What is the permissible axle load?

The permissible axle load is the maximum load value that a single axle of a vehicle is allowed to carry according to the vehicle documents. It is kilogram and ensures that the vehicle does not overload the road and driving safety is guaranteed. Compliance is required by law and is Vehicle registration document (registration certificate part I) under points 8.1 and 8.2 for front and rear axles.

Where can I find the axle load in the vehicle registration document?

The axle loads are in Vehicle registration document (registration certificate part I) under the points 8.1 (front axle) and 8.2 (Rear axle). There is the permissible axle load in kilograms – the maximum weight that may act on each axle. These values are for the Loading and transporting heavy machinery such as work platforms or forklifts are particularly important.

What is the actual axle load?

The actual axle load describes the current weight that is currently loaded on one axle of a vehicle. It depends on the total weight of the vehicle, the load and its distribution – and can change significantly depending on the loading situation. In contrast to permissible axle load is she not noted in the vehicle registration document , but must be weighed or calculated e.g. when transporting heavy work platforms or forklifts.

What is the difference between permissible and actual axle load?

The permissible axle load is the value specified by the manufacturer or legislator Maximum value that an axle may carry – this is stated in the vehicle registration document and may not exceeded The actual axle load however, the current weight , which is applied to the respective axle – depending on the load, distribution and vehicle condition. Important: If the permissible axle load is exceeded, Fines, damages and safety risks , for example when transporting heavy machinery such as forklifts or work platforms.

What axle load does a truck have?

The permissible axle load of a truck depends on the Axle configuration and the vehicle type. For common 2-axle truck The maximum axle load is usually 10 tons per axle . At Double axles (e.g. tandem or tridem axles) it can up to 11.5 tons provided the technical requirements are met. The decisive factor is always the Information in the vehicle registration document as well as the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) . Anyone transporting work platforms or forklifts should consider the axle load Check carefully before loading to avoid overloads.

What is the permissible axle load for a trailer?

The permissible axle load of a trailer depends on the number and type of axles as well as the Manufacturer information in the vehicle registration document . At single-axle trailers The permissible axle load is usually up to 1,800 kg , at two-axle trailers often between 2,700 and 3,500 kg per axle – depending on the version. Important: It is not only the permissible total mass , but also the actual load distribution . Especially when transporting work platforms or forklifts, the axle load must be strictly adhered to in order to avoid fines, damages or driving bans.

Understanding axle load: All information

Zusammenfassung

axle loadmeans: How much weight rests on a single axle of your vehicle – crucial when transporting heavy machinery such asWork platforms or forklifts. The difference betweenpermissible axle load(stated in the vehicle registration document) and theactual axle loadresulting from the loading.

Why is this relevant?

Because construction machinery is often compact and at the same time extremely heavy, this quickly places excessive strain on individual axles.Follow: Fines, damages or, in the worst case, unsafe driving behavior.

Anyone transporting construction equipment such as work platforms or forklifts cannot avoid one issue: axle load. Often underestimated, but crucial in practice – especially when heavy equipment is loaded onto trailers, trucks, or low-loaders.

Here you can find out what you need to know about axle loads, how to calculate them and why they play a role in rental .

What is axle load anyway?

Axle load refers to the weight placed on a single axle of a vehicle. This can be a front or rear axle—or, in the case of trucks and low-loaders, multiple axles simultaneously. A distinction is made between:

permissible axle load → stated in the vehicle registration document, must not be exceeded
actual axle load → results from the current load

Important: The lower limit always applies. If your trailer is approved for 10 tons, but one axle is only allowed to carry 5 tons according to the vehicle registration document, you're at the limit at 5 tons per axle – regardless of how light the rest is .

Why is axle load so important for construction machinery and forklifts?

Because our equipment is often compact but extremely heavy. A scissor lift with a 15-meter lift height easily weighs 3 to 5 tons – usually with a lot of weight in a small space . This leads to uneven weight distribution , which can quickly lead to overloading of individual axles during transport.

Anyone who ignores the axle load risks:

Fines for traffic checks
Damage to the chassis, tires or trailer
in an emergency: dangerous driving dynamics or accidents

Axle load in the vehicle registration document: Where does it say what?

In Germany, you can find the permissible axle loads in the vehicle registration document part 1 (registration certificate I):

Field 7.1 / 7.2 / 7.3 → depending on whether the vehicle has one, two or more axles
Values are given in kg and refer to the maximum permissible load per axle

Example: 1st axle = 1,800 kg 2nd axle = 2,000 kg → The total vehicle may not exceed 3,800 kg on the road – but no single axle may carry more than the specified value.

How do you calculate the actual axle load?

You can determine the actual axle load in two ways:

1. Weighing when loading

The safest method is to weigh each axle on a calibrated axle load scale – many haulage companies, large construction sites or recycling centers have such systems.

2. Calculation by center of gravity

If you know the center of gravity of your device and the distance to the axis, you can determine approximate values using simple physical formulas:

Formula for calculating axle load

Achslast = (Gesamtgewicht × Abstand zur anderen Achse) ÷ Achsabstand

Example: For a vehicle with a total weight of 3,000 kg, a wheelbase of 2 m and a distance of 1.2 m to the rear axle:
Front axle load = (3,000 × 0.8) ÷ 2 = 1,200 kg
Rear axle load = (3,000 × 1.2) ÷ 2 = 1,800 kg

This is of course only a guideline – always have heavy equipment weighed if you are unsure.

What influences the axle load when transporting work platforms?

The distribution of the load depends on several factors:

Loading position on the trailer or truck
Axle arrangement of the vehicle
Center of gravity of the device – e.g. telescopic forklifts or diesel scissor lifts often at the rear
Additional equipment (e.g. platform extension, ballast, attachments)

Tip: When loading, always work with the center of gravity as central as possible – this will distribute the load more evenly.

What happens if an axle is overloaded?

If you overload an axle, even though the total weight may be correct, this can still have consequences:

Tire blowout due to overheating
reduced directional stability when braking or swerving
Steering problems due to insufficient load on the front axle
Loss of operating license during inspections

In short: the axle load counts just as much as the total weight – at BIBERGER we make sure that you don’t take any risks with our rental equipment.

What does axle load mean for you as a renter in everyday life?

When you rent a platform or forklift from us, you'll receive all relevant weight information directly . This includes:

Weight of the device
Center of gravity position (if required)
Loading instructions for transport vehicles

We will advise you on which means of transport you need – whether with your own trailer or via our low-loader delivery.

By the way: Some modern stages even show you the current device weight including payload digitally on the display – this can also help with transport security.

Conclusion: Always consider axle load – especially with rental equipment

The axle load is an important number in the vehicle registration document – it determines the safety and legality of your transport solution.

If you rent a heavy scissor lift or forklift, you should definitely check (or have someone check) whether your trailer or transport vehicle complies with the axle loads - even if the permissible total weight appears to be correct.

At BIBERGER , we support you not only with technology but also with experience . This way, you'll reach your destination safely with your rental – and stay there.