What are the differences between a 4x2 and a semi-trailer?
2 Answers
The differences between a 4x2 and a semi-trailer lie in the axles. A 4x2 has two front steering axles with four wheels and two rear drive axles (bridges) with eight wheels in total (dual wheels per axle). A semi-trailer has one axle. Additionally, the axle of a semi-trailer is positioned behind the vehicle's center of gravity (when evenly loaded) and is equipped with a coupling device that transfers horizontal or vertical forces to the tractor. Below are introductions to the 4x2 flatbed transport vehicle and the semi-trailer: 4x2 Flatbed Transport Vehicle: The 4x2 flatbed transport vehicle, also known as a large-scale construction machinery transport vehicle, primarily uses chassis from brands like Chufeng and FAW. It is categorized into Chufeng 4x2 flatbed transport vehicles and FAW 4x2 flatbed transport vehicles, capable of carrying around 30 tons. It is mainly used to transport non-detachable objects such as excavators, loaders, and harvesters. The flatbed transport vehicle is designed for transporting construction machinery, excavators, forklifts, harvesters, and other heavy equipment. It features a rear ramp, support legs, and a 5mm patterned steel plate bed. The cargo platform measures 5780mm in length and 2500mm in width, with a bed height of 950mm from the ground. The ramp is 1800-2000mm long with an incline angle of 30-45 degrees. Semi-Trailer: Semi-trailers come in various types, including 11-meter and 13-meter grain trailers, low-bed semi-trailers, and more. They are heavy-duty transport vehicles connected to the tractor via a kingpin. Compared to single-unit trucks, semi-trailers significantly enhance the economic efficiency of road transport, increasing transport efficiency by 30-50%, reducing costs by 30-40%, and lowering fuel consumption by 20-30%. More importantly, the use of semi-trailers also promotes the organizational structure of logistics in China to some extent.
Hey, I've been driving heavy trucks for over 30 years. The rigid body structure like the 4x2 or 8x4 configuration, where the cab and cargo box are fully integrated, provides stable driving with good front and rear axle support, making it friendly for beginners. However, semi-trailers are divided into two parts: a tractor pulling the trailer, offering better maneuverability and higher cargo capacity, ideal for long-distance fuel efficiency, but reversing requires skill and practice to avoid getting stuck. Overall, rigid trucks like 4x2 or 8x4 have slightly lower load capacity but simpler maintenance—fixing a tire or engine is quicker. Semi-trailers are more economical for large-scale transport, handling up to 40 tons, but with more connection points prone to failure, requiring frequent checks on the coupling device to prevent loosening. Choosing between them depends on haul distance and cargo type: rigid trucks excel for short-haul bulk like sand, while semi-trailers are essential for long-distance heavy freight.
