A PETROL CHASSIS FOR 71-TON LOADS:
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TN1ERESTING detaiLs of a new 1_7i-ton Pierce-Arrow chassis were recently sent to us by the distributor of these vehicles in this country, Mr. G. Bright, West Heath Yard, Mill Lane, West Hampstead, London, N.W.6. The chassis has not yet reached these shores, but there is no doubt that particulars regarding it will be of interest to many of our readers.
The power unit is a T-headed, fouroylindered monobloc, the heads being detachable and each cylinder being provided with four valves, two for the inlet and two for the exhaust. The bore and stroke are 4i ins. and 61 ins. respec-, Lively, and although the rating by the American formula is only 32.4 h.p. it actually develops 63 b.h.p. at. its normal engine speed of 1.200 r.p.m. Ignition is attended to by a Delco dual outfit, which includes a generator and storage battery. The quantify of luel carried is 25 gallons, and this is vaporized in a Stromlaerg carburetter.
The cooling system presents many points of interest. The radiator is provided with gilled tubes and there is a centrifugal type of water pump for the circulation. An unusual feature is the provision of a thermostat for regulating the temperature of the cooling water, of which there is room for 12i gallons. .
Lubrication of the engine is automatic and of the full pressure-feed type, provision being made for carrying 17 pints of oil.
The torque fsorn the engine is taken through a multiple dry disc clutch to a four-speed-and-reverse gearbox with direct drive on top gear, the speeds at the normal rate of engine revolutions being : high, 14 m.p.h. ; third 8.9. second, 5.5 ; low, 2.7 I reverse, 2.02. Final drive is by overhead worm gear with a ratio of 10 to 1.
Cast steel wheels are fitted all round, and there is provision on the flywheel for the fitting of a self-starter, the ring gear being removable. Amongst the fittings is an odometer. This instrument includes a. trip attachment. The chassis lubrication is on the Alemite grease-gun system. The equipment includes complete electric lighting, the headlamps being fitted with antiglare lenses and ,auxiliary bulbs. The oil gauge and switch on the dash are also
To minimize the effects of head-on collision, there is a ,spring-type bumper 'at the front. An interesting fitting is the provision for a power take-off from the gearbox, by which various appliances or fittings, such'as tipping gears and air pumns,.m:tv te driven. The chassis is made in two wheel-bases, 14 ft. and 17 ft., and the minimum road clearance i59 ins.