Axle load refers to the weight force that a single axle of a construction machine or transport vehicle transfers to the road surface. In Germany, the maximum single axle load on public roads is 10 tons, and for tandem axles 18 tons according to StVZO §34. These limits are critical for road transport of construction machinery.
When loading excavators, wheel loaders, and rollers onto low-bed trailers, axle load must be carefully calculated: the position of the machine on the loading platform affects the axle load distribution of the combination vehicle. Incorrect positioning can lead to axle load violations — fines, penalty points, and in the worst case accidents due to axle overloading.
For mobile cranes, axle load is particularly critical: a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.4 has 6 axles with 12 tons axle load each — in road transport condition. With ballast trailers and counterweights, transport weight increases significantly. For heavy haulage over 40 tons total weight, special permits and escort vehicles are required.