A Development of the Mechanical Horse
Page 31
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AN interesting Italian semi-bailer )utfit, known as the Bordone, and representing a version of the mechanical horse, is described in a recent issue of Moto Ciclismo. The tractor is of the motorcycle type, the tubular frame being extended at the rear, so that in place of a single rear wheel, a beveldriven axle is incorporated in the design and the machine is converted into a three-wheeler.
Immediately below the saddle, the top frame members diverge to a point level with the front of the rear springs and are then extended rearwards parallel with the frame centre. The lower frame. members, which support the engine and gearbox unit, are also extended in a similar manner, but are upswept towards the rear, so as to meet the upper members at the rear most point of the frame.
Two tubular cross-members are employed and these are extended to carry the half-elliptic springs.
A single-cylindered power unit is used, having a piston-swept volume of 500 c.c. Side valves are employed and the design -follows normal motorcycle practice., A ,250 c.c. engine is also
available. .
The single-plate clutch and threespeed gearbox are built as a unit with the engine and the drive is transmitted by a propeller shaft, having
two fabric-type universal joints, to the rear axle, which incorporates a differential gear----------
. Internal-expanding brakes are provided on all three wheels, the front brake being operated by a lever on the handlebars and the rear brakes by rods from a pedal mounted on the footrest on the off side.
The semi-trailer has a light tubular frame and is carried on a single bearing on a triangulated cross-member on the tractor, immediately above the rear axle. A pay-load of 0 cwt. may be carried on the outfit with the smaller engine, and, with the larger power unit, the machine is designed for a 10-12-cwt. pay-load, whilst the capacious body affords ample room for the accommodation of bulky goods.
The machine represents an interesting attempt to provide a light vehicle capable of dealing with a maximum pay-load with the greatest economy, and it should prove of particular use for short hauls. It is marketed by .1)itta Max Turkheimer Co., of Milan.