Articulated vehicle facts for kids

An articulated vehicle is a special kind of vehicle that has a pivot joint. Think of it like a bendy part in the middle! This clever design helps the vehicle turn much more easily, especially if it's very long.

Many different vehicles can be articulated. For example, some buses, trams, and trains are articulated. Even old steam locomotives sometimes had articulated parts so their big driving wheels could move around curves. In a way, a whole train is an articulated set of vehicles connected together on a track!

When a vehicle pulls a trailer, it can also be called articulated. In the UK, a large truck that pulls a separate trailer is often called an "articulated lorry" or "artic". It has a front part that pulls (called the "tractor") and a back part that follows (called the "trailer").

Types of Articulated Vehicles

Articulated well cars carrying shipping containers.

An early articulated train from 1924.

Articulated Watercraft

Some boats and barges are designed to connect very strongly, almost like one big ship. These are called "Integrated Tug and Barge" (ITB) units. They are built to stay together even in rough seas. There are also "Articulated Tug and Barge" (ATB) units, which use special mechanical systems to connect. These systems allow the tug and barge to move a bit more independently, like a flexible joint.

Articulated Buses

An articulated Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus bending as it turns a corner.

Buses are made articulated to be much longer than regular buses. This means they can carry more passengers. Even though they are long, the bendy part helps them turn corners just like a normal-sized bus.

Articulated Trucks

In the UK, large trucks with a separate pulling part (the tractor unit) and a trailer are known as articulated lorries or "artics". They are used to transport huge amounts of goods.

Articulated Trains and Trams

Many modern train cars are built with articulated connections. This means two train cars can share one set of wheels (called a truck) between them. This design helps save money, reduces weight, and makes the ride smoother and quieter. It also allows trains to go faster.

One of the first articulated trains was used in Great Britain in the 1920s. These trains were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley to save space. Trams and light rail vehicles have also used articulated designs since the 1950s. This allows passengers to walk through the entire length of the vehicle, even when it's moving.

Articulated Heavy Equipment

A Volvo front loader with a pivot joint in the middle for turning.

Big construction machines like front loaders, graders, and dump trucks often have articulated joints. This design greatly reduces how much space they need to turn. Some common articulated dump trucks are made by Caterpillar Inc., Volvo, and Terex. They can carry between 25 and 40 tons of material!

Articulated Military Vehicles

Some military vehicles are also designed with an articulated body. This helps them move easily over very rough ground. Examples include the US military's M561 Gama Goat and the Swedish Bandvagn 206.

Images for kids

• 

  Inside an articulated tram, showing the flexible floor and concertina connection.

• 

  A tugboat and barge connected together.