Technical News
Page 16
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Cordial reception
SEDDON ATKINSON's first tandem-steer six-wheeled 401 is soon to enter service with soft drinks manufacturer Showerings.
The Jost sliding fifth-wheel coupling which has 584mm (23in) of adjustment in 38mm (1.5in) stages is mounted with its rearmost position 546mm (21.5in) forward of the driving axle. Its unladen coupling height is below the 1,400mm (55in) ISO maximum at 1,350mm (53.2in).
In three-axle form, the 401 is based on the same chassis frame as the 301 tandem-steer six-wheeler and uses the same air-sprung second steering axle located by parallel trailing links and Panhard rod.
The outer axle spread is 3.8m (12.5ft) which allows a gross tractor weight of 22.6 tonnes (22 tons) while its Rockwell R180 rear axle is also common to both models.
Although Showering's tractive unit is equipped with a RollsRoyce 290L engine and Fuller gearbox, an optional Cummins E290 power unit is also offered.
Dry weight of the sleeper-cab version is 6.84 tonnes (6.73 tons) while in full running trim with Jost fifth-wheel and full tank it is calculated at 7.38 tonnes (7.26 tons). The day cab version weighs 130kg (287 lb) less, with aluminium wheels saving a further 160kg (353 lb).