The 3rd wheel | What is a tag axle??

The 3rd wheel on the Motor coach. It just tags along. In this video describe the purpose and function of the Tag axle and why some buses have them and some buses don't
Checkout Heavy Metal Mechanic's KZbin Channel
/ @riproaringgarage
Link to Axle Weight limitations Website
ops.fhwa.dot.gov/Freight/publ...)
Clips used from other KZbin videos:
Go Check out their channels
Prevost H3-45 lifting tag axle from Bus Chaser USA
/ @buschaserusa7495

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

I have no idea why KZbin suggested this to me. I'm not into motorcoaches or busses whatsoever, but I'm digging this video's style. Good storytelling, humility, informative, well edited, and even some Star Trek references? I'll sub for that 👍

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol thanks Luke! Much appreciated.

[@TheEnergydrinkguru]

Just be warned, KZbin will get you interested in busses. I had no interest in them, decided to watch one of Motorcoach World's videos out of boredom, now KZbin doesn't stop recommending them and I've found a new interest obviously because I keep watching them.

[@1982MCI]

@@TheEnergydrinkguru busses are addicting believe it or not!! Before you know it you’llbe out bus shopping like the rest of us that started out just like you! See ya on the road brother!! Stay safe!!

[@peterswalmen]

Same here. But very good explaning. Last time i was on a bus or train 30 jears ago? No, i am not living under a stone ha ha.

[@mikehagan4320]

@@MotorcoachWorld My Brother Matt, Drove For P.C. Until His Untimely Passing on November 6th 2020. I want Your Coworkers to know that Matt Really Enjoyed the People that He Worked with. And the Company that He worked for. He Spoke of the Different People there Frequently. Matt really Enjoyed going for Coffee and the interactions with Everyone. Matt Spoke of that and it was Clear that the other Guys really Lifted His Spirits. As He would Speak in such an Animated Way telling Me What this Guy or that Guy said. I Know Some of You went to Matt's Funeral. That Made All of us in the Family Feel So Much Better. So Please pass on My Sincerest Thank You to those that Spent Time with Matt from Me and the Rest of His Family. Stay Safe and Best Wishes from Montana! Mike Hagan.

[@EmoFox9]

I never though i would get jumpscared by a bus video

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol my bad

[@christophercain7343]

When?

[@waynetv357]

@@christophercain7343 2:53 for me and its 3 am....

[@robrobrobrobify]

This is cool. I'm not interested in buses at all, but accidentally came across this video, and I really enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@OmegaTou]

Same.

[@jebsaekam]

Rando KZbin FTW.

[@Augie13]

Me: *Watches RDR2 videos and Karen videos* KZbin: Here's a video about a bus. You need to watch it! Me: *Watches bus video* FUCK!

[@rturpening]

I can't imagine a possible situation where this would be necessary, but I would trust this guy's knowledge of buses with my life.

[@poorlittlebiker6476]

Gun pointed to your head "How long is your standard motorcoach and what is the third axle in the rear called"?

[@grandmaster1004]

"As Chinese as I am, I don’t really want to turn this into a math lesson" I literally laughed out loud. Great video about something I never knew I’d be interested in!

[@andrewCNC905]

me too lol , and a fellow treakie

[@edsegar]

In the trucking industry an extra axel behind the drivers is called a tag, if it’s in front of the drivers it’s called a pusher.

[@LordClunk]

I was just about to leave this exact comment.

[@barrywever9984]

is there a liftaxle in front of the driver in some cases?

[@LordClunk]

@@barrywever9984 Its called a pusher.

[@barrywever9984]

@@LordClunk yeah I read that, but I have never seen it in Europe, what is it used for? Edit: oh, in front of the driven axles, I was confused, we call that a midlift axle here, and the other one a taglift

[@aqgh1]

@@barrywever9984 It is called that here in the States too if it lifts. If it does not lift, does not provide power, and it located in front of the drive axle it is referred to as a pusher axle. Most American trucking fleets do NOT spec a lift axle on non-driven tractor axles. This is because of weight that is usually carried. The exception to this is most refrigerated or short haul delivery fleets (Coca-Cola and Pepsi) have started to spec equipment that has lift axles within the last 10 years.

[@rajasimanta]

Probably 1st random YT recommendation that ended up being useful and interesting

[@prevost8686]

I drove an old Eagle coach and it was definitely like driving on the end of a diving board. Coupled with the fact that it was very difficult to find replacement torsalastic suspension parts made them a handful. I run a Prevost now and I like the liftable tag axle.

[@bnelson313braveheart8]

I’m glad I tagged along for this video. I had time to “spare” although I felt a little flat.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL! Dude.. Nice

[@humbleevidenceaccepter7712]

I thought I was "too tired" to watch, but I gained traction and could roll along, saying don't tread on me. I'll see myself out now.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@humbleevidenceaccepter7712 lololol!!! Thanks man

[@spugintrntl]

Finding this video is like walking into the wrong room at a convention to discover a panel you had no idea existed, and then sticking around because it's actually pretty interesting even though you have little to no context to what's going on.

[@Adenzel]

It's funny that you bring up your 5 year old self so often when talking about your obsession with buses. When I was 5 my dream job was to be a bus driver, and now at almost 45 years old I'm about to start a job as a bus driver and I'm so excited for it =D

[@styldsteel1]

Sweet! What company? You'll love it. I'm a 16 year coach usa veteran.

[@Adenzel]

@@styldsteel1 Ritchies in New Zealand. I'm mostly doing urban routes, but even on a couple of those I get to drive out into the more rural areas. I'm loving it so far, even with the stress of making some rookie mistakes 😅

[@styldsteel1]

@@Adenzel Nice man! Nice. Oh man..have I got stories! lol. I mean I have stories. But it's not very fun when you get lost and go off route, being this is a bus, i'ts not to easy just to turn around. But the one thing you can count on, is that the passengers have been riding these bus routes for years and years. Believe me, they'd like to get home and they'd like to get to work. Most, not all of the passengers will help you out. Listen, if you have any questions, you'll know where to find me!

[@QuantumFalcon548]

Something that showed up in my recommendations that I was curious about but never searched for. ALL HAIL THE ALGORITHM. 🙌

[@GCC14173]

The outties being a flipped around innie blew my mind.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL I KNOW RIGHT!?!?! When I found that out I was stoked!

[@JH-di3nu]

Same here. Thinking about it now it’s so obvious though, can’t believe I never figured that out.

[@henryweber393]

I knew that since day one I started driving😊

[@justinmccowan2543]

If I were to guess I figured that out about the time I was in grade school all the time I liked to look at trucks! Of course there's the matter of the Dayton Spoke truck wheel, which is a different ballgame!

[@BlackEpyon]

I didn't figure that out until I bought my 1-ton dually pickup. It didn't quite click in my mind how there was only one spare tire, but what "appeared" to be two different looking rims.

[@David-xi7jj]

There are two different types of trailing axles: the tag axle that lifts off the ground and the trailing axle that does not lift off the ground. Prevost has a tag axle; MCI stayed with the trailing axle. While it's true the Prevost can lift the axle off the ground to put more weight onto the drive axle, just dumping the air out of the trailing axle's air-bags will also put more weight onto the drive wheels. The weight of the rear axle is around 1,500 lb so it doesn't make all that much difference. Where the difference is, is in the wear and tear on the bearings and bushings that are exposed to a great deal of side-force with the twisting action when turning sharply. Up here in Canada, the biggest advantage that I found was that the rear of the bus is very steady on ice. It was almost impossible to make the rear slide sideways, even when I attempted to puposely make it break free in a corner on ice. At high speeds, in curves on ice, the front end would slide long before the rear slid. (naturally I did all this with no passengers on board) -Retired bus driver

[@paullee8772]

tag axle meant a Coach back in the late 1970,s in Australia ....When waiting at the high school bus stop during the early years of going to high school , we often would get a old worn out bus that could just make it up a slight up hill incline.....So I had a great Admiration when a Denning coach start appear more and more at the stop......What a good looking, powerful and super smooth riding coach...it had the tag axle at the back with outie wheel disc

[@MartinIbert]

I actually only realized that "innies" are only "outies" turned around well into adulthood. /facepalm

[@TheRealPOTUSDavidByrd]

That just means you're one of the lucky 10,000 who learned that fact for the first time that day. Contrats! :)

[@MindofMatter]

@@TheRealPOTUSDavidByrd you are not the only one!

[@edbennion]

I was today years old when I learned this.

[@Boss_Tanaka]

If it wasn’t for this video, l would have died without this knowledge.

[@dougedoug2105]

Don’t feel bad man, Lol, I had to go to truck driving school and learn to pre trip to find this out 🤣😂😅

[@goclunker]

Got stuck on a go bus in a snowstorm once going up a hill. It was snowing heavily, very slippery and we could not make it over the crest of the hill. Go transit uses coaches. So the driver finally got the idea to take the pressure off the tag axle and raise it up by taking the pressure out of the shocks for the tag axle. Worked brilliantly. All the weight of the bus ended up on the drive wheels and we got unstuck no problem.

[@thud9797]

Not sure about the newest MCI's but on their MC-8 and MC-9 for sure Greyhound had a Tag Axle Unload switch on the side panel for this exact purpose.

[@RipRoaringGarage]

Great video, and thanks for the shoutout! This was the first time I ever chatted in the premier chat section, and it was fun! Great video. Was happy I could tag along!

[@DellAnderson]

Loved the humor and learned a thing or two I didn't know that I didn't know even after more than 20 years having a bus. Win-win! Thanks.

[@faithlesshound5621]

Great! This answered several idle questions that spring to my mind in a traffic jam, and disappear as soon as we move off. Now I can worry about steering geometry instead!

[@richy2563]

I have no use for any of this information, yet I am somehow hooked to this channel after this video. I can’t be the only one lol

[@jimmontrealca.9000]

I did not know that there were TAG steers. Still learning something eveyday even for a retired truck driver. Great video. Thank you.

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

My old man was a bus mechanic in the 1960’s for Acadian Lines in Nova Scotia, Canada. He worked mostly on Flexble busses. He loved those straight eight engines. Love seeing all the Trek references! Take care.

[@donalddodson7365]

"I am laughing!" You and I would have been pals in elementary school: I loved to peruse my Dad's public works magazines and actually wrote to manufacturers for specs and more pictures. If a vehicle had six or more tires, it was cool! I still have my well worn Copyright 1954 "The Golden Play Book of TRUCK STAMPS" (Clark & Wilson). I appreciate your wit and attention to details, yet not overwhelming us with extra information. Thank you for entertaining content.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Donald! LOL IT sounds like we would be hanging out a lot if we lived near each other. I collected all kinds of truck and bus books. Even before i could read or speak english. It drove me craze that a kid could not find a toy bus or truck that actually made the dual tires and the proper rims on the front and rear. All the toy ones had the generic patters on the rims and wheels. I finally found a die cast bus that had proper wheels and rims but it was so expensive because it was a collectors item and not actually a toy for kids....

[@donalddodson7365]

@@MotorcoachWorld I was so interested in your marveling as a 5 year old at the differences in US buses from your home (China?). As a 20 year old GI arriving in the former Republic of Vietnam in 1969 we were loaded onto the smallest buses I had ever seen. Bigger than a van but much smaller than a typical City bus of that era in the US. I suspect they were Japanese, considering the roads are narrower and so are the buses. Another memorable feature was the chicken wire and steel bars outside to keep various thrown devices from entering. And, only 1 guy up next to the driver with the one M-16 rifle, as if that was going to protect the rest of us in case of ambush. I survived and lived to tell about it ... I also had the same feelings about inaccurate toy trucks: rear duals means two tires, not one sort of double-wide tire. I loved my 1960-ish Tonka Tow Truck, in part, because it had accurate tires. Take care.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@donalddodson7365 Donald, thank you for your service and all that you sacrificed for this country. Yes my home country is China. But my parents brought me here to give them as well as me a better life. And because of people like you, people like my parents and wife and kids and I can enjoy that life... That's crazy that they only had one guy with a M16 to protect you guys. Especially during that time when the M16s were so unreliable. I would have preferred to carry a M14 if that was even allowed. I too had many tonka trucks when I was a kid and you are right. They actually put some effort into them to make them accurate. Lol. If you are ever in the Champaign IL area please hit me up. We need to grab some lunch or Something. Shoot me an email some time. [e-mail]. Thanks Donald!

[@micaw7108]

I just started operating coach buses this year, and really finding your videos informative and helpful. A lot of 2hat you explained in this video for example, are topics which weren't explained during my training. Thank you much, and keep up the great work.

[@_Jin_Kim_]

Your love for busses is very similar to my love for cars. When I came to the US in 1995, I was blown away by the many different types of automobiles. I collected DuPont registry, su scribed to car and driver magazines, attended autoshows... Now I work for an automotive OEM living the American dream :) Again a great episode, learned something new!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

That's awesome man. What is your favorite make and model of car. I have always been a Subaru fan growing up. But I started liking toyotas when I got into college. My dream car was a Toyota Tacoma. I bought one finally last April. In love with it. I got it in manual which they had to special order for me lol

[@marvindoolin1340]

@@MotorcoachWorld Congrats on the manual. Between 1960 and 2015 I drove only manual vehicles, and I still miss them. Not long ago as I approached a stop sign my right leg reached for the clutch. It happens less often than at first, but it still happens after five and a half years with only automatics. I wanted to order a manual Tacoma in 2012, and the salesman pretty much refused to order it. He said he had ordered one earlier and had so many delays on delivery that the customer finally cancelled. I ended up finding a nice used Tundra that was discounted because the previous owner was a smoker. I've never smoked, but it doesn't bother me.

[@_Jin_Kim_]

@@MotorcoachWorld I do love every kind of a car. I have bought and sold over 25 cars so I can say I've driven every kind but I am a huge fan of wranglers and going offroading with it. 😎

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@_Jin_Kim_ oh awesome man. I go off roading with my Tacoma a lot too. I put a winch and a winch bumper along with some rock sliders on my Tacoma recently.

[@_Jin_Kim_]

@@MotorcoachWorld that's what's up! 👍👍👍

[@RoVanRooster]

Thumbs up from a German Automotive Engineer! Tech and fun meet only on rare occasions.

[@RipRoaringGarage]

Great video. I remember actually thinking they used different rims for the back wheels. Then I realized they had dually tires, and thought, the rim must have held both tires at once lol. Then later I found out the secret of the rim... The same with the steerable tag. In an older video I think I mentioned a C or D model with steerable tags, and I did find the photo (film, still have to scan it). Turns out that was custom made, by a small charter company that used parts from a few different coaches. Im not sure if DOT would green light that today, but in the 90s it was running from NYC to Bethlehem PA and Id see if every now and again. One time, I took a photo of the straight vs streering. I did see these on Euro coaches before, but there is a bigger must, since roads are small. They do have lots of single axle coaches though, but you see a tag axle coach here and there (about as often as you see a solo rear end coach here).

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Yeah you and I grew up with the same thought processes LOL. If we would have met at a young age we would have probably hung out all the time LOL

[@RipRoaringGarage]

@@MotorcoachWorld Most definitely. Although the year you came to the US, I left for Romania, so I was in bus culture shock, seeing trolleybuses, and trams. I got obsessed with those, hence the legos LOL. I still check up on whats going on there, and other places..its how I found out that Flxibles were made in China up until recently, including a trolleybus version, and I think in Taiwan theres a charter company that bought 100 or so? MC9s and 96A3s. Its weird seeing them in other cities and countries, like the Aussie coverted models...but I get that every day looking out my window and seeing my DAC bus. Still makes me smile (although today I was cursing her for something that broke off again LOL..more welding to do!)

[@williamdegnan4718]

I was interested to see a tag lift switch labeled, "GW Bridge". I imagine they saved a lot of money in tolls by lifting the tag before reaching the toll house axle counter.

[@theKhumbaguy]

Brazil is very famous for its Marcopolos Paradiso DDs that have quad axles with a tag and a pusher. The machines look massive and very amazing.

[@westerlywinds5684]

They are the largest coaches in the world.

[@matsv201]

@@westerlywinds5684 There do exist 5 and 6 axle busses as well

[@westerlywinds5684]

@@matsv201 Yes, those so called tram-buses, but I mean long distance tour buses.

[@matsv201]

@@westerlywinds5684 well the jumbos are larger and they are certainly long distance. 4 axel busses are really not that uncommon. We even have some 1+1+2 axel busses.

[@matsv201]

5

[@TheNapalmFTW]

I'm a bus mechanic and we used to have coaches at our shop, but not any more. I'd never realized what a tag axle until I watched this video Lol

[@ralph4370]

The Tag Axle would be the extra wheels on cement trucks or trash trucks. I learned something new. Thank you.

[@MoultrieGeek]

Never in my life did I think I'd be interested in buses and motor coachs. I just subscribed so obviously I am. Love your style and the cheesy Star Trek references are right up my alley. Thank you KZbin algorithms.

[@DJBiv788]

Did that scream catch anyone else off guard?

[@MotorcoachWorld]

lol sorry

[@dicksteffen1025]

A youtube channel from someone near me. I've seen PCC busses running around since I was a youngster. Rode many a coach during my days usually at conferences and conventions on day trips but also part of a group a couple of times that used a coach to get where we were going. My experience was early in my trucking days of my youth with a tandem dump truck. When you go off road with an air tag you get into all kinds of interesting situations. Keep up the great work.

[@kateharl1383]

I have recently acquired a volvo b12 as a motorhome conversion and I am indebted to this video for your explanation. I had noticed the inny and outy and am beginning my journey to learn about my bus. Thanks for this video

[@tpcoachfix]

The Greyhound Scenicruiser ( 4501 ) had dual wheels on its tag axle. GM also used this setup on the one and only 4901, which was basically a one level Scenicruiser. This was meant to be sold to bus operators other than Greyhound. It was 40 feet long as opposed the 35 foot 4104 of the time. Greyhound converted some of their MCIs to Cargo Freighters by using the Scenicruiser tag and drive axle setup to carry the extra weight. As mentioned elsewhere GM 4903s also had a retractable 3d axle forward of the drive axle. The other advantage of a tag axle or Bogie axle is two extra set of brakes.

[@LukaArtelj]

*_chek our buses out _**_www.blog.uporabnastran.si/2019/01/26/lpp-nacrtuje-letno-imensko-vozovnico-za-365e-ter-podrazitev-voznje-z-avtobusom-na-1-3e-kar-je-10-centov-vec-kot-zdaj/_*

[@AJMjazz]

The downside of the 4903 retractable bogie axle was the tires were different size than the rest, needed constant alignments because most drivers forgot to lift them before a turn, and they always had to be "up" when you parked the bus or you would have dead batteries - an electric valve would pressurize the air bags. The company I worked for that had 4903's drivers were told to only drop the bogie axle in Ohio (strict axle weight limits) but pick them up when out of Ohio.

[@krankie49]

I did some work with engineers at MCI in the beginning days or "steerable" tag axles. They started playing with a "self steer" axle that would turn when under stress from being dragged sideways under load as the coach would "pivot" on the drive axle. That is how the small "booster" attachment on the back end of a low bed semi trailer works. Just by adding another weight distributing axle they can carry heavier loads but the spread in the axle spacing would literally scuff off the tires on the booster in short order if they did not "steer" around the corner. The whole reason MCI was designing a steerable tag axle was to overcome accelerated tire wear on the steer axle. With two rear axles holding the coach in a straight line turn effort of the steer axle was increased causing accelerated edge wear on the steer tires.

[@thecrazeecow1682]

I drive a 6 wheel dump truck and I was told it was the same concept. Enjoyed the video.

[@cs1solo]

I'm an aircraft mechanic and an auto mechanic as a hobby. I have learned something from this video. I have learned that buses can be interesting. Thank you.

[@TheHengeProphet]

I appreciate the number of TNG references and SG9 references in this

[@AllahDoesNotExist]

DS9*

[@TheHengeProphet]

@@AllahDoesNotExist Correct, thank you. Slip of the mind, hah!

[@MrJamesonStyles]

@@TheHengeProphet Gate Trek: SG-9. Almost as good as Stargate DS1 IMO

[@coolema83]

In North Norway we use the tag unloading button all the time during certain winter conditions, specially when doing a hill start or driving out of a bus stop. The only issue is that it will reset when we reach 30kph (20mph) due to European regulations, so we need to be very sensitive on the throttle so we don’t start spinning, specially if we’re going uphill.

[@raygrinders3918]

Once I was going up a routine city street in Seattle (Genesee approaching Avalon), probably a 15-degree grade. I never knew that leaves could be an important consideration. When I started sliding backward ~ luckily with no one following ~ I had to steer to the other side to make myself part of the downhill traffic for about 300 feet. I'll never know if my owner's advice that I should've raised the tags would have saved me.

[@nes999]

Purely stopped by because of the Peoria Charter Co. I used to work in the old Peoria Charter Building.

[@stuffedchicken420]

Idk how I got to this video, I learned something today. Thank you for this!

[@spartamississippi]

I drove a school bus and I didn't know this... I learned something...

[@Vector_QF8]

I’m a plane, train, ship guy. Now a coach guy! Can’t wait til trivia night. Great vid!

[@johnspence2630]

I drove vanhool buses and I would suspect the tag axle was there due to the weight of the engine. It would keep the nose of the bus from raising creating steering issues. I was never told what the tag axle was designed to do, so thank you sir, keep up the great work.

[@lego4av]

I was also 5 years old back in 1990.... great channel , great video!

[@joshdeskin6766]

Oh KZbin algorithm, you silly little creature. Never new I enjoyed bus information, but here we are and I’ve now subscribed.

[@alblua]

Great to see some mechanics tagged along to help explain in the video! Amazing production as always :D

[@RipRoaringGarage]

I see what you did there

[@LacroixCruiser]

Great video as always. One variation was the hidden tag in the GMC Buffalo ( P8M 4905a) . The tag took up the rear bay, and was infront of the drive axle. The idea was to lift the tag to go through toll booths.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Oh wow! I did not know about this! Thanks for Sharing!

[@LacroixCruiser]

@@MotorcoachWorld here’s a link I found cptdb.ca/topic/10231-gmc-model-p8m-4905a-tag-axle/

[@megalexantros]

The tag along joke was actually good

[@MrDespatcher]

I drove for a division greyhound from 1969 to 1982. We had a GM bus label 4903 that had the tag axle that you could raise and lower from the driver seat. In New Jersey they required a 40 foot bus to have three axles but most drivers would drive with the tag axle raised except when you got to the turnpike you would drop the axle but the state police would sit there and watch the buses as they were coming in and get you if you were dropping the axle and not using it to drive. This bus also had the tag axle in front of the drive axle. One of the advantages of the tag axle was if you were on an icy or snowy road and a bus was sliding you could raise the tag axle and throw all the weight on the drive axle and it was just like putting chains on.

[@delurkor]

As a train nut, I am biased to flanged wheel on rail; but, I do appreciate buses. So Thank you for this. As a certified geezer, I remember when the Greyhound Scenicruiser was introduced in the Fifties. In the Sixties I had occasion to ride from San Antonio to San Francisco(42 hours). That bus was my first 3 axle US bus. I assume both rear axles were powered.

[@pd4501771]

Actually only the front tandems (middle axle) were powered. The rear was a tag.

[@delurkor]

@@pd4501771 Thank you, I assumed that as the rear was dual, it was powered. Never to old to learn. Hey you kids get offa my lawn/train/dog....

[@stevengunter2843]

Great job have loved to watch bus videos for years!!

[@ralphbrown1053]

Good sense of humor!! 😂 love it. Makes your videos more interesting and entertaining. Thank you

[@cheyennedogsoldiers]

As a kid back in 70's England I saw quite a variety of 3 axle configurations. However, some stood out more than other though I don't recall brands or models. We had a couple of electric double deckers that were still in use. they had a conventional 'outies' up front, but, both rears axles had single outies rather than a dual setup. I also believe both rear axles were driven. Another that i always liked which I think was a Bedford (GM UK) had twin front steer axles. There was also a double decker that I would see on occasion with twin steer front axles but know even less about that. I kinda lived where the city and country collided so there were the city busses and the country ones who's designs were quite different. Oh and there were the long distance ones which again differed in design.

[@borninthefla]

Loved this episode and the dad jokes. We have to be similar in age man I swear! Love the channel, you’ll probably be the first patreon I support. Not a bus enthusiast but an auto enthusiast. I have to say, this stuff is interesting and fun! Keep it up and thank you!

[@jameswatters2012]

I have 28yrs service driving for a multi-national coach company based in Scotland and I work out of their Glenrothes depot. I drive Plaxton bodied Volvo B11’s which are 49ft 2.5” long, stand 12ft 2.5” high and are 8ft 8” wide with a 12 speed i-drive automatic gearbox. They seat 59 passengers and are tri-axled vehicles. The company have been using tri-axles for around 14yrs now in both single and double deck configuration. I find them very enjoyable and easy to drive and are easier to manoeuvre than a standard axle configuration coach due to the tag axle having steering capability. I have also driven 60ft long articulated coaches, commonly known as bendy buses, for the same company in the mid to late 90s but these didn’t last very long in the fleet, approx 4yrs.

[@DGBagby]

Loved your video! Especially your use of Star Trek clips! Extremely informative! Been a bus nut since I was about 5. I “tagged” along perfectly. I always knew that tag wheel turned. Now I’m sure.

[@BiggHoss]

As someone who recently got his CDL and drives MCIs, these things are surprisingly easy and fun to drive

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

That's good to know... I got my learner's permit myself

[@garethreece]

As a UK lorry driver I found this interesting 👍 Most of the "rigid" lorries on our fleet are twin axle 18T (a little under 40k lbs) but, we do have 2x 26t (a little over 57k lbs), 3 axle "6 wheelers" . Almost identical MANs but while one has a tag lift, the other has a tag lift/steer and it makes a serious difference when turning in a tight spot... We also have a lot of "8 wheelers" over here (4 axles, 32T (70548lbs) ) . Usually with 2 steering axles at the front and 2 fixed at the rear (sometimes both powered). A fairly recent change to that has been to a single front steer and a triple rear bogie. 1 or 2 powered along with a rear lift/steer tag axle right at the back.

[@matsv201]

The reason for the complex rules is road subsurface compression. The better the spreed of the weight is, the less compression you got. That is why twin axel is not alowed to carry the full load of singles.

[@stubbtoo8889]

I'm a retired coach operator Michigan. Great channel for me. You bring on lot good memories. Keep it up.

[@michellec.4994]

I drive motor coach and I'm learning some things from your videos!!😄😄😄

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thanks for the comment! I am glad my videos are doing some good LOL

[@chiefpontiac1800]

The Eagle models 5, 7, and 10's all operated with torsion tube suspension, thus, you could not "Unload" the weight on the tag or bogie wheel. MCI's on the other had operated with air bag suspensions to which you could flip a switch on the side dash to unload the weight on the tag axle. this would provide more traction to the drive wheels. With the tag wheel being in the rear, you had improved traction, and braking. For over the road buses this greatly improved the ride.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

You get no traction with a tag axle it just rolls and supports. What is your definition of traction.

[@thud9797]

​@@grahamjohnson4702 When you dump the air on the tag axle it puts the weight it was previously carrying on the drive axle and this increases traction. Have to be careful trying this in mud because you could sink more but in snow it usually helped to get going from a stop.

[@grahamjohnson4702]

Tag axle let's you increase the length depending on the traffic regulations

[@TheTarrMan]

I saw Peoria in the thumbnail and had to click. Nice to see some bigger KZbinrs here in Peoria, IL.

[@haydenhoene4124]

KZbin recommended this video for some reason and I'm not even mad. Always wondered about that. Now I know, many thanks.

[@dukebacher1216]

Even though this info was not new to me, I still found it much more appealing than "How to poop on a nuclear submarine". Your delivery and knowledge made a subscriber out of me. Now let's see what else you've got.... this could be fun and interesting!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Much appreciated Duke! Thank you

[@StarfruitsurfridaHHH]

This video was....Beautiful.

[@thesoundguyrob]

I'm loving all the star wars and star trek clips.🤣

[@gary19222]

You remind me of how I was as a little kid. I noticed all kinds of things like this.

[@eun5oo280]

Turns out I wasn’t the only one who was interested in tag axles as a child lol.

[@techlifts7873]

Love how you tagged on the joke about the viewers tagging along in your tag axle video.

[@danieldilger9203]

Have to say this was the first one of your videos I knew 98% of what you said already. Seen all your videos.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Daniel! Thanks for the comment and your views. Appreciate you taking the time to write.

[@Nintencrow]

Love your energy! Thanks for the thorough explanation, and all the best!

[@bradx9275]

Thank you for explaining why Innie vs Outie. As soon as you mentioned it, that was all I could think about and had never noticed it.

[@Rocketman88002]

Didn't realize the function of them till I saw one in action backing into a tight place.

[@duckbow]

Amazing episode, really great explanation and examples. Funny how when we were kids we pick up and become so enthusiastic -- for me, it was planes and construction equipment (and now buses from watching your channel). Also loved the cameo from John and Roy, great to hear from others at PCC!!! Keep up the great work, James!

[@FreezerBurn.]

Driving big rig for 20+ yrs I’ve always wondered about that extra axle on the bus. Thanks!

[@kiprandom7208]

I could explain in simple terms to my friends. It's for weight and comfort. They'll listen to you Awesome video and yes we have many hair colors in the USA.

[@milw156]

I’m not sure how I ended up getting this on my feed, but I really enjoyed your video. Subbed! Keep up the great work bro!

[@billyjoejimbob56]

In the truck world, an additional non-driving axle behind is also known as a tag axle. One or more in front of the drive axle(s) are called pusher axles.

[@BlackEpyon]

I like how you can always tell when a truck with tag axles is loaded/unloaded by whether or not the tag axles are lifted.

[@morgfarm1]

@@BlackEpyon or bouncing when the air load is light lol

[@harleyhawk7959]

not so, it's still a tag axle, it doesn't push any thing since it hasn't a drive line attached. each tag axle is rated at 2,000 lbs.

[@billyjoejimbob56]

@@harleyhawk7959 If you choose to correct other posters, you should know your subject. truckscience.com/adding-pusher-and-tag-axles/

[@harleyhawk7959]

@@billyjoejimbob56 over weight axles in front of a drive axle is called a drop axle. if you must correct someone. they are designed to move up and down, and turn going around corners. they have a lift mechanism that will automatically lift the axle up if some moron tries backing while they are dropped too the ground.

[@Cooliemasteroz]

That was well explained so now I know all about tag wheels, thanks.

[@davidmyers2912]

Crash reconstructionist. First time I’ve seen your channel. This was excellent. So were the Trek clips.

[@VernonEliamani]

I laughed at all the puns, and almost missed one till you asked if we got it, then I laughed harder XD

[@Patrick76496]

Even though I'm only a car guy, I was always checking out details IRL of the buses I'm taking if I had the chance, or read after them on the internet, since I'm interested in anything that has at least 4 wheels. I like how you're geeking out on buses, this kind of stuff seems like something I would've actually gone searching for on the internet eventually. :D

[@TheCptnOfFail]

Questions I never knew I wanted answers to. Rather interesting video.

[@torque3022]

Thank you for a great, informative video. I drive Class 8 trailer vehicles and have driven Class 7 coach buses for Greyhound. Tag axles are lifesaving additions to an already fine transportation machine. Their most effective application is in mitigating the heavy rear weight bias of the 2,500 lb diesel engine in the back of the bus. Even weight distribution is critical for stable high speed driving; the tag axle lessens left-right sway at speed. It also. lessens roll tendency; this is particularly evident on double axle tractors pulling trailers -- a single axle tractor with a shorter wheel base is less stable at speed. Fuel efficiency loss from tag tire rolling resistance friction and extra resistance is minimized by less sway for straighter line more efficient traction performance at speed, not to mention less stress on unibody frame, suspension and tires. This is similar to gained mpg from wheel alignment and tire balance on a four wheel vehicle. Tag axles lessen weight on power axle so that inertial power rotation increases, enabling better hill climbing and fuel efficiency in addition to more maneuverability and safety. This principle is used in trailer tandem fore and aft placement toward better weight placement. Tag axles on buses also lessen each weight point bearing down on highway surface, which decreases maintenance and hopefully, fuel tax. Coach bus drivers are the best and safest on the road. The safest modes of travel in this order are air, intercity coach bus, train. They are all very safe; the pilots and operators are trained rigorously. Passenger cars are sixty times less safe than intercity coach buses.

[@Yo3j2442]

I love how Chicago is in all the pictures

[@stubbtoo8889]

I started my career driving the old "silversides" Greyhound buses in 1970.

[@Maree_Customs]

Came across this video completely randomly. Learned something. Thank you

[@Validator56]

Learn something new everyday, and its lovely to see people with passions and who are talented in making videos to share them!

[@CleanteamofNY]

Oh Nooooo! The Eagle Bus third wheel was called "Bogey!" I guess I have to loan you my 1989 equipment safety manual, LOL.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I will definitely like to see those manuals! Thanks for commenting. So Wikipedia referred to those wheels on the Eagle's as tag axle and tag wheels. So I inherently used the same terminology. But thanks for the tip though.

[@CleanteamofNY]

@@MotorcoachWorld I will look for the manual later today. I miss my dream job badly. I've driven for the Hound for 37 weeks before we went on strike in 1990 and Adirondack Trailways for 7 years before working my second dream job, "The Dept of Sanitation." It's funny that I was going through my best friend papers who died earlier this year and he had an unused Adirondack Trailways ticket from NYC-Schenectady and the price of the ticket was $39.40 back in 1987. It's a small world!

[@RonKStevens]

But why did Eagle use a bogey instead of a tag axle?

[@CleanteamofNY]

@@RonKStevens I'm trying to find this information.

[@CleanteamofNY]

@@RonKStevens This ling give the history yet it does not specify the reason why: tractors.fandom.com/wiki/Eagle_Bus

[@ryanlike2162]

I’ve just stumbled across this channel and boy oh boy am I glad to have found a group of all things bus fans! Any chance you could make a video on the different wiper types on different buses? They’ve always fascinated me.

[@nathanpike3718]

I’m not much of are bus or truck nut, I’m more of are train nut but I do enjoy buses & trucks in every possible way, particularly in long distance travel especially when it’s combined between train & bus & I do love the sights & sounds of trucks & buses & your videos have started to intrigue my interest. 2 coach company’s that use during my travels across Australia (my home) are greyhound & CountryLink, I suggest you check them out, some of our coaches that use “tag axles” can be up to 50 feet long.

[@TheOmniscientAtheist]

I love busses, and trucks! Very glad I found this!

[@braeside0201]

My friend Dale Pennock 🙏🙏 (still miss him) always spoke highly of you

[@captain.john.]

Awesome video James!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you so much Trucker John!

[@jimbruneau6769]

I drove Charter coaches in the 1970's in New England. The small fleet I drove for had 4 GM 4905 "Buffalos" and 3 MCI MC-7 "Challengers". Both were 40 foot long coaches, but the 4905 had 2 axles and the MC-7 had a 3 axle tag setup. When I first started I was assigned to a 4905 and found it squirrely on slippery road surfaces, where the rear end would want to swing out wide while cornering. They were also subject to steer wheel blowouts from being too heavy in the front, the company had several blowout incidents until they started buying heavier tires strictly for steer axle use. Then on one trip my coach was in the shop and I drove one of the MC-7's - what a world of difference in handling! Rock Solid cornering on any kind of road surface, you just had to get used to the heavy body lean on tight turns. I immediately petitioned to be assigned to a MC-7 but the company resisted because they were using the MC-7's for Line work and they wanted to keep me on Charters as I was regularly requested by the Tour companies we worked with. The Company finally made the switch after 2 weeks of me writing up the 4905 for poor and unsafe handling. Turns out, the Tour passengers didn't care if they rode in a GM or an MCI... I had to give up driving Charter coaches after 7 years because the elderly passengers were always asking to turn up the heat or shut off the A/C which made me dangerously drowsy and I didn't want to be responsible for getting in a wreck and killing 49 souls. So I went to work driving for an OO hauling swinging beef, and stayed with trucking for 47 years when I was forced into retirement from a Stroke.

[@drewcasner6529]

Great content as always James! As a truck driver who uses tag axels almost every day, you explained them very well. A little nuance thing, the “tag” axle as used on those older Eagle coaches, are referred to as “pusher” axles since the drive axle(s) are pushing them. Another variation of the tag axle is the type I use. They’re called steerable, but they don’t actively turn like a steer axle. They simply trail behind the drive axle and turn as the vehicle makes turns. When the vehicle goes into reverse, the axle automatically lifts so the wheels won’t bind. Have a great day!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Drew! That is very interesting. I love bits of information like this. I really enjoyed reading your comments. Comments like yours make my day and it's probably the best part of me making these videos. Really appreciate you taking the time to write. Thanks again Drew.

[@isaacsmith1874]

They're most common on heavy duty trucks