A Clever Twin-steerer Conversion
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An Example of the Baico Twin steerer Conversion as Applied to Dodge SLFC Model, Having Gross Axle-weight Allowance (
6 tons 15 ads.
AN interesting conversion from a rigid four-wheeler to a rigid six-wheeler, with twin-steering axles, is shown in the accompanying illustration. It is the work of Baico Patents, Ltd., Baico Place (327-329) High Road, Chiswick, London, W.4.
It may be said at the outset that there are certain definite advantages to be gained by such a wheel arrangement, and amongst these may be mentioned the absence of tyre scrub, resulting in excessive wear and making for heavy steering; extra support is given to the frame at a point which is normally the weakest, i.e., behind the driver's cab, and, by preserving the balance and weight distribution, the third or driven axle takes its normal share of the load under all conditions.
The chassis concerned, in the present instance, is the Dodge SLFC, for which the gross axle-weight allowance is 6 tons 15 cwt. Upon introducing a second sprung axle forward, with a gross load capacity of 4,500 lb. and an unsprung weight of 650 lb., a total of 21,950 lb. or 9 tons 16 cwt., is arrived at. The unladen weight of the chase and cab is approximately 46 cwt., so that, with a boe allowance of approximately 11 cwt., a total net pay-loa figure of 7 tons results.
Of the unladen weight of 4,956 lb., tests have shov that this is distributed in the proportion of 3,056 1 between the two forward axles and 1,900 lb. on the re axle. Therefore, with a gross load of 21,950 lb., carri within a body length of 13 ft., the weight distributi works out at 7,900 lb. on the forward axles and 14,000 : on the rear axle, which is in keeping with the origh allowances for which the axles were designed.
As the balance of the chassis is maintained, the steer is said to be particularly easy. In fact, it is claimed ti it is no heavier than with the chassis in its original fort
Where a body length of more than 13 ft. is desired, t can be accomplished by using a suitable Baico stanchwheelbase extension.
We understand that the Baico concern is at pres. working on other models in the Dodge range and on ot popular makes of chassis up to 5 tons.