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Land-Rover Forward-Contrc Load Carrier
Page 128
Page 129
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New model based on standard chassis components has road-payload rating of 30 cwt.
BASICALLY similar to the standard models with regard to many of its constructional features. the new Land-Rover forward-control 4 x 4 vehicle displayed on the Rover stand is basically dissimilar to the normal-control types in terms of classification in that it is designed as a load carrier: its road-payload rating and cross-country rating being 30 cwt.
and 25 cwt. respectively. The vehicle is mounted on a modified standard chassis of 109-in, wheelbase, the normal-control version of which has a payload rating of 2,000 lb., and it is emphasized by the Rover company that the new model fills the gap between the concern's standard range and 3-ton 4 x 4 vehicles of other makes.
75 per cent. An important result of adopting forward control, is that the centre of gravity of the vehicle has been moved forward from about 4 in. in front of the rear axle, to a point approximately on the transverse centre line of the chassis. This improves weight distribution and, combined with an increase in tyre size from 7.50-16 to 9.00-16, it is also favourable to cross-country performance in terms of traction and stability, which is claimed to be "as good as, if not better" than that of normal-control Land-Rovers. Ground clearance of the new vehicle is 10 in.
Consideration was given to equipping the model with independent suspension, but it was decided that conventional springing was preferable, mainly because it affords a constant ground clearance. This is increased 3 in. by the use of larger tyres. Unladen weight of the vehicle is about 4,100 lb., whilst the GI8 8,000 lb, Equipped with the company's 2.25-litre petrol engine, which produces a maximum output of 77 b.h.p. at 4250 r.p.m. and a maximum torque of 124 lb.-ft. at 2,500 r.p.m., the vehicle can climb a gradient of 1 in 2 fully laden and has a rated tractive effort of 3,920 lb. The ratios of the gearbox are standard but transfer box ratios are increased to 1.3 to 1 and 3.27 to 1 to offset the effect of the larger tyres. The final drive ratio is 3.27 to 1.
The track of the vehicle is 53 in., whilst the overall length and body width are 193 in. and 68.5 in. respectively, the platform height being 44 in. unladen and 40 in. laden. Other data include a turning circle of 49 ft., an approach angle of 40 degrees and a departure angle of 37 degrees.
Interest in the vehicle structure centres on the way in which the standard I09-in. wheelbase chassis has been adapted to accommodate the 'forward-control layout
with virtually no basic changes. Th bodywork is mounted on a sub-frame, th
overall length of which is abot. 1 ft. 9 in. greater than that of the chassi frame, and the height of the cab floo has been raised about 13 in. Front end of the sub-frame longitudinals are tie.
to the chassis frame by tapered boxed-i members, which are bolted to bracket (welded to the longitudinals) and diret to the chassis, the members bein, tapered towards their upper ends. Cal location is about 3 ft. forward of tii.
normal position, rigid mounting bein. provided by two tapered outriggers oi each side with a flange width of 3 in The steering box is mounted on one the sub-frame brackets.
The sub-frame is supported on invertec U-shaped mild-steel members, welded tc the chassis frame, of the type used on thi normal-control models for body mountim with a height increase of about 1.5 in Channel-section 4-in. by 2.5-in. longitu dinals are employed in the constructiot of the sub-frame, 0,104-in, material beim used for both types of member and fa the cross bearers.
On the left, the sub-frame longitudina extends the full length of the vehicle but the centre section of the right longi tudinal is replaced by a 4-in. by 2-in boxed-in member, the upper face o which is extended at each end for weld ing to the longitudinals. This modiflca tion is introduced to accommodate thi spare-wheel carrier by increasing tht
nrance between the sub-frame and iassis members by some 3 in., the num:r of U-shaped support members being cluced to 10 on the right side. compared ith 12 on the left. The spare wheel is tained by a hinged clamp with screwpe tensioner and is supported on a cross arer of the chassis frame. First and cond cross-members of the sub-frame e of 4-in. by 1.75-in. and 4.5-in, by in. channel-section respectively. At the ar. a 9-in. by 2-in. angle-section mem k employed, the longer side of which flush with the rear ends of the longidinals. and is bolted to brackets welded the rear chassis-frame cross bearer. The suspension remains basically unianged with regard to spring-length and c-centre distance, but both the front id :.car springs have a higher rate than e standard type. Telescopic shock isorbers are fitted all round.
The rear of the seat frame is about in. behind the front of the engine iver, the mounting of the engine in the iassts frame being unchanged. Distance :twcen the engine cover and the seat is tout 1 in.
Mounted in the normal position with gad to the cab; the radiator is of the ardard type and the covvled fan is iven from a universal-jointed shaft om the front of the water pump. -:.ngth of the shaft is approximately 2 ft. Dash unit, windscreen and vents are enticat to those of the normal-control mil-Rover, but the steering column now
passes through the toe plate instead of the glove box. The upper section of the front panel is also unchanged, but the lower section (below the vents) is modified to incorporate a short " bonnet " and a forward-mounted grille, which is located about 13 in. in front of the dash. The bonnet lid gives access to the radiator, brake fluid container, toolbox, fuses and wiring. Lights and front bumper are unchanged, whilst the battery is carried at the rear of the cab on the left side below the floor, the carrier being designed to accommodate an extra battery if required.
A Clayton Dewandre Mot-A-Vac brake servo is a standard fitting. Front and rear brake drums are of 11-in, diameter as before, but the front drums of this forward-conlrol model have been widened from 2.25 in. to 3 in.
Cab doors are standard, apart from a cut-away section on the lower side, introduced to accommodate the extra clearance of the larger tyres. The seat box is also cut-away to give added clearance and incorporates an engine cover, held in place with three spring-loaded catches. The engine air cleaner is mounted on the right of the unit in line with the back of the cab, whilst the fuel tank is located in the centre of the chassis at the rear, which follows the practice applied to the 109-in wheelbase station wagon. This increases the load on the rear axle when the vehicle is unladen.
The layout of the vehicle is suitable for fitting all normal types of auxiliary gear. but the construction of the front end precludes the mounting of an hydraulic winch ahead of the radiator. This can, howevee, be installed amidships in the chassis and operated in conjunction with a pulley system to provide winching facilities at the front and rear of the vehicle. Dowty winch equipment is employed with gear-type pump and motor, the pump being mounted on the gearbox. The front winching cable is carried in guides attached to the nearside longitudinal of the sub-frame.
In addition to a standard flat-platform type, the new model is available with fixed or drop sides, the construction of the sides being basically similar in both applications. The floor comprises three longitudinally mounted corrugated aluminium sections and also a detachable section at the front, provided to facilitate engine and gearbox removal. Mounting members consist of seven top-hat and three channel-section steel cross-members having a depth of 2 in., the side raves being of rolled-aluminium section. Both pop and solid rivets are used.
Aluminium top-hat-section uprights are used for the front and sides, whilst the capping and corner pillars are of galvanized steel. The pillars incorporate sockets for the tilt posts, the tilt framing being constructed' of standard Land-Rover tubing.
Prototype vehicles have been fully tested over 21, years in Switzerland, Nigeria, Syria, Jordan and the Lebanon and in other parts of the African Continent and the Middle East, as well as in Spain and Portugal. A batch of 15 vehicles recently dispatched to Nigeria, were equipped with a 12-v. A.C. electrical system, hydraulic winch gear, raised air intake, dustproofed engine breather, oil cooler and extra side-mounted fuel tanks of 10-gal. and 28-.;a1. capacity.