Age Becomes a Twin-steer
Page 49
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Six-wheeler
, provision of a second steering axle
a Dodge 3146Y 7-ton chassis the gross weight from 11 tons t. to a legal maximum of 20 tons. seful modification has been carried r Mr. R. Mellor, Worsbro Bridge, ey, by the suppliers of his Dodge. Is Motor Services (Sheffield), Ltd.. andsworth Road, Sheffield, 13.
vehicle is intended for coal haulage equipped with an 18-cu.-yd. tipping )y Phillips. The problems connected he axle conversion, and resulting modifications, were carefully conJ beforehand and it was decided to t the work to the Primrose Third Clitheroe.
Primrose twin-steering assembly on odge consists of a front axle beam !mi-elliptic springs, chassis-mounted conventional manner. The steering !try works through side steering
tubes and an intermediate arm. The steering box and the original drop-arm are relieved of extra stress, the steering arms of both axles terminating in a patent conversion unit for the power-assisted steering assembly.
Foot brake application is effective on all axles, and the hand brake is fully compensated between the second steering axle and the third axle. Greater fluid displacement is required and a master cylinder of larger diameter is provided. This modification in no way impairs the efficiency of the braking system.
To accommodate the tipping body, certain moditications had to be made to the chassis. It was necessary to cut the frame immediately behind the rear-spring hanger brackets, where special hinge brackets were to be mounted. The body was thus brought as low as possible, so that the bottom of the sub-frame was only 1* in. above the chassis. The sparewheel carrier, at the rear of the chassis, was redesigned and mounted on the off side.
It was possible to proceed with the body construction while the chassis was at Clitheroe. with the aid of Dodge chassis drawings, tipping-gear data supplied by Fdbro, and details of the axle position from Primrose.
The tipping gear selected was the Edbro 3 LNS twin-ram unit. In order to keep the weight as far forward as possible when the vehicle was loaded, it was necessary to take the unusual step of boxing-in the rams. For servicing purposes the sides and top of the box are easily detachable,
Light-alloy Framing
Southern Forge light-alloy extrusions are largely used in the body construction. The side doors and headboard, however, are of timber. Redwood boards, 49 in. high, are used for the sides, which have a fin. steel tie-bar across the centre pillars to prevent distortion. The tail door is framed in light-alloy angle, panelled with studded plate. Three vertical ribs stiffen the door to prevent bulging when loaded.
The sub-frame for the body is made from 8 in. by 3 in. light-alloy channel, with 4 in. cros§-bearers bolted directly to it by means of angles and deep gusset plates. The floor planks are attached to the cross-bearers by special cleats, avoiding the necessity of drilling the top web -of the bearers and the consequent risk of stretched bolt holes.
The problem of mudguards for the centre wheels was solved by using the standard rear section of the front wings, modified and bolted to the body, and lifting with it.