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NEW COMPONENTS

to cope with new dimensions

ENGINES AND BRAKES OF INCREASED CAPACITIES ON SHOW

THE amended Construction and Use Regulations have given the road transport industry the opportunity to carry bigger payloads at economical cost. Directly, it is up to vehicle and trailer manufacturers to assist operators in making that opportunity a reality. But these manufacturers also require the co-operation of makers of components and engines if these wider horizons for road transport are to be reached to the satisfaction of all concerned.

The extent to which manufacturers of components and engines have measured up to these new requirements will be revealed at the Commercial Motor Show opening next Friday. Indeed, as at previous Shows, the exhibits in the accessory, component and service equipment sections situated on the first floor will be a main source of attraction for many visitors. (Because of the great diversity of items to be exhibited, an exclusive classification of all the products will appear in the Show Report of The Commercial Motor to be issued next week.)

Engines

Among the very many exhibits are new components and engines which will prove of particular interest to Show visitors. At the heart of the bigger vehicles now legally permissible will be the new engines to match up to increased demands. A main feature on the stand of F. Perkins Ltd. will be their differential diesel engine power system, known as DDE. It is claimed that this system when employing a 120 h.p. diesel gives a higher performance at lower cost than a conventional 160 h.p. engine fitted with normal gearbox and transmission. This system is designed to give two-pedal driving for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. It consists of an epicyclic differential gear mounted between a diesel engine and its output shaft with part of the differential gear operating a mechanical supercharger feeding the engine air intake. The supercharger automatically boosts the engine's air intake to step up the engine torque output.

The engine which will be exhibited as part of the DDE unit is the 120 b.h.p. 5-8-litre direct-injection 6.354 unit, which Perkins state is to be the forerunner of their new range. Also on the stand will be both the largest and smallest Perkins transport engines7 namely the 6.354 and 4.99 engines, shown as individual units.

On show for the first time will be two Cummins V-configuration diesel engines, namely the six-cylinder 140 h.p. VAL, and the eight-cylinder 185 h.p. VALE. A • cut-away version will be shown. Compact and of relatively low weight, they nevertheless employ conventional materials which, it is claimed, have eliminated problems and costs allied to lightweight materials. Both engines are oversquare units and the resulting big bore permits four large valves with higher air to fuel ratio-23 to I—and better fuel economy. It is said that the short stroke makes possible a more powerful and compact engine with long life. These V engines utilize the new PTB injector, permitting the use of internal fuel lines drilled in the cylinder heads.

Considerable standardization of components in these V engines should prove of advantage in operation. Cylinder liners, pistons, connecting rods, valves, valve mechanism and other parts are interchangeable between them. The cylinder block of cast iron with wet liners is similar in concept to the existing NH range of Cummins engines. Engineering Co. Ltd. will be two new products from the Eaton Manufacturing Co. of which it is now a subsidiary. The E.N.V. five-speed "475" gearbox, with 275 lb. ft. maximum torque capacity, is now offered as a synchromesh unit of similar dimension to the existing constant-mesh design. Use of synchromesh for commercial yehicles is increasing and E.N.V. contend that this box is widely applicable to light commercial vehicles. It is also available with layshaft full-power take-off. An addition to the range is the E.N.V. five-speed " 542 " box catering for an input torque of up to 375 lb. ft. Also shown on this stand for the first time is the Eaton highcapacity air conditioner for commercial vehicle cabs.

Also to be seen for the first time at the Show will be the Fuller RT-915 transmission. The model or this twin-countershaft transmission to be exhibited is the 15-speed version. As with the alternative 10-speed version, an overdrive is available. The outstanding feature is the provision of twin countershafts with floating mainshaft gears giving balanced gear loading, reduced length and weight with high capacity.

Another new transmission item this year is the multi-cone synchromesh designed by Smiths Motor Accessory Division, which provides greater synchronizing torque yet demands lower gearlever loadings and is said to offer much quicker gearchanging than conventional single-cone systems.

New to this country are hydraulic transmissions manufactured by Voith Engineering Ltd., Glasgow, although in use for some time in Germany. The differential input gear of all these DIWA transmissions is claimed to be a unique feature. A comprehensive range of these transmissions will be exhibited.

Also from a Continental stable will be the gearboxes exhibited by Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG (better known as ZF). New designs include their constant-mesh AK 6-80 gearbox, with splitter box GV 80. The main gearbox has six forward speeds and one reverse. The lock-synchronized splitter box gives a total of 12 forward speeds and two reverse and by this arrangement the ratios can be so graduated that the engine speed can be adopted to all driving conditions and load ranges. Engagement of the splitter box is by electro-pneumatic means, whilst the intermediate state is preselected by a toggle switch on the gear lever and becomes operative when the clutch pedal is depressed. Also new is the AK 6-75-3 gearbox for all-wheel drive. A built-in lockable spur gear differential distributes one-third of the torque to the front axle and two-thirds of the torque to the rear axle(s). It is suitable for off-road and heavy-duty vehicles.

Whilst on the subject of engines and transmissions, it is appropriate to mention another item new to the Show this year—namely screw-type engine compressor rotors designed originally by c40 Svenska Rotor Maskina of Sweden and now being exhibited by John Holroyd and Co. of Rochdale. Known as the Holroyd/SRM type, the rotors are used in pairs in supercharger units. Holroyd will be showing gears and other items as well.

leraking Systems

Both because of a critical comment following Ministry of Transport roadside checks and because of increased demands to meet the needs of larger vehicles, braking equipment generally is receiving increasingly exacting scrutiny. Thus there has been an increased demand for air-braking equipment and Clayton Dewandre will bckexhibiting a full range of both air and vacuum braking equipment. Exhibits on this stand will include the re-designed HSR.950 Hydrovac servo incorporating its own reservoir, with improved breather connection. Included in the air-pressure equipment are new front and rear backplate-mounted brake chambers for use with wedge-operated brakes. Also included will be new governor and unloader valves, waterproof stoplight and low-pressure switches.

A new dual brake valve of the concentric fype will also be exhibited which is twice as sensitive as a side-by-side valve. There will also be a dual actuator consisting of two air-operated pistons in tandem. The hydraulic output is split between front and rear axles but the safety factor is increased because if there is a failure in one half of the air system, up to one half of maximum braking effort is still available on all axles.

Handbrakes are also receiving attention and Clayton Dewandre will be showing a power-assisted handbrake valve to augment brake power.

Clayton Dewandre say that their most important exhibit will be their new triple-diaphragm brake chamber. Its introduction has produced a new range of braking systems and it is claimed that they will comply in all essentials with the E.C.E. braking proposals for the Continent.

The Gliding Duo-Servo brake which will be on display is intended for use on light and medium weight commercial vehicles. High efficiency is claimed to he achieved by taking full advantage of the self-servo action of the coupled shoes. The Girling hydraulic two-leading-shoe rear brake H2LS is for use on heavy commercial vehicles. The characteristic feature is the two internal diametrically opposite double-acting wheel cylinders operating the two leading shoes. For vehicles of 12 tons gross weight or above, Girling will be showing the new airoperated wedge brake. High efficiency with lower air pressure than with cam brakes is claimed.

The Westinghouse Brake and Signal Co. Ltd. will feature coloured piping. diagrams of braking on their stand, indicative of the greater emphasis being placed on safety braking. In addition to the new high-speed lightweight compressor range of air brake equipment, examples will also be shown of the combined dual air gauge and low pressure warning indicator. An automatic variableload braking layout will also be shown, as will the Hope Anti Jack-knife device.

Suspensions and Chassis Components

Included in the suspension equipment exhibited by the ,Bramber. Engineering Co. Ltd. will be a new model in the range of the Flexitorindependent rubber suspension equipment. This has a maximum carrying capacity of 896 lb. per pair. New hub equipment is also available to match the increased load carrying capacity.

On the stand of Henry Boys and Son Ltd. is to be exhibited the Torqelim stabilizer, now available for fitting to front axles as well as rear. In substantiation of the claims made for exceptional improvement in braking performance by the fitting of this torque eliminator equipment, a film of the proving tests will be shown.

Articulated vehicles are very much in the news now as a result of additional advantages provided by the amended Construction and Use Regulations. Accordingly any components for artics will receive special attention at this year's Show. Davies Magnet Works Ltd. will be exhibiting their new Model 556 fifth wheel which although of lightweight construction is for use with maximum-load semi-traders. This coupling is approved for Continental operation.

On the Kirkstall Forge Engineering Ltd. stand will be shown new tandem

drive rear axles for heavy-duty work. The foremost axle has a primary helical spur gear reduction followed by a hypoid gear reduction, the rearmost axle having a single-reduction hypoid gear.

A recent development to be seen on the stand of Primrose Third Axle Co. Ltd. will be the Trans Load assembly. This is a two-in-one air-operated load transfer and stabilizer unit, designed for 6 x 2 vehicles. Also on display will be the Primrose twin-steer and double-drive assembly.

The standard axle range of Salisbury Transmission Ltd. has now been extended to cover commercial vehicles up to 3 tons payload and a selection of such products will be exhibited.

Prominent in trailer manufacture, the York Trailer Co. Ltd. will also exhibit (on the first floor) trailer equipment. An innovation will be the introduction of taper roller bearings into the York trailing axle which now carries a 200,000-mile bearing guarantee. An improved flexible centre bearing is to be shown for the first time by Metalastik Ltd. Although simple and light this new design has a slotted rubber member of generous proportions giving low radial stiffness and useful axial movement. Integrally formed rubber buffers limit extreme radial movement.

Cabs and Body Parts,

A new product of Motor Panels (Coventry) Ltd. will be the new Guy cab. The large curved windscreen positioned close to the steering wheel makes for improved visibility, as does the deep door and rear quarter glasses. Extra long wiper blades retain much of the forward visibility in wet weather, As an alternative to the vee-engine version, this cab is designed to accommodate a vertical engine, the necessary modification being limited to alternative engine covers and floor plates.

Vacuum-formed semi-rigid facia panels will be shown for the first time by Vitafoarn Ltd. Made from ABS sheeting with moulded polyurethane foam backing, these panels have moulded metal inserts for fixing.

The WS9 Mk. H compressor shown for the first time by Wellworthy Ltd. has airflow characteristics of 500 cu. ft./min. at a shaft speed of 2.000 r.p.rrt... with a maxiniurn pressure of 15 lb./sq. in.

Bostibm Manufacturing Co. Ltd. will be exhibiting two new semi. The Viking is of spring suspension construction with torsion bar and hydraulic shock absorber system. The British Thinline is a lowprofile seat for use in vehicles with restricted space. It is hydraulically damped and fitted with moulded foam cushions.

Problems of refrigeration and insulation are receiving increased attention from road transport operators. The British Oxygen Co. Ltd. will,be exhibiting, their new Polarstrearn non-mechanita I nitrogen system, providing controlled refrigeration down to —20°F (-29°C). Petters Ltd. will be showing additiOns to their Thermo King range of refrigeration units. These include their new PDL 50 large-capacity unit, suitable for the largest trans-continental trailers. Both cooling and heating is automatic, under thermostatic control.

Following the recent introduction to' the trade of their weatherproof plywood for vehicle construction, Thames Plywood Manufacturers Ltd. are exhibiting these products for the first time at the coming Commercial Motor, Show. After research with leading bodybuilders ThamesChassiply has been developed as a thoroughly tested lightweight and stable _material. A prefabricated Thames: Chassiply floor faced with glassfibre will be on exhibit for the first time..

Eleetrics, Hoses and Heaters New exhibits in the AC-Delco range will include door latches, air cleaners and thermostats. Also shown will be an improved pressure cap and cooling-system tester.

Of outstanding interest on the C.A.V. stand Will be a new high-duty alternator which is claimed to provide exceptional reliability. Othernew developments include electrical control of engine cooling, and turbochargers for diesel engines.

Red and yellow air-brake hoses made from the toughest nylon in commercial use will be shown by S. Norrish Ltd. Their ipiral design enables them to occupy the minimum space and, being impervious to petrol, oil, dery and exposure, they are claimed to have substantial advantages over rubber hoses. A , one-shot topping-pp battery will he shown for the first time by Oldham and Son Ltd. Available in both Pg. and flat-plate versions this battery has a capacity of either 160 or 180 amp. hr. at a 10-hour rate. The first " tailor made " frsti-air heating and ventilating system for a specific heavy commercial vehicle will be exhibited at the Show. Designed by S. Smith and Sons (England) Ltd., it is incorporated in the new Leyland group Ergomatie tilt cab. The heater has an ,output of 26,000 B.T.U. and is centrally positioned behind the facia panel. With the blower operating, air passage across the windscreen is at the rate of 1,700 cu. ft. per minute. Other items exhibited by Smiths for the first time will include a direct-reading fuel gauge, the multi-cone synchromesh already mentioned, heating systems for buses and ambulances, and commercial vehicle radio equipment.