Mid-engined B Type for FIRE '87
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• Reynolds Boughton (Devon), the Winkleigh-based specialist vehicle builder, has developed an unusual midengined high-stability water tender called the B Type which will debut at next month's Fire '87 exhibition in Bristol.
The prototype display tender has a mid-mounted Bedford diesel engine and an Allison automatic gearbox in its conventional ladder-type chassis, but Boughton plans to standardise on a 167kW turbocharged Volvo TD71A engine, with a ZF Ecomat transmission on production B Types.
By mounting the tender's engine upright well behind the Kirkstall front axle, Boughton claims it has lowered the vehicle's centre of gravity and improved its handling, as well as providing an unobstructed driving compartment.
Payload on the 13-tonne GVW B Type, which has an Eaton rear-axle and leaf spring suspension, is around 7,300kg.
Reynolds Boughton says the B Type has been developed specifically for county fire brigades and already conforms to JCDD 3/1.
The B Type will be available either as a semi-complete vehicle with a full supporting cab structure, or as a chassis with the water tank and pump equipment already fitted.