An A.E.C. Twin-steerer Appears
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A'yet unnamed, but described as alternative to the Mammoth Minor, a new model six-wheeler, with twin. steering axles at the front, has been introduced by the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Southall, Middlesex. Three machines have been made and are now in the service of northern operators, but up to date these are the only chassis in use, and the type will not be put into production while hostilities continue.
As the Mammoth Minor is a 10-101-tonner with a recommended gross weight limit of 16 tons, it may be assumed that the new model is similarly rated. It is stated by the maker that its principal application is in transporting loads where the weight is unevenly distributed and greater on the forepart of the vehicle than on the rear.
Features of the chassis include a six-cylindered, 7.7-litre, direct-injection oil engine, a standard four-speed gearbox and a double-reduction final drive incorporating a bevel gear. An auxiliary or " booster " gearbox is offered as an extra. Not without interest is the brake layout. For the foot-operated brakes the Dewandre-Lockheed system is employed, and through it the pedal actuates brakes on the first and third axles. Acting mechanically, the hand lever brings into operation brakes on the second axle. As on the Mammoth Major, the lever is of the "double-pull " type, the mechanism incorporating a ratchet.
With regard to the steering gear, the design, in the main, follows that of the Mammoth Major 8. Certain changes of layout, however, have been effected. The steering box is of the A.E.C. worm-and-nut type.
All wheels are shod with 9.75 by 20 tyres, twin S being used on those at the rear. Variations from the standard specification and extras available are as in the case of the Mammoth Minor.
A big attraction of the twin-steering six-wheeler, regarded as a type, is that, provided the steering geometry is properly worked out. its layout is theoretically correct. All wheels, when the vehicle is rounding a corner, follow circular paths having a common centre. Accordingly, roadholding is improved, steering is lighter and tyre wear is less.
A further reason for the first named of these three is that more wheels with greater weight on them are in contact with the road to afford directional_control. It might be thought that this would detract from the easier-steering characteristic, but experience has conclusively proved that this is not the case.