Nippy Tractor-trailer Combination
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BASED on the Nippy 3-ton chassis, an 8-ft.-wheelbase tractor chassis, equipped with the Scammell 6-8-ton automatic coupling and brake gear, has recently been introduced by John I. Thomycroft and Co.. Ltd., Smith Square, London, S.W.I.
This outfit, which can be used with different types of quickly detachable trailer, is mainly intended for outerzone transport in industrial areas, where higher average speeds than are usually possible with tractors operating in city streets, are required.
The trailer brakes are operated by means of a vacuum servo on the tractor unit, the control valve being arranged so that the initial pressure on the brake pedal opens the control valve to the servo, and applies the trailer brakes. Further pressure on the pedal increases the trailer braking, and applies the hydraulic brakes to the four wheels of the tractor.
The Nippy has a four-cylindered petrol engine, developing a maximum of 68 b.h.p. at 2,600 r.p.m., the maximum torque of 163 lb.-ft. being given at 1,500 r.p.m. A single-plate drytype clutch takes the drive to a fourspeed-and-reverse gearbox, an open tubular propeller shaft conveying the drive to a spiral-bevel-driven rear axle having fully floating half-shafts. The overall length of the tractor is 13 ft. 10 ins.; the gross permissible weight at the rear axle is 4i tons. We understand that a large order for these tractors has been placed by the Great Western Railway Co.