A New 35-cwt. Chassis of French Make.
Page 63
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WE are informed by the l3erliet Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd., Richmond Bridge Works, Twickenham, Middlesex, that it has recently brought out a new 35-40-cwt. modal capable of carrying a gross load of 48 cwt., so that, provided it be fitted with a light body, the vehicle can be classified as a twotonner.
One of the main features of this new model is the servo-operated four-wheel brakes, the design of which has already been dealt with in this journal. The servo device is of the clutch type, controlled by the transmisaion shaft, so that it will operate even if the main engine clutch be disengaged and the change-speed lever be in neutral. It is connected to the operating mechanism through the medium of a short length of roller chain, and is so arranged that it is equally efficient either when the vehicle is running forwards or backwards. As a matter of fact, this type of brake is now fitted by the maker to all Berliet vehicles from 1 ton to 10 tons capacity.
The new model follows what can be considered as almost standardized I3erliet design, it having a four-cylindered engine of 90 mm. bore and 130,. mm. stroke, with adjustable magneto advance, pump circulation of the cooling water, electric starter and dynamo. A multiple-plate clutch takes the power to a gearbox affording four forward speeds and a reverse, the servo mechanism being carried at the rear of this box ; the final drive is by Worm gearing.
As mentioned, the brakes on all four wheels are controlled through a servo device; in addition, the hand-brake lever expands shoes in the rear-wheel drums. The long Wheelbase. 13 ft. 1 in.; does away with the necessity for excessive overhang, thus giving the vehicle 'a handsome appearance which is enhanced by its long bonnet and roomy driver's cab.
The main dimensions are as follow :
• overall length, 17 ft.; body space, 12 ft. 4 ins.; wheelbase, 13 ft. 1 in.; track (front) 5 ft. 4 ins., (rear) 5 ft. 2 ins. The chassis price is £370.