An American Petrol Vehicle for House-to-house Deliveries
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THE accornpanying illustration shows an interesting type of vehicle, known as the Delivr-All, which has been developed by the Marmon-Herrington Co., of America. Externally, it has the appearance of a British battery-electric, but it is actually a petrol-driven machine powered by an engine developing 60 b.h.p.
It has many features of interest, the most important, perhaps, being that engine, gearbox, transmission and steering are incorporated as a unit in the forward end of the machine and that it is a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
As a result, it has been possible to arrange for a low-level floor, making for particularly easy access by the driver, and, moreover, providing loading space free of all obstructions, such as would be represented by the transmission line in a normal vehicle.
On a door-to-door delivery machine it is a convenience to be able to drive the vehicle from a standing position. and this is arranged for on the MarmonHerrington Delivr-All. An auxiliary transmission system provides for two speed ranges, one for frequent stop operation, and the other for driving to and from the delivery area.
The front axle has constant-velocitytype steering heads, and•the rear wheels are provided with isidependent suspension. There is no chassis frame, in the accepted sense, a chassis-cum-body design being an essential to the achievement of a low-level 'unobstructed floor. The servicing and maintenance of such a type of vehicle have been amply provided for, and all essential units are readily accessible. Moreover, they can be removed for overhaul in a minimum of time. Thus, an operator who may run several of these machines, and who has a complete spare power unit, would normally be able to keep all his machines on the road.