The Latest B.E.V. Petrolengined Truck
Page 48
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ANEW industrial petrol-engined truck designed for works use, in goods yards, etc., has been introduced by Wingrove and Rogers, Ltd., Old Swan, Liverpool, and 188, 189, Strand, London W.C.2.
This is a four-wheeled truck rated for 1-ton loads. with 16-in, diameter solid rubber tyres and tiller steering to two wheels. Both axles are sprung, the steering axle on semielliptic springs and the driving axle on spiral springs in
dashpots. All wheels are mounted upon double-row ball bearings.
The engine is of 500 e.e. capacity: it is of the air-cooled side-valve type. An outside flywheel is designed to act as a fan, the blast from which is directed through a cowl on to the cylinder head to ensure adequate cooling. Primary transmission is by automatically lubricated roller chain to a countershaft gearbox; this houses bevel gears which are always in mesh and a double-acting clutch for forward and reverse motion. The final drive is by roller chain. The brake is of the internal-expanding type. with Ferodo-f aced shoes.
The fojlowingare the leading dimensions :—Length,-7 ft. 9 ins.; width, il ft. 1 in.; height, 3 ft. 6 ins.; wheelbase, 4 ft. 6 ins. ; track (steering) 2 ft. 7 ins, (driving) 2 ft. 5i. ins.; platform height, 1 ft. 8 ins.; loading space (16 sq. ft.), 4 ft. 8 ins. by 3 ft. 1 in., 6 ft. 2 ins, maximum length; turning radius, 6 ft.; maximum gradient climbable, 1 in 16; speed 6 m.p.h.
The designers have paid particular attention to simplicity of control. The thumb-lever throttle control is mounted on the steering handle, and the brake and clutch are controlled by one pedal. These, with the ignition lever for easy starting, are the only controls. The brake is normally held on by spring tension. A partial depression of the pedal releases the brake, and further downward motion engages the clutch. i Thus a slight raising of the foot when running disengages the clutch, and complete removal of the font from the pedal applies the brake. Hence the truck cannot be left unless the brake be applied. Selection of forward and reverse gear is made by the sideways movement of a small pedal. When the vehicle is on the move there are only three controls to manage ; speed is regulated by the same hand that steers.
It will be seen that this truck offers the simplicity of electric-truck control. Features of the design are that the driver does not occupy space which might be used for a pay-load, and the fact that the operator need not dismount when it is desired to change the direction of travel._,,,This machine is listed at 1125 in standard form."