Self-changing Gear for Two-speed Axle
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THE Power Pilot, an ingenious device actuated by a combination ol electric and vacuum power, is now being installed by the White Motor Co. (U.S.) to its twospeed-axle models, so that drivers may enjoy the benefits of the additional choice of ratio without the trouble of making a manual change.
Tests have shown that on an ordinary 150-mile run under conditions favourable for two-speed axles the manually operated type was in use not more than 30 times, whilst the same drivers on similar vehicles equipped with the Power Pilot used the two-speed-axle gear, on an average, four times as often, with an appreciable gain in speed and saving in fuel.
Two buttons, conveniently located on a small control box mounted on the steering column, enable the driver to change from high to low 'ratio and back again without any movement or effort likely to distract his attention from the road. These buttons and the accelerator do all the work necessary and the change is accomplished in two-fifths of a second, so there is the minimum loss of road speed, even when dropping to the low ratio on exceptional climbs. From this it will be appreciated that the Power Pilot is preselective. The gear wanted is determined in advance, but the actual change is not made until the foot is lifted from the accelerator, and then depressed again.
Clutch life is prolonged because this unit is not employed in effecting the gear change.
The time needed to operate manually the two-speed axle is considerably greater, whilst a higher degree of skill and more energy are needed. With this new device, it is stated, any driver can make changes as expertly as the most experi. enced operator handling the manual type.