A New Thames Tractive Unit for 17 tons gross
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A FORWARD-CONTROL tractive unit r't designed for operation at a gross train weight of 17 tons is announced today by Ford of Britain, this to supplement the existing Thames 15-ton-gross models. The new unit is suitable for fifth-wheel couplings only and has the usual Trader chassis layout, with a choice of either the 6D diesel or 4-888-litre petrol six-cylinder engines. The diesel-engined version is priced at £1,206, whilst the cost of the petrol model is £1,076.
The new model is based on the existing 15-ton type, and in effect is virtually a 15-tonner with the heavy-duty suspension and so forth that are classed as production options in the case of the lighter model. Thus, the 17-tonner has the Clark five-speed direct-top gearbox; air-hydraulic brakes; heavy-duty springs and rear axle, and 8.25-20 (14-ply) tyres as standard, with the option of an Eaton 16802 two-speed rear axle and 9.00-20 (12131y) tyres. The single-speed axle has a standard ratio of 6.83 to 1, with the option of 7.17 and 6-14 to 1, whilst the Eaton axle is offered with ratios of 5.57 and 7-74 to I, or 6.14 and 8.54 to 1. Diesel chassis/cabs have an unladen weight of 2 tons 12 cwt. (dry) and petrol models weigh 1.75 cwt. less than this.
The heavy-duty single-speed axle used in this new model is to be made available in certain Thames load-carriers at an extra cost of £12 10s. The vehicles concerned are the forward-control 7(7-5ton long-wheelbase and tipper Traders, also 6 x 2 conversions of same, and the normal-control 7-tonner. In all cases the axle housing is the same as that used with the Eaton 16802 axle.