Four-wheel Steertng for Long Beam Transporter
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I NDEPENDENT four-wheel steering endows the newly introduced Simmons Mark 1I/1 four-wheel-drive transporter with a turning circle only slightly greater than its overall length of 41 ft. 6 ,in. Twelve of the new transporters are being built and will be used to carry steel reinforcement bars and concrete beams during the construction of a new atomic power station.
The first vehicle produced has received Ministry of Transport approval and can be used on the road when the steering action of one axle is locked. It has a wheelbase of 25 ft., giving appreciable overhang front and rear. The Ford 4D engine which drives the ' vehicle is mounted on the front overhang.
It is coupled to a four-speed gearbox, the drive then passing to an F.W.D. transfer box to which are coupled the driveshafts to the front and rear axles. The F.W.D. unit provides reduction ratios of 2.5 to 1 and 1.5 to 1, the complete transmission giving eight forward speeds and two in reverse.
For road work, the driver sits facing the engine, which is then at the front of the vehicle. On site he changes to another seat to sit with his back to the power unit so that he can see the extremities of the vehicle more easily.
Driving controls are not duplicated but are arranged so that they can be operated from both driving positions. Twin steering wheels control the power-steering gear on both axles. This method of steering permits the vehicle to be driven sideways, allowing it to be placed quickly against ramps in a convenient position for side loading and unloading.
Payload is 10 tons on the 12.00-20-in. single tyres fitted and the vehicle has a maximum road speed of about 16 m.p.h. Concrete beams up to 40 ft. long can be carried and these rest alongside the cab structure. The present open cab will be replaced eventually by a weatherproof structure.
The transporter is produced by Simmons Engineering, Botley Road, West End, Southampton.