I.Leaf Spring Suspension System (Most Traditional Mainstream)
Advantages: Simple structure (multiple steel plates stacked), exceptionally high load-bearing capacity accommodating 10-30 tonne heavy-duty requirements; impact-resistant and durable, maintenance involves only replacing worn plates at low cost (approx. £20-£50 per service); Stable performance in sub-zero temperatures (below -30°C), suitable for long-haul freight coaches or rural road conditions.
Disadvantages: High rigidity with weak damping, resulting in poor passenger comfort (pronounced jolting sensation); Heavy weight (approx. 80-150kg per set), increasing coach fuel consumption; Prone to rusting, requiring regular application of anti-corrosion paint.
Suitable applications: Heavy-duty coaches, urban-rural short-distance passenger vehicles, dual-purpose passenger/freight coaches.
https://www.yangtseauto.com/bus/electric-coach-11m.html
II. Air Spring Suspension System (Mid-to-High-End Mainstream)
Advantages: Exceptional comfort (stiffness adjustable via airbag inflation, filtering over 80% of road surface bumps); height-adjustable (±100mm) for passenger boarding/alighting and varying road conditions; lightweight (approx. 30-60kg per set), reducing fuel consumption; moderate load capacity (8-20 tonnes), suitable for urban buses and premium coaches.
Disadvantages: High cost (approx. ¥3,000–8,000 per set, 5–10 times that of leaf springs); complex maintenance (requires regular airbag seal inspections to prevent leaks); susceptible to puncture by sharp objects, prone to damage on rural gravel roads; airbags may harden below -20°C, impairing shock absorption.
Suitable applications: Urban buses, premium tourist coaches, intercity luxury coaches.
https://www.yangtseauto.com/bus/electric-coach-8-5m.html
III. Hydraulic Shock Absorbers (often integrated with other systems)
Advantages: Typically combined with leaf/coil springs, using hydraulic fluid damping to enhance shock absorption, reducing high-frequency vibrations by over 60%; rapid response (damping adjustment within 0.1 seconds), suitable for complex road conditions; compact size, easy installation.
Disadvantages: Dependent on hydraulic fluid; prone to leakage at elevated temperatures (above 60°C), leading to damping failure; maintenance requires specialised equipment (oil pressure testing); moderate cost (approximately ¥800–1500 per service).
Applications: Medium-sized coaches (paired with leaf springs), light coaches (paired with coil springs).
https://www.yangtseauto.com/bus/electric-city-bus-6m.html
IV. Coil Spring Suspension System (Mainstream for Light Passenger Vehicles)
Advantages: Superior comfort compared to leaf springs; lightweight (approx. 20-40kg per set); compact structure occupying minimal space, suitable for light passenger vehicles (6-10 tonnes); moderate cost (approx. ¥800-1500 per set).
Disadvantages: Limited load-bearing capacity; prone to spring fatigue deformation under prolonged heavy loads; poor shock absorption, unsuitable for rough terrain.
Applicable scenarios: Light passenger vans, short-distance shuttle buses.
https://www.yangtseauto.com/bus/rhd-electric-mini-van-5m-bus.html
