Another Low-platform Bus Chassis.
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rnElEIRE is a general tendency tests wards the lowering of frame levels to permit the mounting of a body having a low platform. One of the latest chassis of this type to be produced is the Saurer, which we illustrate.
The chassis . follows generally the lines of the 3A type. It is equipped with a 40 h.p, engine of 110 ram. bore and 180 mm. stroke, and possesses all the special Saurer features, such as the patent engine brake, totally enclosed drive, final reduction by 'bevel pinion and -crown wheel, and the excellent springing.. . •
In this chassis it hue been found possible to reduce the height from the top of the frame to the ground by 4 ins., the total height when laden being now 2 ft. 4 ins.; at the same time ample ground clearance is provided. The. wheelbase is 15 ft. 6 ins., and the die-tepee from the hack of the driver's seat to the rear of the frame is 17 ft. 1 in., thus giving ample .provision for a 26seater single-deck body.
The reduction in frame height has been obtained by dropping the frame in a gradual sweep under the driver's seat, and upsweeping the frame slightly over the rear axle.
Owing to a special design of front aide, and in spite of the long wheelbase, the turning circle is kept down to about 44 ft., thus giving easy manipulation in crowded thoroughfares.
The maximum speed is about 26 M.p.h. and a high average speed is obtainable.
The wheels are equipped with straight-sided tyres, 34-in. by 7-in. singles at the front and twins at the rear. The petrol tank can'elther be carried on the dashboard with an outside filllug pipe for safety, or mounted at the rear end of the frame, aa shown, the feed then being by Autovac.
To give a good line for the body, the dashboard hes been extended in width.
For bus work a 100-watt 12-volt generator is driven by enclosed gearing from the engine, and an electric starter can be fitted. Provision is also made for fitting a mechanically operated tyre pump to the gearbox.
A number of these new chassis has been supplied for service in Australia. One will also be at Olympia.