Independent Suspension in a New Parcelear
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IN order to provide an inexpensive Light delivery machine, capable also of transporting delicate goods, a German factory which has hitherto built only motorcycles, has introduced an interesting parcelcar, all three wheels of which are independently sprung in an unusual manner.
The two rear wheels are mounted on radius arms extending from a central cross-tube of the tubular frame to the rear of the machine, where the ends of the radius arms are held by a transverse spring. The radius arms are pivoted in aligiunent with the sprocket shaft of the engine unit, which is suspended under the left-hand tube of frame.
The engine is of the single-cylinclered two-stroke-cycle type of 200 c.c. capacity, developing 6 b.h.p., and with it is incorporated a three-speed gearbox. The engine is cooled by an air-blast supplied by a blower mounted on the crankshaft. The unit is easily accessible and is partly protected by means of perforated sheet iron. The carburetter is mounted at the side, along with the kick-starter.
The lorry body is fitted above the rear wheels, of which only the left is driven, by means of a roller chain. In front of the body the frame sweeps
downwards, forming a pit for the driver, who sits to the right of the engine, above which the fuel tank is located.
The usual pedal controls are provided, whilst a car-type wheel operates, through the medium of a
roller chain, a steering gear mounted on the frame on the left-hand side. On this side, the front end of the frame extends forwards, forming a rigid horizontal arm, which is bent around to the longitudinal centre line of the machine, where it terminates in a vertical yoke. In this the steering swivel of the front wheel can move up and down against the action of a coil spring.