Foden's answer to operator's criticism: 583 grp cab
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FODEN has launched a new cab—the 583—to supersede the S80 model which has been the standard for the past two years. The new cab has substantial mechanical and minor cosmetic changes: its structure has been strengthened and its height raised 101mm (4in) over the old model. It has common chassis mountings to the S90 steel version of the S83 programmed for introduction next year.
The off-side front mounting has been reinforced with a steel bracket to tie the front cabsupport to the main floor structure. And to reduce the stresses carried by the front suspension of the cab, guide rollers have been fitted next to the cab rear suspension to provide lateral location.
The cab roof now slopes 76mm (3 in) from front to rear to prevent the accumulation of ice and water—a hazard of driver entry to the S80 which was one of the operator criticisms now answered. And the check-straps are now more robust.
The design of the air intake stack has been improved to accommodate any cab movement; a compression seal is now placed between the stack downpipe and the elbow.
The hydraulically tilted cab now features a hydraulic locking mechanism, and so once the front grille and radiator have been hinged clear the cab is tilted without the need to manually release any locks. Safety springs prevent loosening of the locking levers in the event of an hydraulics failure, and a microswitch provides an in-cab warning if the locking levers are not fully home.
Foden has an in-service modification kit for vehicles fitted with S80 cabs to bring them up to the latest specification and it is understood the existing stocks will be modified and cabs dubbed the S80 Mark Improvements to the design of the radiator stay links have speeded up radiator tilt time and thus the time to tilt the cab, and Foden claims that the S83 cab can be tilted and lowered in 80 secs.
Gearbox improvements include a re-think of the linkage, enabling better positioning of the gearlever and easier selection of reverse gear without snagging the bulkhead.
Increasing the strength of the check ball springs in the reverse and epicyclic selectors has provided a more positive fork location to reduce any tendency for the vehicle to jump out of gear. Also reducing the level of lubricating oil in the gearbox by 50mm (2in) has provided a significant reduction in maximum running temperature and extended the oil service life. A new clutch lining at reduced number cf cl springs provide a smoo take-up and have reduced effort required to depress clutch pedal. A clutch sto also fitted.
The throttle pedal has l repositioned for more corn and a steering column shi now encloses the switch sole and prevents the dr from scraping his knees otherwise exposed sharp ed A radio is standard fitting Tractive unit design .has beefed-up to more rea tolerate the poor fitting fifth-wheel with a longer fl plate and more securing b at the rear end.