UNIPOWER BUILDS OILFIELDS TRACTOR
Page 31
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A FOUR-W1-IEEL-DR1VE tractor, I-1 equipped with a fifth wheel for operation as an articulated unit, has been built by Universal Power Drives, Ltd., Perivalc, Middlesex, for use in the Venezuelan' oilfields. The oilfields tractor employs a similar power unit— a Gardner 4LW oil engine—and transmission components to the Unipower forestry Unit, hut has a 12-ft. 6-in. wheelbase and Clayton Dewandre twoline air-pressure braking.
Weighing almost 5 tons, ills suitable for work with semi-trailers carrying an 8-10-ton payload. The 'tractor has a power cylinder, in place of the vacuum servo, which is attached to the brake cross-shaft, and operated by a reaction valve fitted directly to the brake pedal. This reaction valve is similar to that incorporated in the hand brake of the Thornycroft Mighty Antar.
The Unipower has a five-speed gearox and two-speed transfer box. affording 10 forward and two reverse ratios. Four-wheel drive is permanently engaged, lyres are 9,00 by 20 ins., with twins at the rear. Other oilfields equipment includes front and rear towing brackets for pulling four or six-wheeled trailers. A heavy-duty winch of 33,000-1b, capacity is' fitted amidships in front of the S.A.E. 33-in, fifth wheel. Nife batteries are standardized.
The Cab is an all-metal double-skinned structure, with Isoflex between, and Masonite iaterior trimming.