Seddon Atkinson 401
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To coincide with the uplif maximum weights we tested first 38-tonner of the year, Seddon Atkinson 401 4x2 t tive unit. It was powered by first production 8LXCT eighi line Gardner engine.
This also was the first trip new tri-axle curtainsided trailer supplied by York. combination proved a succ for the Gardner-powered 401 a fuel consumption record 40.361it/100km (7.0mpg) at average speed of 61.2kr 07mph) round the Scottish te.
he tall 4.44 to 1 rear axle ratio e a gearing best suited to torway work as required by gett, the vehicle's owner, but ved too high for top gear rung at 40mph.
espite the Gardner's excel: flexibility, resulting from a sistent torque output been 1,000 and 1,900rpm, the axle ratio exaggerated the r steps of the Fuller box makthem just too widely spread. he accelerator return spring yther strong but to improve it dner would have to redesign nechanical governor.
he Gardner engine's low ipression ratio of 13.4 to 1 blamed for the white smoke Juced on starting but once it warmed up it ran cleanly ugh.
raking was exemplary and ride on the hard side.