Right, this is just a hypothetical (big word) question.
Take a 3 axle rigid with a lift axle, if axles 1 & 2 were rated 9t each and axle 3 was rated 8t would it be classed as an 18 tonner in respect of weight limits?
As a 4 wheeler it’s GVW is only 18t, it only becomes a 26t when the third axle goes down.
I suspect I know the answer but I was just curious.
8wheels:
As a 4 wheeler it’s GVW is only 18t, it only becomes a 26t when the third axle goes down.
As I understand it, it stays at whatever it’s max GVW is (usually 24.5 or 26 tonnes for a three axle rigid) as specified on the plate.
But obviously you can’t run at these weights on only two axles. 
Yes that’s what I’d thought.
It’s irrelevant to me though as although mine is only plated at 25700Kgs on all three it is over 18000Kgs on the front two axles so I couldn’t go (legally) do it anyway . Can’t remember the exact figures.
I know it’s 11.5t empty and drop the rear for anything over a 6t machine.
flying_fenman:
As I understand it, it stays at whatever it’s max GVW is (usually 24.5 or 26 tonnes for a three axle rigid) as specified on the plate.
That is also my understanding of it.
Paul