Mercedes-Benz with Air Suspension
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DRINCIPAL feature of a new I Mercedes-Benz bus is the provision as standard equipment, for the first time on a German public-service vehicle, of full air suspension. Two bellows arc used on the front axle and four on the rear axle. A levelling valve adjusts the air pressure in the bellows to suit the load conditions.
Intended primarily for high-density city services, the type 0317, as the new bus is called, complies with the new German construction and use regulations due to take effect next year, and is to be exhibited at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show by DaimlerBenz A.G.
The six-cylindered underfloor oil engine gives 220 b.h.p. at 2,200 r.p.m. it has a capacity of 10.8 litres, and has been adapted from the uhit previously used in the Mercedes L326 8-1-ton lorry. • The drive is taken through a single-dryplate clutch and Daimler-Benz fourspeed synchromesh gearbox. A ZF Hydromedia transmission is offered as an alternative.
An interesting feature of the engine cooling system is that the fan has' hydrostatic drive with thermostatic speed control. Three independent braking systems are provided, the main service brake being a compressed-air system operating on all four wheels. The Daimler-Benz engine compression brake is now arranged to operate from the first-stage movement of the air-brake pedal valve. A mechanical parking brake acts on the rear wheels only. Steering is powerassisted.
With a wheelbase of 19 ft. 24 in. and an overall length of 39 ft., the 0317 can carry 106 passengers, there being seating accommodation for 30. The permissible gross vehicle weight is 14* tons.
In an alternative version, up to 120 passengers can be taken, of whom 90 must stand. In this case the gross
weight rating is increased 15 tons 14 cwt.
The overall length of the vehicle is 39 ft and its width 8 ft. n in., whilst the turning circle is 70 ft. 9 in.
A lightweight sub-frame has welded to it the body structure, the whole forming a rigid integral unit.