Automated lift axle lowering system and method for dump trucks

A controller configured to increase the stability of an articulated dump truck, comprising:

• memory;
• and
• processing circuitry operatively connected to the memory, and configured to
• sense a position of a designated lift axle;
• sense a position of the dump truck bed;
• and
• in response to the dump truck bed being at least partially raised and the designated lift axle being raised, automatically lower the designated lift axle.

An articulated dump truck, comprising:

• a frame;
• a bed pivotably connected to the frame proximate a rear end of the bed;
• a hydraulic actuator connected between the frame and the bed proximate a front end of the bed, whereby actuation of the hydraulic actuator pivotably raises the front portion of the bed so as to dump a load from the bed out the read end of the bed;
• one or more lift axles configured to be selectively raised such that attached tires do not contact the ground and lowered such that the tires partially support the weight of the dump truck and any load;
• and
• a controller configured to
• sense a position of a designated lift axle;
• sense a position of the dump truck bed;
• and
• in response to the dump truck bed being at least partially raised and the designated lift axle being raised, automatically lower the designated lift axle.