Development of Comprehensive Suspension Tester for Large Off-Highway Dump Trucks

This paper introduces a laboratory-developed tester for the front suspension of off-highway dump trucks. In dump truck movement at jobsites, the front suspension system is subjected to three-way load, i.e. in the vertical, horizontal and turning (steering) directions. Using three actuators, controllers and a computer, we conducted a lab simulation of such loads. With this tester, various quality assurance tests were carried out to provide reliable data in a short period of time. These tests were as follows:

1. (1)
   Performance test to measure suspension characteristics such as spring stiffness, damping coefficient and internal friction
2. (2)
   Stress measurement test to confirm structural strength
3. (3)
   Endurance test to confirm durability and longevity of parts subject to wear, such as seals and bushings
4. (4)
   Temperature environmental test to confirm sealing performance across a very low to high temperature range
5. (5)
   Dust environmental test to confirm sealing performance against dust