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COMPONENT MAKERS KEEP PACE

Many New Items on Accessory Stands

NECESS1TY is the mother of invention. It is also the lifeblood of component and accessory manufacturers. The Commercial Motor Show will demonstrate as it usually does that those manufacturers are keeping up with current vehicle requirements. Higher speeds, increased axle loadings, easier handling and improved efficiency are continuing trends in new vehicles and, in general, new equipment to be exhibited at Earls Court will be the result of development on the same lines.

There will not be as much of interest on the stands of proprietary power unit makers as there was in 1960. No cornpletely new models are to be introduced, but the Perkins 6.354 diesel engine will be seen with modifications to the fuelinjection pump and valve porting which increase the power output from 112 b.h.p. to 120 b.h.p. at the same governed speed of 2,800 r.p.m. The maximum torque output of 280 lb.-ft. remains unchanged.

Another engine maker's stand of particular interest will be that of the Cum mi ns Engine Co., Ltd., where four engines introduced since the 1960 Show will be displayed. Two exceptionally light and compact units, the 588-cu.-in. 200-h.p. V-6 and the 785-cu.-in. 265-h.p. V-8, will be shown for the first time in the U.K.

A number of new engine accessories and components will be seen including an entirely new low-priced lightweight turbocharger from Simms Motor Units, Ltd. Known as the SI, the unit is suitable for use on twoand four-stroke diesel engines with normally aspirated outputs of from 50 to 150 b.h.n. The complete turbocharger weighs only 20 lb. Other Simms products to be shown at Earls Court for the first time will include the 1750W 24-v. alternator with built-in c38 diodes and---a departure for Simms—a twin-cylinder air compressor.

Engine electrical equipment shown for the first time by C.A.V., Ltd., will be the Type GL45 dynamo, the SL5 axial starter and the MSS winch motor with dual brake. Also having a first-time showing is the 363 transistorized inverter unit for operation of fluorescent lighting tubes from low-voltage D.C. supplies.

Bosch. Ltd., will be showing their 62A 24-volt alternator for the first time This has built-in diodes and gives an output of 40 amp. at 960 r.p.m.

New designs of "spin-on " oil filters will be displayed by G. E. Jones and Sons (Machine Parts), Ltd.. the makers of G.U.D. filters. The various types on view• will incorporate spanner lugs on the die . casting adjacent to the mounting tapping. When the filter relief valve incorporated in the die casting in the new design comes into operation, the oil by-passes the filter without any possibility of the oil coming' into contact with deposits already in the filter body.

Transmission makers will be showing many new units. E.N.V. Engineering,. Ltd., will have on their stand a development of their five-speed constant-mesh gearbox; This new unit will have synchromesh engagement on the upper four ratios and, like the original design, will have an input torque capacity of 275 lb.-ft. An overdrive top gear and gear-Change mechanisms suitable for forwardand normal-control chassis layouts are available.

E.N.V. now have a manufacturing agreement with the Eaton Manufacturing Co., U.S.A., under which the!, will produce the Fuller 5A43 transmission. This is a five-speed constant-mesh box with a torque capacity of 340 lb.-ft. and an example will be seen at Earls Court. Also to be exhibited are modified versions of their double-reduction final-drive assemblies. The gearing with 10-in.-diameter crown wheel has been improved by the addition of a pinion nose-bearing to give increased mounting rigidity. Another new development is the N.T.171 singlereduction differential, with 9.875-in. crown wheel and an output torque rating of 3,000 lb.-ft., and an interesting new .axle of 2/3.5-tons capacity is being introduced at the Show. This has a system of bevel reduction gears at the hubs giving 2-to-I reduction between the differential and the road wheels and is available with alternative ratios.

Among the range of commercialvehicle gearboxes to be exhibited by David Brown Industries, Ltd., are two

new designs: the 548/260 five-speed and the TR557 10-speed units. The 548/260 boxhas a maximum torque rating of 260 lb.-ft., and is available with two sets of ratios whilst the TR557 is an adaptation of the standard 557 five-speed box. The range of speeds of the 557 is doubled by means of an auxiliary unit fitted between the engine bellhousing and the gearbox to form' an integral unit. In effect, the auxiliary section provides an

'overdrive on all five standard ratios, .1 increasing these ratios by 1.3 and splitting

-the main ratios. to provide 10 equally spaced gear ratios. A representative range of sectioned transmissions, axles and torque converters " will be shown by Turner Manufacturing Co., Ltd. These will be products of the Clark Equipment Co., U.S-A.,. and the gearboxes shown will be 'the type 265V, 300V-and the 610ED. All three. are .synchromesh units and have 'torque Capacities o,1285, 325 and 600 lb.ft. reSpeCtively: The first two are fivespeed units and the third is a nine-speed gearbox. Turner's have recently entered into a .manufacturing agreement with Clark Equipment which covers their range of transmissions.

The only foreign transmission maker showing inthe accessory and equipment sections will be Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafcn AG. The concern will exhibit several new products, the most important being the new ZF Hydromedia Transmission 2 HP-45 (Busmatic). This is designed for urban buses and consists of a hydrodynamic torque converter (operative in first and reverse gears only) and an automatic two-speed planetary gearbox. The operating characteristics of the unit include fully automatic gear changing but overriding control for manual selection of gears if desired. Engine braking is possible in all gears and the transmission is designed for a maximum input horse-power of 170 h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m.

Among the transmissions for mediumsized commercial vehicles is the constantmesh ZF AK 6-65 which is also known as the Synchroma 6-65. This six-speed unit is available with or without synchromesh and is also available with alternative ;ets of ratios, one for operation in hilly districts and one with overdrive top gear.

Other examples of the ZF Synchroma range will be shown with a new two-speed reversing gear HSt 210, as well as two new steering gears, one of which is a power-assisted unit.

M. 0. Harper, Ltd., will be displaying a comprehensive range of their MartinHarper power take-off units at the Show. Units exhibited for the first time will be a single-direction high-ratio p.t.-o. rated 85 lb.-ft. torque with a ratio to engine above 1 to 1, a single-direction unit rated at 135 lb.-ft. and a p.t.-o. hydraulic pump unit rated at 20 g.p.m. maximum. delivery at 2,000 p.s.i. maximum pressure. New units in the Martin-Harper Driverline range which will be shown are the type 300 for vehicles with first gear ratings of 1.600 to 2,800 lb.-ft. torque, the power take-off output shaft being rated at 300 lb.-ft., and the heavy vehicle unit which is suitable for first gear ratings of 2,800 to 3,900 lb.-ft. torque, the power take-off shaft being rated at 300 lb.-ft. torque.

An advanced method of gear production is being exhibited at the Commercial Motor Show for the first time by Forgings and Presswork, Ltd. A forging process is used and parts with the accuracy and finish of machined gears can be obtained, Basically a copying method, the process was developed in Germany and has been widely used there since 1950. It is suitable for any metal that is reasonably easy to forge and because of their shape bevel gears are particularly suited to the process. It is possible to produce a bevel gear tooth to within ± 0.0005 in. of the master. Various parts in steel made by cold extrusion are also to be displayed.

loving to the end of the transmission inc. Eaton Axles, Ltd., are to make the nain feature of their stand a half-scale nodel of their new Series 30D double!rive tandem bogie. This bogie has been .vailable to manufacturers for some time .nd is employed *n at least two new nodels to be introduced at the Show. lingle-speed. two-speed and planetary ,ouble-reduction forms are available. In 11 cases the drive is transmitted through ;cheat gears to the forward spiral bevelear set. In direct line with the input lange is the third or inter-axle differential ad it is through this unit that the drive ; equall . divided between forward and

ear axles. The inter-axle differential an be locked to give positive drive to nih axles. Various ratios are available D r each of the three forms and gross

weight-rating capacities of up to 78,000 lb. are obtainable.

Also to show a new double-drive l?ogie are the Moss Gear Co., Ltd. This is a heavy-duty two-speed unit and the axles have individual load ratings of 10.7 tons (24.000 lb.). Maximum permissible input torque rating of the bogie is 4,680 lb.-ft. Both axles of the bogie are basically the same single-speed units but the leading axle carries two-speed and third-differential gearing by which means ratios of 6.9 and 8.4 to I are given. The gear-change and differential-lock mechanisms are vacuum operated. Moss are also to show a new series of doublereduction axles which employ hypoidbevel primary gearing with epicyclic secondary reduction in the hubs. These are available either rigid or steered and with either disc or drum brakes. The rigid axle is suitable for a static loading at the tyres of II tons whilst the rating for the stecrable axle is 5.25 tons. Both axles have the same input-torque rating of 1,800 lb.-ft.

Three front steering axles and three rear driving axles will be featured by Kirkstall Forge Engineering, Ltd. Two of the front axles are of a new design and have load capacities of 9,000 and 11,000 lb. Basic design of the two axles is similar but the brake size of the 9,000lb. unit is 15.5 in. by 4.25 in., and on the 11.000-1b. axle, 15.5 in. by 5 in. The three rear axles are not really new: they are from the concern's 20.000-lb. range hut will incorporate casings manufactured by a new method of submerged-arc welding. The other front axle being shown is a 14.000-1b. unit from a range produced for heaVy-duty dumpers. Third-axle conversions are very popular nowadays and a number of concerns carrying out this work will be exhibiting at the Show. A novel type of 6 x 2 conversion is being introduced by Primrose Third Axle Co., Ltd. It is called the Rear-A-Steer and is designed for use on vehicles where maximum manoeuvrability is required, together with fixed equipment payload, such as a concrete mixer. It differs from standard 6 x 2 vehicles in that the second steering axle, which is matched to the front axle. is fitted immediately forward of the rear driving axle and tracks with the leading steering axle. A half-section of the assembly will be displayed on the Primrose stand and a Dodge with the new conversion will be on the Demonstration Park.

Besides their main stand on the ground floor on which they are exhibiting breakdown vehicles and bodywork, Reynolds Boughton Engineering Services, Ltd., have a stand in the equipment section on which they are displaying a number of hydraulic and mechanical winches, auxiliary gearboxes and power take-offs. On the Demonstration Park they are introducing a new 6 x 4 conversion on ' a Bedford model KGLC.8 chassis. The main feature of the conversion is a Reynolds Boughton two-speed auxiliary gearbox with direct and 2 to I reduction drive. The final drive is taken from the auxiliary gearbox to each rear axle. Nonreactive type suspension with conventional leaf springs is employed.

A new development by Henry Boys and Sons, Ltd., since the last Commercial Show is the Boys amplified handbrake system which has a compensated operation and is fitted to both rear axles on the third axle conversion they are showing on a Dodge tipper. Most interesting item of equipment is the prototype of a new brake torque eliminator which takes the form of a hydraulic cylinder fitted between the added axle and a cross-member of the chassis.

The latest model to be added to the range of third-axle conversions by County Commercial Cars (Sales), Ltd., is to be shown by the concern. It is a 6 x 4 conversion and will be exhibited fitted to a Thames Trader forward-control chassis. In its converted form the chassis will

have a wheelbase of 11 ft, 5 in. and as part of the conversion a David Brown model 552 five-speed gearbox is fitted. County say that the conversion is especially suitable for the mounting of a concrete-mixer body, although the vehicle is shown in chassis-cab form only. The second exhibit on the County stand is to be a 6 x 2 chassis layout for their 15-ft. 2-in.-wheelbase model. This exhibit will be of the chassis from the back of the cab and will illustrate the ability of the design to take a 2I-ft. body without exceeding the legal overhang.

A new type of third-axle conversion is to be featured also by the York Trailer Co., on their stand in the equipment sec

tion. This differs from their existing third-axle conversion (which will also be shown). in that instead of independent trailing wheels a rigid axle is added and this is mounted in front of the existing driven axle. Clearance for the transmission shaft is provided by a dropped section in the -centre of the axle beam. Suspension is by a conventional fourleaf-spring layout, the rear ends of the springs being slipper mounted in a beam pivoted above the rearmost axle. The arms of the _beain are of unequal length to give a greater degree of load oyer the driven axle. It is possible to mount the axle to the rear of the existing axle, Using a straight-axle beam.

For some timepressed steer frame side. members have. been Popular with trailer makers for their new models. One of the two main producers of these is Rubery, Owen and Co., Ltd., who are to feature on their stand a section of frame with pierced slots through which the frame cross-members can be threaded and then welded in position. This method of construction is already used in America and is employed on some models of Crane-Fruehauf production. Another important exhibit which will be shown by Rubery, Owen is the 22,500 axle assembly which has been designed with a view to vehicles for operation in Europe. The unit has full Benelux approval and has been rigorously tested for a full 10-ton load. New 16.5-in. by 8.625-in. S-cam brakes are employed as standard, but other sizes of the Rubery, Owen cam-brake range can be fitted.

Of special interest on the stand of Davis Magnet Works, Ltd., will be their latest semi-trailer landing gear, the G450. Many semi-trailers at the Show will incorporate this new lightweight design. In all six different types of vertical screw legs will be exhibited as well as a range of fifth-wheel couplings. Of special interest in the latter category will be the model 555 fifth-wheel coupling which is to be exhibited for the first time. This is of a semi-fabricated design and includes a fully-machined carbon-steel cast main plate and a simplified locking system with automatic double-safety features.

Adrolic Engineering Co., Ltd., are to introduce three new items of trailer equipment: the Easy-Gear 106, a heavy-duty landing gear and the Service-Free fifthwheel coupling. The new coupling uses nylon-graphite bushes and other parts which make lubrication unnecessary. There will not be a great deal new -on the stands of suspension'manufacturers at this Show. Aeon Products, Ltd., willbe having a comprehensive display of

their rubber springs which are mainly used in conjunction with conventional. leaf springs and the latest model's Will be featured. William E. Cary, Ltd., will be showing two suspensions in addition to their well-known Cary Laminaire. Cary Laminette is to be introduced at the Show and is similar in operation to Laminaire but the short leaf spring supporting, the end of the lengthened Main spring, is replaced by a bracket incorporating a short spring and pivoted in the standard shackle bracket. The other suspension new to Cary is the Gregoire Atmospheric suspension which is now being marketed by Cary. It combines leaf spring suspension and-a form of air suspension.

Woodheacl-Monroe, Ltd., will have their own stand at the Show for the first time this year, previously having had a joint standwith Jonas Woodhead and Sons, Ltd., the parent company. In addition to the full range of telescopic dampers to be shown, a range of Levermaster shock absorbers is on exhibition for the first time.

Armstrong Patents Co., Ltd., are also to show a comprehensive range of their dampers including lever and telescopic types. They will be introducing at the Show the Armstrong Selectraulic electrically adjustable lever and telescopic units.' Also to be featured by Armstrong is the Helicon system of thread inserts.

Improved braking is one of the aspects of chassis design which is receiving considerable attention nosy. An increase

in the speed limit and increased maximum gross loads require this. New items to be exhibited by Girling, Ltd., will be is range of brake units for . light commercials, a range of master cylinders, a two-leading-shoe brake unit for vehicles of four tons payload and .upwards and a transmission brake. The new brake unit range is called the Duo Servo and is a high' factor brake of simple design Which enables servo systems to be dis.pensed with on light vehicles and a reduction in servo sizes on medium ranges. Integral tanks are employed on the new master cylinder range and the two-leading-shoe units for heavy vehicles are called the 1-12LS.

The display of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., at Earls Court will include a new commercial-vehicle disc brake—the

Series has been developed from a recently introduced model for medium-sized cars. A new mechanical heavy-duty disc brake—the Mk. 1X—was originally to have been introduced at the Show but this has been withdrawn. Brake-operating. equipment is a recent addition to the range of Dunlop equipment. Components to be shown include air chambers, single and dual brake valves, concentric air boosters and hydraulic master cylinders for drum and disc installations. Dunlop Pneuride air suspension will also be featured, and the. Dunlop constant-velocity universal joint.

Comprehensive displays of braking equipment will be featured on the stands of Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co., Ltd., and Clayton Dewandre, Ltd. The 'latest equipment to be shown by Westinghouse will be an air/hydraulic braking system available in, kit form for conversion of Thames Traders from vacuumassisted hydraulic. A. working exhibit will be featured and the layout will show some of the latest Westinghouse lightweight equipment including a small engine-driven compressor and simplified unloader valve.

Clayton Dewandre will, of course, show vacuum as well as air pressure braking equipment. Air pressure items which are new to the Show include the Dual Concentric brake valve, a number of new valves and a range of air compressors with outputs from 4 to 12 cu. ft. per minute. Other new items include a servo with hydraulic actuation known as Mini-pak and a new air pressure concentric servo with a tandem output cylinder to provide safety braking on hydraulic systems.

An interesting item which will be seen on the stand of Th. Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd., will be the Britannia Stopfix spring-operated handbrake booster unit which will make its debut at Earls Court.

Three brake lining manufacturers are to show new materials: Ferodo the latest in their range of AM linings—the AMI1 which has been developed primarily for P.S.V.s; British Belting and Asbestos, Ltd., their recently announced high performance P.S.V. liner—Mintex S.I; and Morgan Crossley and Co., Ltd., their Tenoid KA1