Which axle drives a tandem truck?

Well, there are two configurations for tandem trucks. The first is the 6x4 configuration, which uses a power divider. The other is a 6x2 configuration, of which only one of the tandem axles is a live axle, and other other is often a lift axle. read more

If it is a standard tandem axle truck then both of the back axles are driven. The drive shaft is carried from the front axle to the back axle through a power divider which is basically another differential. A few things like some buses only the front of the two axles is driven. read more

Both axles drive the truck, just like both the left and right tires drive a rear-axle pickup truck — as long as there is no loss of traction. When the differential or power divider lock is engaged, each axle now drives the truck whether the other axle has traction or not. read more

A tandem axle truck is equipped with two drive axles, such as those found on the rear of the typical 18-wheeled semi-rig's tractor. Utilizing eight tires and wheels on the drive axles, this type of truck is able to support a tremendous amount of weight as well as provide improved traction despite poor road conditions. read more