What Do 4×2, 6×2, and 6×4 Mean? Understanding Truck Drive Configurations in Minutes

Truck enthusiasts, how often do we hear terms like “rear double drive” or “front four rear eight” in daily conversations? But do you know the technical terms behind these phrases? Some might call them “drive configurations,” but what exactly do 4×2 and 6×2 represent? Let’s break it down and expand your trucking knowledge!

Common Truck Drive Configurations

The most common drive configurations in trucks are 4×2, 6×2, 6×4, 8×2, and 8×4.

Decoding the Numbers

1. By Wheel Positions

• The number before the “×” indicates the total number of wheel positions.
• The number after the “×” shows how many of those are drive wheels.

For example:

• 4×2: 4 wheel positions, with 2 being drive wheels.
• 6×2: 6 wheel positions, with 2 being drive wheels.

2. By Axles

• Divide both numbers by 2 to get the total number of axles and the number of driven axles.

For example:

• 6×4: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 axles in total, with 4 ÷ 2 = 2 drive axles.
• 8×4: 8 ÷ 2 = 4 axles in total, with 4 ÷ 2 = 2 drive axles.

Key Configurations and Their Characteristics

4×2: One Steering Axle, One Drive Axle

A 4×2 truck has two axles: one for steering and one for driving. It’s a simple and common configuration for lighter loads.

HOWO NX 4×2 tractor truck

6×2: Versatile Drive with Three Axles

6×2 configurations are more varied, offering flexibility with three main types:

1. 6×2 Front Twin Steering: Both front axles steer, while the rear axle drives.
2. 6×2 Rear Follow-Up Axle: The front axle steers, the middle axle drives, and the rear axle supports with no driving power.
3. 6×2 Rear Lift Axle: Common in imported trucks, the middle axle drives while the rear axle can be lifted when unloaded, reducing rolling resistance, saving fuel, and extending tire life.

6×4: Double Drive Axles for Greater Traction

6×4 trucks, often referred to as “rear double-drive,” feature two rear drive axles and one steering axle. All four rear wheels provide traction, making it a go-to for tractors and dump trucks. It offers robust power and is widely used for heavy-duty applications.

Howo 6×4 tractor

8×4: Dual Steering and Dual Drive for Superior Stability

An 8×4 truck features two front steering axles and two rear drive axles, delivering excellent stability and traction. Popular among cargo trucks, this configuration is ideal for heavy loads like cold chain logistics or mountainous routes, offering unmatched flexibility.

Howo 8×4

Rare Configurations: Full All-Wheel Drive

Full all-wheel-drive trucks, such as 4×4 or 8×8, have all axles driven. These are less common and mostly found in specialized vehicles like military, firefighting, or off-road applications.

HOWO 6×6 Cargo Truck

Mastering truck drive configurations doesn’t just help you sound more professional—it also equips you to make smarter choices for various applications. Ready to share this newfound knowledge with your fellow truck enthusiasts? Let’s roll!