they are placed?
Did you ever notice that a few years ago, truck drivers used to start the truck half an hour before their trip? Do you know why? It is for the air brakes. Yes, the air brakes need a good amount of pressure to work properly. First, when you start the vehicle, the tanks used to take time to fill the pressure tanks. Air brakes are very powerful and only used in Commercial Vehicles, and the system is easy and can be easily operated by the drivers.
Let’s understand the working of Air Brakes. The brakes have 7 important parts: Compressor, Air Reservoir, Governor, Brake Valve, Foot Pedal, Brake Chamber and Slack Adjuster.
Pressing the brake pedal closes the exhaust passage, and the air intake route opens. Then, it makes the compressed air move back to the chamber. When the process turns back, the exhaust passage opens, the intake route closes, and the used air goes back into the atmosphere.
These are some things essential in Heavy Duty commercial vehicles and make them work on the harshest roads. I hope you get all the relevant information related to the topics in the blog. To Read more about heavy-duty commercial vehicles, stay updated with us.
