AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

SAURER DESIGN IN 1903.

21st June 1921, Page 11
21st June 1921
Page 11
Page 12
Page 11, 21st June 1921 — SAURER DESIGN IN 1903.
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Keywords : Saurer

THE MOTOR vehicles manufactured by Adolph Saurer at Berne, Switzerland', have always had an enviable reputation, and the latest Saurer chassis is-considered by many as a motor vehicle embodying points in its design which are far ahead of many of its rivals. One of the chief reasons for this is that Switzerland, having to purchase practically all its materials from outside, cannot rely upon quantity production and low prices in order to obtain sales. Vehicles o Saurer manufacture are, therefore, almost always high-quality

productions, and sales are made more upon workmanship and finish than upon low cost.

The Saurer is the result of many years' experience in the manufacture of chassis, and the photographs which we reproduce onthese pages show a side view of the chassis and two views of the engine qf one of the first 5 ton Saurer chassis, which was built in 1903.

This machine embodies some features which are of particular interest in view of present-day practice, and that it was well made is shown by the fact that it is stilt used at the works, and is in good running condition.

The engine develops 36 h.p. at 750 r.p.m., the bore and stroke being 130

nom. and 750 mm, respectively. Thecylinders are cast separately, and in this respect it is interesting to /kite the various alterations which have been made by the manufacturers. From separate cylinders they proceeded to cylinders cast in pairs, and on the latest type

the cylinders are cast en bloc. At the date at which the first chassis were. designed, the general practice in this

country was to use horizontally opposed cylinders, and in designing this fourcylinder vertical engine, Baurer was years in advance of his time. A feature in the design, that was afterwards

copied by many leading makers, was the driving of the low-tension magneto and water pump by a cross-shaft, in front of the -engine. The engine and gearbox were three-point suspended, and the timing wheels and camshafts were enclosed by detachable inspection covers, which was most unusual at that time. The throttle valve was controlled by a governor, the rear axle was bevel driven, and the chassis was originally mounted on steel-tyrecl wheels, but later solid rubber tyres were fitted.

It will be seen that this vehicle war. highly original in its design, and this originality has been retained with every successive model produced.

From a casual glance at the photograph which we reproduce the machine would appear to be quite a modern pro duction, except that the wheels are somewhat large as Compared with present-day practice, and that the foot brake, which is of the locomotive type, is situated in front. of the gearbox.

It will be noted that a very stout torque member is provided. The brakes, acting On the rear wheels, press direct against the steel tyres, as in the case of the ordinary horsed wagon.

The frame is of channel steel with the channel turned outward, as is still done with several modern vehicles which have achieved success.,

Tags

People: Adolph Saurer
Locations: Berne

comments powered by Disqus