Import your own equipment
Import your own equipment https://truckscience.com/wp-content/uploads/Import-DXF-to-calculate-axle-weights.jpg 780 290 TruckScience https://truckscience.com/wp-content/uploads/Import-DXF-to-calculate-axle-weights.jpgNow, if a component you require is not in the library, you can import a DXF drawing, and the equipment or load item will be saved in your library, to be dropped into future calculations.
Many of our Axle Weight Calculator users had been asking to import their own DXF drawings, to add equipment such as cranes, lift gates, hoists, tool boxes, APUs (Auxiliary Power Units), etc. to their library.
Importing your own equipment
Now you can simply import a drawing in a DXF file, then specify its dimensions, weight, center of gravity and position.
You’ll find the ‘Import a DXF file’ link below the library list when adding Equipment or Load to your calculation.
Next, simply select the location of the DXF file on your computer.
- If you have existing models saved in DXF format, you can upload them straight away.
- If you have them saved in DWG format, just re-open them and save as DXF before uploading.
- Or if you don’t yet have a drawing for the body or equipment you need, create the drawing in Autodesk or SolidWorks or a similar program, save to DXF and then upload it.
If necessary, move the bottom or mounting point of the item to the origin, that is where (x,y) = (0,0).
Override Length or Height, if necessary. The ratio of these is locked so that your drawing will not be distorted. Then specify Width.
Specify the Weight of your item, and override the default values for Horizontal (Front to Back), Vertical (Bottom to Top) and Lateral (Left to Right) Center of Gravity.
Specify the name by which your item will be identified on your drawing, and saved to your library.
And in this case, the crane is added to your calculation, with dimensions and weights as specified.
For more about the DXF file format, click here.
More Regulations for users in Australia
According to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator website in Australia, Concessional Mass Limits (CML) allow an operator to operate at mass limits above the national general limits provided the operator is accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS). And Higher Mass Limits (HML) provide a significant increase in the productivity of road freight transport vehicles. Now you can specify the particular Mass Limits that apply to your configuration – General (GML), CML or HML – and choose between National or State (Western Australia or Victoria) regulations, in the Settings area.
Manage your account
You now have more control of your account from within the app. You can upgrade your account, for example, to add more users on your team, any time.
Usability Improvements
We’ve made miscellaneous usability improvements, including field layout, tanker template graphics, etc. We love to hear your feedback about anything we can do to aid your understanding, so please keep the feedback coming.
Library Updates
We’ve added more vehicles to our library, from ranges including Chevrolet Silverado, DAF CF, DAF XF, FAW, FUSO Canter, FUSO Enduro, FUSO Shogun, Hino 500, Isuzu F-Series, Isuzu FSS, Isuzu Giga Series, Isuzu NLR, Isuzu NNR, Isuzu N-Series, Iveco Daily, Iveco EuroCargo, Iveco Stralis, Kenworth T360, Kenworth T800, Mercedes-Benz Actros, Powerstar, RAM, Scania G450, TATA DAEWOO, Toyota HILUX, UD Trucks Croner, UD Trucks Quester and Volvo FH.
These vehicles were added in response to requests from users in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and USA.
We’ve added standard trailer specs for Dropdeck, Step Deck, Dolly, Lowbed, Flatdeck, Semi trailers and Boat Trailers, as well as Tanker & Tipper bodies, and a variety of equipment, such as Bullbar, Water Tank, Mixer, Tipper Bin, Lift Gates, FASSI cranes, Bobcat, Backhoe, Boat, Aerial Platforms.
As well as adding complete ranges of vehicles, we add vehicles, trailers, bodies, equipment and load items on request, for users in our core markets of United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Let’s hear from you!
We got tons of requests for the DXF import feature lately, and given its popularity compared to other requests, it bubbled right up to the top of our developers’ priority list. Keep your feedback coming so we’re adding features that are useful to you.
NTEA Member?
Read about our partnership with NTEA and find out more about discounted pricing for members here.
Not yet a user of our Axle Weight Calculator?
Watch this 2-minute video introduction to the Axle Weight Calculator now, or see more info about the app on our Axle Weight Calculator page. Or just dive right in and try it for free below!
