The Vulcan Range for 1933
Page 43
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DURING the past few days we have had an opportunity to visit the works of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., at Crossens, Southport, and to discuss with Mr. Harold C. Hepworth, the
receiver and manager, the policy of the company for 1933.
The activities of the works will he erncentrated on medium-capacity goods vehicles, and on the low-loading models which have proved popular with municipal authorities for refuse-collection work. The range of ordinary goods vehicles comprises the 30-35-cwt., 45-cwt., 3-tonner and 3i-tonner. Of these the 45-cwt. model introduced early last year, the engine of which embodies Ricardo patented features, has proved extremely popular, sales having gradually increased throughout 1932 and many repeat orders having been received. The 3i-tonner is a new model just commencing to make its mark, and we hope shortly to be in a position to give our readers a full report on its performance.
The 30-35-cwt. lorry weighs under 2 tons unladen, and has a side-valve four-cylindered engine developing 40 b.h.p. at 2,300 r.p.m. It has a fourspeed unit-constructed gearbox and a 6.5-to-1 overhead-worm axle, the wheels earrying 32-in. by 6-in. (single rear) tyres. In normal-control form it is available with a wheelbase measurement of 10 ft. 6 ins., 11 ft. llj ins. or 13 ft., whilst with forward control the wheelbase may be 9 ft. 8 ins., 11 ft.
in. or 12 ft. 2 ins. Chassis prices range from £285 to £315. A modification of the chassis, with forward control and a wheelbase of 9 ft. 8 ins., and having small wheels with 27-in. by 6-in. (twin rear) tyres, becomes the 35-40-cwt. refuse-collector chassis at £335.
The 45-cwt. vehicle, which unladen weighs less than 2i. tons, is developed from the 40-45-cwt. chassis of the 1930 range, but it has a Ricardo-type engine of larger bore (90 tom. against 85 mm.), giving much greater power, the maximum output being 63 b.h.p. at 3,000 r.p.m. A new type of clutch has been standardized, there is a four-speed unitconstructed gearbox and the overheadworm axle has a 6.5-to-1 ratio. With 32-in. by 6-in. (twin rear) tyres, and obtainable with normal or forward control in wheelbase lengths corresponding to those of the 30-35-cwt. chassis, the new model makes a handy and powerful little machine. Normally, it has rear-wheel brakes, although fourwheel vacuum brakes may be specified. Prices range from £335 to £370. A modification of this chassis with small wheels and 27in. by 6-in. (twin rear) tyres, set-back front axle and a wheelbase of 8 ft. or 9 ft. 6 ins., is offered as the 3-ton low loader, specially suitable for refuse collection. It has forward control and a good length of body, the prices being £450 and 1460.
The new 3i-ton chassis, which comes within the 3i-ton licensing class, has a 75 lo.h.p. (at 2,300 r.p.m.) engine, four-speed gearbox and 7-to-1 overheadworm axle, 34-in. by 7-in. (twin rear) tyres being fitted. The normal-control example has a wheelbase of 14 ft., whilst in forward-control form this measurement may be 12 ft. 3 ins. or 13 ft. 11 ins., the prices ranging from £575 to £595. Four-wheel brakes with two vacuum cylinders are standard equipment. There is a 3-tonner similar to the 31-tonner, but with an engine of 105 mm. (against 110 mm.) bore, giv
ing 65 ; this has two-wheel brakes. The normal-control unit is available with 12-ft. 4-in. or 14-ft. wheelbase, and the forward-control chassis with 12-ft. 3-in. or 13-ft. 11-in. wheelbase, prices varying from £495 to £545.
The company offers also its Duchess 26-seater chassis with engine as in the 31-tonner.
All the engines fitted in Vulcan vehicles are made at the Crossens works, where, also, the body shop is equipped to produce all types of body.