Flerhjuls

Flerhjuls is a term used in Norwegian and Swedish to describe vehicles or systems that use more than the typical two wheels. In practical use, flerhjuls refers to six-, eight-, or higher-wheel configurations, including six-wheel and eight-wheel drive layouts. The concept is common in heavy‑duty, off‑road, and military contexts, as well as in some specialized commercial or agricultural equipment where distributing weight and improving traction on soft or uneven surfaces is important.

Technically, flerhjulsdrift (multi‑wheel drive) involves transmitting power to multiple axles through transfer cases, center differentials, or complex hydraulic systems. Some vehicles deploy steerable axles to reduce turning radius, while others use fixed axles. Suspensions are often designed to handle higher axle loads and to maintain stability under uneven terrain. Depending on the design, differentials may be locked or torque‑vectoring systems may modulate power between axles to optimize grip.

Advantages of flerhjuls configurations include improved traction and stability on loose, muddy, snowy, or rocky terrain, higher payload capacity, and redundancy in propulsion in case of a failure on one axle. Disadvantages include greater mechanical complexity, higher weight, increased maintenance costs, reduced fuel efficiency, and larger turning radii in many setups.

Notable examples are six‑ and eight‑wheel drive trucks used for logistics, military, and construction tasks, as well as specialized off‑road vehicles like the Mercedes‑Benz Unimog family. Flerhjuls systems are often contrasted with two‑ and four‑wheel drive arrangements, highlighting the trade‑offs between capability, cost, and efficiency.