An American Chassis for the British Market
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FOLLOWING the fust "announcement in the issue of The Commercial Motor, dated June 8, we are now able to describe the Diamond-T chassis, which is to be handled in this country by Messrs. Diamond-T Motors, Trading Estate, Slough, Bucks. It is manufactured in America by the Diamond-T Motor Car Co., Chicago, Illinois.
The chassis is designed for a 21-3-ton pay-load, and with body falls within the 21-ton taxation class. Three lengths of wheelbase are available, namely, 13 ft. 2 ins., 12 ft. 1 in., and lift. 3 ins., and alternative rear springs may be fitted to deal with a range of loads. The model of shortest wheelbase is suitable for the attachment of a semitrailer.
The six-cylindered engine has a bore and stroke of,3i ins. and 41 ins. respecB36 ti-rely, giving an R.A.C. rating of 27.34 h.p. Side valves are employed and ample cooling area is provided. The crankshaft is carried on seven main bearings, and fully forced lubrication is provided for the main and connecting-rod bearings. Gear wheels at the front of the engine drive the camshaft, water pump and dynamo, and the fan is separately driven by a belt. A Zenith down-draught carburetter, with a large air cleaner, is fitted.
The engine is mounted on rubber at three points, and should give vibrationless running throughout its speed
range. The single-plate clutch and the gearbox are mounted as a unit with the engine. The gear ratios are First, 6.4 to 1; second, 3.09 to 1; third, 1.69 to 1; top, direct ; and reverse, 7.82 to 1, whilst provision is made for a power take-off. Power is transmitted through a propeller shaft equipped with Hardy Spicer needle-type universal joints to a fully floating axle with spiral bevel drive. The axle ratio is 6.3 to 1.
Wide half-elliptic springs are fitted all round, and are mounted on rubber shackle bushes, thus avoiding the need for lubrication at these points. The front springs are shackled at the forward end, and we understand that this meithod gives smoother steering and freedom from shimmy. The rear springs are assisted by four-leaf helper springs.
The frame members are straight, and have a maximum depth of 7 ins., four pressed-steel cross-members ensure rigidity throughout the length of the frame.
The foot brake operating on all four wheels is applied through the Lockheed hydraulic system. Drums of 15-ins, diameter are fitted on all wheels, and a special feature is the casting of the drums in alloy iron. The brakeshoe facings are 21 ins. wide. The hand lever operates a contracting band brake on the transmission, and is intended for parking purposes.
Unusually complete equipment includes dipping headlights, front bumper, water-temperature gauge, speedometer, petrol gauge and electric horn.