Pendulum Axle Technology in Modular Trailers: Load Distribution & Maneuvering Advantages

A detailed look at pendulum axle technology in modular and heavy-duty trailers — how it works, how it improves load distribution, steering behavior, ground contact and stability for extreme heavy transport.

Pendulum Axles Modular Transport
📅 Published on 2025-11-19 | ✍️ Semi Trailer News Engineering Desk

Image: Pendulum axle bogie with hydraulic suspension and steering cylinders on a multi-axle modular trailer

🧱 What Is Pendulum Axle Technology?

Pendulum axles are heavy-duty axle bogies designed for modular trailers and SPMT-type systems. Each axle line is mounted in a way that allows **large vertical and angular movement**, keeping the wheels in contact with the ground even on extremely uneven surfaces.

Manufacturers such as Goldhofer, Faymonville and Scheuerle use pendulum axles in their modular lines to carry loads well above 100–500+ tons, while maintaining stability and controlled steering.

🛠 Construction of a Pendulum Axle Bogie

A typical pendulum axle unit contains:

• Rocking (pendulum) arm: Connects two wheel ends on each side.
• Hydraulic suspension cylinders: Carry the load and adjust ride height.
• Steering cylinder: Controls the wheel angle for each axle line.
• Heavy-duty bearings & pins: Allow pendulum movement around the bogie pivot.
• Axle beam and frame structure: Connects the bogie to the modular chassis.

⚖ Load Distribution & Ground Contact

The key benefit of pendulum axles is their ability to:

• Distribute heavy loads over multiple wheels
• Maintain ground contact on uneven roads, ramps and bridge transitions
• Avoid peak loads on single wheels or axles

Because the axles can move independently, the system automatically compensates for level differences, improving stability and protecting road surfaces.

🔄 Integration with Hydraulic Suspension

Pendulum axles work together with a central hydraulic suspension system. This system allows:

• Level control: Keeping the load platform horizontal.
• Stroke adjustment: Lifting or lowering the trailer for loading operations.
• Cross-leveling: Compensating for side slopes.
• Axle load balancing: Sharing weight evenly across all axles.

🎯 Steering Behavior in Pendulum Axle Systems

Each pendulum axle line usually includes a steering cylinder. In modular trailers, these cylinders are controlled by:

• Hydraulic steering linkages
• Electronic steering systems (for complex combinations)
• Remote or kingpin-based steering logic

This results in:

• Very tight turning radius
• Low tire scrub (less lateral slip)
• Precise tracking of the load path through corners

🏗 Typical Applications

• Wind turbine components (towers, blades, nacelles)
• Transformers and generators
• Steel and concrete bridge beams
• Offshore modules and shipyard blocks
• Refinery and petrochemical plant equipment

⚠ Common Issues & Service Points

• Wear in pendulum bearings and kingpins
• Hydraulic suspension leaks
• Uneven ride height due to trapped air or pressure imbalance
• Steering cylinder seal wear under high cycle use

🧰 Maintenance Recommendations

• Regular greasing of pivot points and kingpins
• Hydraulic oil cleanliness and filter changes
• Visual inspection of cylinder rods and hoses
• Periodic alignment and steering calibration
• Torque checks on critical bolted joints

🏁 Final Thoughts

Pendulum axle technology is one of the most critical foundations of modern heavy-duty modular transport. By combining hydraulic suspension, steering and pendulum movement, these systems offer exceptional load control, maneuverability and safety — especially when transporting extreme loads over challenging routes.

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