Hungarian 4 x 4 Has Remote Front Differential
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By DAVID SCOTT , 1.--INE of the Hungarian exhibits at the Leipzig Fair last month was a new 1*--, 3.5-ton cross-country 4 x 4, the Csepel D-344,with an unusual form of front-wheel drive. To permit a lower engine position and thus give greater stability over rough terrain, the forward differential is eliminated from the axle and combined with a transfer case in the centre of the chassis.
Separate propeller shafts are carried forward from this differential, and are coupled to the wheels through individual bevel gears flanking the engine sump. Power from the main gearbox is taken by a short shaft to the two-speed transfer box, which engages front-drive automatically when the lower ratio is selected. Both front and rear differentials are lockable.
Another feature of the D-344 is a mid-chassis winch behind the transfer case which drives it through a p.t.-o. and jointed shaft. Turning ort a vertical axis, the flat. drum carries a cable that may be threaded through the frame to guide rollers at the front, rear or either side of the vehicle.
The model is derived from the conventional Csepel D-450, and has the same rear axle. The engine is a 5.5-litre four-cylinder diesel with 20-to-1
compression ratio, and develops 100 b.h.p. at 2,300 r.p.m. Main transmission has five forward and one reverse speeds. Rear ground clearance is 10.5 in., but in front it is 12.5 in.