Thrudek low-deck rigid
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Southworth Chassis Engineering has released more details about its innovative Thrudek low-deck rigid vehicle conversion launched at the 1RTE show last month.
First seen on an Iveco Ford Cargo 17.18 chassis, the Thrudek conversion is de signed to adapt to any vehicle make. A chassis frame with a 0.78m height permits the fitting of bodies with up to 3.048m internal body height while conforming with the four metre EC height limit.
Like the Bass urban delivery truck, which was unveiled at
the same show (CM 10-16 May), Thrudek has three axles, but Southworth has chosen to fit a rear bogie instead of the Chinese Six configuration on the Bass vehicle. The rear bogie is air-suspended using Southworth's trailing arm airsuspension, and disc brakes are fitted to the 440mm wheels and tyres.
The first Thrudek was designed for Derek Pewter of DGB Scenery Removals, who needed to maximise the volume Of the truck to carry awkward loads.
Thrudek is designed to operate at 19 tonnes GVW for DGB, and is powered by the Cummins fiBTA 5.88-litre engine which produces 127kW (170hp) at 2,500rpm.
The six-speed Eaton 4106 gearbox is used, working through a single reduction rear axle which is fitted with a differential lock.