Ro-R unveils new Motortralla
Page 19
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
axle and suspension
AT THE AMSTERDAM show which opened this week, Rubery Owen-Rockwell is displaying a new design of its low-loader axle and a lightweight version of the Neway air suspension with revised beam mounting.
The axle, designated 350/BMX, is designed to be compatible with low profile tyres and can accept 7.50x19.5 and 8.25x19.5 wheels which give greater clearance between drum and wheel than the normal 15in low-loader wheels and thus improve brake cooling.
RO-R's earlier low-loader axle, the ACM, had a 310mm (121/4in) diameter drum which was not thick enough to be machined out if scored. The new drum casting is some 18 per cent thicker to allow for recovery machining, and brake lining thickness has also been increased.
RO-R has changed its brake camshaft design for the 350/BMX to improve its torsional stiffness, make assembly easier and reduce machining costs. The new shaft is not machined between the inner and outer journals and the inner journal (at the brake shoe end) has had its diameter increased from '38 to 42.5mm. The only shoulder on the new shaft is at the outer journal. Phosphor bronze camshaft bushes are fitted as standard to the 350/BMX in place of the earlier standard nylon bushes.
The latest RO-R Neway air suspension is designated AR 90 (the 90 standing for a nominal Bin of axle movement) and has a 10tonne rating. It is some 20kg (441b) lighter than a similarly rated existing Neway suspension such as the AR 75-9, but it will sell at the same price.
The AR 90 has a newly designed beam seat mounting. In contrast to the underslung U bolt mounting of existing Neway suspension (which will continue in production) the AR 90 has a trailing arm located by two pins above the axle beam.
RO-R says that apart from its weight saving, the AR-90's advantages are simplified maintenance and the long travel air spring which allows for axle lift.