THE NEW LOW-LOAD-LINE KARRIER CHASSIS
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To Replace the JK-type Chassis, the JKL-type, with a Platform Height, Loaded, of 25 ins„ is Introduced.
TN the chassis specifications which we published in the 1927 Outlook Number of The Commercial Motor in November last, we included brief tabular particulars of the JKL-type Karrier passenger chassis, which has been designed to replace the 1926 model JK, which had a straight frame and a loading height of 2 ft. 9 ins.
The new chassis is suitable for 32seater single-deck buses and-. has a loading height of 25 ins, from the ground. The standard chassis will have the driver positioned alongside the engine, but it so happens that the first batch of chassis, which have been ordered by the Leeds City Tramways Department, have the driver placed to the rear Of the engine. We are able to illustrate one of the chassis built for the Leeds City Tramways, and also a completed 30-seater single-deck bus for that department. , Briefly to deal with the specification of the chassis, it is designed for gross loads of 3 tons 15 cwt., and for a body which will carry 32 passengers. The engine has a cylinder bore of 41 ins, and a piston stroke of 6 ins., developing 42 h.p. at a normal speed of 1,000 r.p.m., with a maximum output of 52 h.p. "
The engine follows Karrier lines In having its four cylinders cast in pairs, cast-iron pistons and an
aluminium crankcase, the top half being attached to the frame .of, the chassis at three points. There are ample inspection doors. The cooling water is circulated by a centrifugal pump which is in unit form with the oil pump and positioned on the near side of the engine. The magneto and every other detail of the engine are rendered extremely accessible.
So far as lubrication is concerned, the main bearings, the timing wheels and chain are supplied with oil under pressure, whilst the big ends, gudgeon pins and cylinder walls are lubricated hy.. oil . caught up and splashed by dippers on the connecting rods passing through troughs.
The power is transmitted from the engine through a totally enclosed leather-faced cone clutch to a garbox, giving four forward speeds and a reverse. The change-speed lever operates in a gate and is positioned on the right side of the chassis. From the gearbox the power is transmitted by tubular driving shafts, equipped with fabric disc universal joints, to a worm-driven rear axle.
The road wheels are mounted on taper roller bearings. They are detachable discs fitted with 36-in. by 6-in, pneumatic tyres, twin tyres being used on the rear wheels. The semi-elliptic springs are long and amply resilient for the work, the rear springs being underslung.
The side members of the frame are dropped behind the dash and upswept over the back axle. Rigidity is enhanced by the use of ample cross members.
Grease-gun lubrication is used throughout. The two brakes are (1) internalexpanding, operated by hand and acting on the rear wheels, and (2) external-contracting, foot-operated, acting on a drum on the transmission line. Quick detachment and ease of renewal is provided for. The petrol tank, which is of 30gallon capacity, is fitted on the off side of the chassis, Autovac feed being employed.
The chassia is equipped with a 12volt lighting set energized by a dynamo which is belt-driven from a crankshaft pulley.
The fittings include a spare wheel equipped with tyre, tyre rack, speedometer, mirror, electric horn and full complement of tools. A mechanical tyre pump is regarded as an extra. The price of the chassis complete with this equipment is £900.
The gear ratios are as follow : top, 6 to 1; third, 9.9 to 1; second, 16.15 to 1; first, 27.5 to 1; reverse, 35.95 to 1.
The wheelbase of the vehicle is 15 ft. 8 ins, and the wheel track 5 ft. 113. ins. The turning circle is 59 ft. The overall length of the chassis is 2 6ft. 3 ins, and its width G. ft. 10 ins. The body space from the dash to the end of the frame is 20 ft. 7. ins. The ground clearance to within 14 ins., of the centre of the rear axle is .10i ins., whilst the clearance under the axle is 7 ins. The chassis weight is 2 tons 16 cwt.,