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Front-wheel Drive for Motorways?

13th February 1959
Page 36
Page 36, 13th February 1959 — Front-wheel Drive for Motorways?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

IVO vehicle maker would consider producing a standard goods chassis of the heavier type for longdistance work in this country which was below average with regard to the traction provided on steep gradients in wintry conditions. Although a minority of vehicles is purchased by users who operate throughout the year on substantially level roads, it is virtually inevitable that before a chassis is scrapped it will be required to haul full loads over hilly routes. Types of chassis that were not suitable for general haulage in any part of the country would, therefore, be unacceptable to the great majority of operators, including those whose traffic was restricted to areas with no severe gradients. In the latter case, however, the low re-sale value of the vehicle would be a deterrent.

Vehicles specifically developed for motorway operations will be designea to provide the optimum economic advantage from sustained high speeds over routes with minor gradients, and for multiple reasons they may be unsuitable for general traffic on other roads. These include the use of a larger engine and a transmission system matched to the characteiistics of the motorways, as well• as specialized auxiliaries. Looking ahead, it is probable that such vehicles will form an individual category and will not be purchased in used condition for a different type of traffic. Reduced traction under critical gradient conditions would not, therefore, be regarded as a disadvantage.

When a vehicle is moving forward on a gradient, part of its weight is transferred to the rear axle, and this adds to the maximum traction potential of the back wheels. When the drive is transmitted to the front wheels the loss of traction on a steep gradient with a greasy surface results in wheel slip at a reduced torque compared with a conventional rear-wheel drive.

If this had not been an inherent disadvantage of front-wheel 'drive there is little doubt that it would have been developed for many types of goods vehicle as a means for increasing load-carrying facilities. It would give the vehicle designer the opportunity to build a selfcontained unit comprising the engine, gearbox and steering gear, which could be used in conjunction with a wide variety of body types with the minimum complication, because it would eliminate driveshafts in the main structure of the vehicle.

The development of a front-wheel drive should be seriously considered by those makers who are planning to produce specialized motorway vehicles. It is pertinent that, although a tendency of the front wheels to slip on ice reduces traction. it is favourable to stability.

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