Girling Hydraulic Steering Unit
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A CONSTANT-FLOW hydraulic1-1, assistance system for use on the steering gear of cars and light commercial vehicles has been evolved by Girling, Ltd. As applied to a chassis with a beam front axle, the system consists of a small engine-driven hydraulic pump which delivers fluid at pressures up to 600 p.s.i., and a hydraulic ram which contains the control valves. The piston rod of the ram is pivoted to the chassis frame and the barrel is joined to a steering-link member.
The control valves are located by a strong spring which has to be overcome before fluid can be released to actuate the ram, a pressure of 3 lb. to 5 lb. at the steering-wheel rim being necessary. *rings of different strength may be fitted to alter the rim pressure required before assistance takes place, but it is thought that 3 lb. to 5 lb. is
an average figure for car use. The pump, which is continuously rotating, does not work under pressure until the control valves are moved to cause a restriction in the circuit, so the absorption of engine horse-power should be small.
When independent suspension systems are fitted, a ram is not used. A small hydraulic motor replaces the idler relay lever, which is normally situated on the opposite side of the vehicle to the steering box, and the valve gear can be either built into the steering box or attached to the steering drop arm.
NEW ELECTRIC DAIRY VEHICLE
ANEW Morrison-Electricar 20-cwt. dairy vehicle has been produced by Austin Crompton Parkinson Electric Vehicles, Ltd. Known as the D.4, it is similar in design to, but smaller than, the ED.25 model.
The price is to be announced at the Dairy Show at Olympia, from October 26-29, and it is expected to be low. The vehicle has a low loading height and the cab is of the walk-in type. The body has a tubular-steel frame with light-alloy panelling.
U.TA. TRY NEW BUS
THE new Leyland rear engined 1 double deck bus, which was described exclusively in The Commercial Motor on October 8, is being tried out by Ulster Transport Authority. Some difficulty is being experienced in finding suitable roittes on which it may run because of its width. At 8 ft., it is 6 in. wider than double-deckers at present operating in Northern Ireland.
NEW BUS BODYBUILDER? WHAT is believed to lv the first bus VV body to be built by Ashcroft Bros., Ltd., Birkenhead, was recently delivered to Birkenhead Transport Department. A 59-seat double-decker, it is one of five ordered by the corporation.