What You Need to Know
Anyone who transports heavy machinery such as work platforms, telehandlers or scissor lifts has to deal with one central issue: the axle load .
It determines the legality, safety, and service life of transport vehicles. This guide will teach you how to correctly calculate and check axle loads, and safely adhere to them in practice.
Basics
What does axle load mean?
The axle load describes the weight on a single axle of a vehicle. It results from the weight distribution between the front and rear axles and can vary depending on the load.
Two values are crucial: the permissible axle load according to the vehicle registration document and the actual axle load that results when loading.
The smaller value is always important. If your trailer is approved for a total weight of 10 tons, but one axle is only allowed to carry 5 tons, your limit is 5 tons per axle – regardless of the total weight.
Why is axle load so important?
Aerial platforms and forklifts are compact, but pack a lot of weight into a small footprint. A scissor lift with a working height of 12 meters can easily weigh 3 to 5 tons. If it's positioned too far back on the trailer, one axle can be overloaded—even if the total weight is adequate.
- Overloaded axles lead to increased tire and chassis wear.
- If you are checked you risk fines and points.
- Driving behavior can become unstable and dangerous.
Legal requirements
Legal limits according to StVZO §34
In Germany, maximum axle loads are regulated by law. They apply regardless of the total weight and may not be exceeded, even temporarily.
| axle combination | Permissible axle load |
|---|---|
| Single axle | max. 10 t |
| Driven single axle | max. 11.5 t |
| Double axle (1.0–1.3 m spacing) | max. 16 t |
| Double axle (1.3–1.8 m spacing) | max. 18 t |
| Double axle (over 1.8 m distance) | max. 20 t |
In addition, §22 StVO applies: The load must be secured in such a way that it does not slip even in the event of emergency braking or evasive maneuvers.
Fines for exceeding the limit
| Overload | Cars up to 7.5 t | Trucks over 7.5 t | points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 10–30 € | 80 € | 0–1 |
| 10–20% | 30–95 € | 110–190 € | 1 |
| 20–30% | 95–140 € | 190–285 € | 1 |
| over 30% | 235 € | 380 € | 1 |
Further travel is only permitted once the overload has been rectified. The insurance company may also refuse payment in the event of a claim if the axle load was exceeded.
Read vehicle registration documents correctly
The permissible axle loads per axle are listed in Part 1 of the vehicle registration document. These values indicate the maximum load the axle can carry.
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 7.1 | Permissible axle load front axle |
| 7.2 | Permissible axle load rear axle |
| 7.3 | Third axle (for trucks) |
| F.1 | maximum weight allowed |
Calculation and technical principles
Calculate axle load – correct formula
If no scales are available, the axle load can be determined mathematically based on the distance between the axles and the position of the center of gravity.
Front axle load = (total weight × distance to rear axle) ÷ axle distance Rear axle load = (total weight × distance to front axle) ÷ axle distance
Example calculation
Genie S-65 XC: 8,000 kg Wheelbase: 2.5 m Center of gravity: 1.4 m from the rear Front axle load = (8,000 × 1.4) ÷ 2.5 = 4,480 kg Rear axle load = (8,000 × 1.1) ÷ 2.5 = 3,520 kg
The sum of both axle loads equals the total weight. If one axle exceeds the permitted value, the vehicle is overloaded – even if the total is correct.
Dynamic load shifting while driving
While driving, the forces acting on the axles change. When accelerating, the load shifts to the rear, while when braking, it shifts to the front. When cornering, additional lateral forces are exerted, placing considerable strain on the axles and tires.
When braking, the front axle can be subjected to up to 80 percent greater load than when stationary. For example, a 4,000 kg front axle can briefly support up to 7,200 kg. When driving over ramps or bumps, the forces also increase significantly for a short time.
Practice from the BIBERGER rental park
Typical weights of our machines
| Model | Weight | Working height | Axle load distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genius GS-1932 | 1,518 kg | 7.65 m | ~1,100 / ~418 |
| Haulotte Compact 8 | 1,730 kg | 8.2 m | ~1,250 / ~480 |
| Genius S-45 | 7,100 kg | 16 m | Center-back |
| Genie S-65 XC | 8,000 kg | 21.8 m | Central center of gravity |
Focus positions of different stage types
| Stage type | Focus | Transport impact |
|---|---|---|
| Scissor lift | Central and deep | Uniform axle load |
| Telescopic platform | Middle to slightly back | Rear axle more heavily loaded |
| Articulated platform | Variable depending on the boom | Shifting possible during movement |
| Telehandler | Rear-heavy | Rear axle dominates |
Practical examples for transport and calculation
Genie GS-2032 on car trailer
With a machine weight of 2,012 kg, a standard car trailer is too heavy to handle. Only a trailer with a permissible load of at least 2,500 kg and a correspondingly powerful towing vehicle are suitable.
Genie S-65 XC
8,000 kg total weight. Transport only with a low-loader or truck – car trailers are not permitted.
Safety and transport
Load securing according to VDI 2700
Proper load securing is mandatory. High standards apply to machines weighing several tons.
- At least four lashing straps for vehicles up to 7.5 t, six straps for larger vehicles
- Tensile force of the belts: 800–1,000 daN, for construction machinery 1,500 daN
- Belt angle 30–60 degrees to the loading area for optimal holding power
- Anti-slip mats under chains or wheels are mandatory
- Check lashing points and straps regularly
Typical mistakes and their consequences
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Center of gravity too far back | Rear axle overloaded | Central charging |
| No scale used | Overload unnoticed | Weigh before departure |
| Slipping load | Load shifts | Check lashing straps |
| Wet ramps | Machine slips | Anti-slip mats |
| Dynamic forces underestimated | Braking load too high | Plan a 20% reserve |
Axle load and ground load – two different things
The axle load describes the load on the axle during transport. The ground load, on the other hand, indicates how much weight per square centimeter acts on the ground. Both values must be considered separately.
| Expression | definition | Where relevant? |
|---|---|---|
| axle load | Weight per axle | transport |
| Soil load | Weight per cm² contact area | Location |
| Total weight | Sum of all axle loads | Permit |
Example: A Genie S-65 XC weighing 8,000 kg is distributed across four tires with a surface area of 0.17 m² per tire. This results in approximately 12 kg/cm² – a critical value on pavement or screed. Learn more in the Floor Load Guide .
Legal and liability
The driver is always liable for overloading. For commercial journeys, the company is also liable. If an axle is overloaded, the insurance company can refuse to pay – even without an accident.
Related topics at BIBERGER
Conclusion
Axle load is one of the most important, yet often underestimated, factors when transporting heavy machinery. Calculating, checking, and securing it according to regulations prevents technical damage and legal risks. At BIBERGER, you not only get the right platform or forklift, but also clear information on weight, center of gravity, and transport recommendations – so you can reach your destination safely.
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The subject content on biberger.de are editorially created, reviewed, and continuously updated. The basis is our daily work with aerial platforms, telehandlers, and industrial trucks – in rental, sales, operational planning, and technical support.
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