A New 3-tonner Added to the Fordson Range
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Powered by the Wellknown Ford 30 h.p. Eightcylindered Engine, this New Normal control Model Fills an Important Gap in the Concern's
Range
AT the Ford dealer's convention ',Ield at Scarborough at the end of last month, some surprise was expressed that the concern's 1936 range did not include a 3-tonner. A distinct gap existed between the 2-ton model and the Ferdsdn-Siasseri-jfid Fbr4arlSurre3,models, WhiCh are designed for 41-ton pay-loads.
The announcement, Made yesterday at the opening of the Ford Exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall, London, S.W.7, of a new 3-ton model is, therefore, of particular interest, in that-this gap is now filled and the Ford and Fordson range now, includes machines suitable for pay-loads ranging between 5 cwt. and 4/ tons.
Known as Model 51, the new 3-tonner is of sturdy design and good appearance. Careful attention has been paid to the comfort of the driver, and the cab is well planned with good legroom, well-placed controls, and a deep and comfortable seat.
Rated at 30 h.p., the eight-cylindered power unit is three-point mounted on rubber. At 3,700 r.p.m. 81.5 b.h.p. is developed, and smoothness of operation throughout the speed range is a marked characteristic of the unit. At the same time, due to the high powerto-weiewratio, a SOO top gear performande is assured;......
Side valves are employed, these being made from silicon-chromium steel to resist heat and give longwearing qualities. Mushroom-ended stems provide a large bearing surface. The carburetter is of the downdraught type and is equipped with a
booster:PO*3 to equalize the fuel feed during. periods of acceleration:_ Fuel is fed to the---earbbretter by a mechanically operated pitriip from the 15-gallon tank 'located beneath the driver's seat.
• A-dry Single-plate clutch, and a fourSpeed gearbox are provided, the clutch embodying weights, the centrifugal forceof which assist spring pressure. A tubular propeller shaft transmits the drive to the rear axle, the driving torque being taken by a torque tube and radius rods. The rear axle is of the spiral-bevel type and has fully floating shafts.
Deep side-members are used for the main frame, and it is well braced by five sturdy cross-members, giving maximum rigidity. The well-known Fordson transverse springing is employed at the front, whilst at the rear semi-elliptic springs are used, the leaves being graduated in thickness and 21 ins. wide. Helper springs are also provided. ..
. The brakes are mechanically operated, the foot brake acting on all four wheels: the drum diameter is 14 .ins. Worm-and-sector-type steering is em
ployed, large roller thrust hearings being providecL to carry the worm. The chassis is available with a wheelbase of 10 ft. 111 ins., I or
13 ft. 1 in., and in addition to a dropsided lorry body, a three-way hydraulic tipping body is to be standardized on the long-wheelbase model.
Of generous proportions, the standard drop-sided lorry body is 12 ft. 6 ins. long, 6 ft. 72 ins, wide and has an inside depth of 1 ft. 6 ins. The hardwood sideboards are divided at the centre so as to give easy loading, and the main sills and cross-bearers are of adequate depth and thickness. The body is well built, and it-would appear that no skimping has been required in order to bring the complete vehicle within the 30 m.p.h. class.
Steel disc wheels are used and are equipped with 32 by 6 heavy-duty tyres at the rear and 6.50 by 20 tyres at the front.
As will be seen from an accompanying illustration, the 'vehicle is of good appearance, and the equipment provided is complete. A five-lamp lighting set is employed, the headlamps being of the Iliflex type. An unusual feature of the equipment is the provision of a thiefproof locking device.
• The new Fordson 37-tonner is being shown for the first time at the Ford Exhibition, a full report• of which appears elsewhere in this issue,