A NEW Short-wheelbase 3-TONNER
Page 64
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IN our issue for Jiinuary 29th we published a description of the Dodge Brothers HEX-type 3-ton chassis, which was placed on the British market as a model especially suited for the construction of fast passengercarrying vehicles seating 26 to 28 persons, or for the carrying of 3-ton loads of goods.
As a modification of this comparatively new introduction, the manufacturer has just brought out a 3-ton chassis having a shorter wheelbase and particularly designed for the conveyance of goods. The new model, which is known as the RES type, has similar engine; gearbox and hack axle to those of the longer-wheelbase chassis, the important difference being the employment of a shorter frame and the fitting of wheels having malleable iron spokes and 34-in. by 7-in, pneumatic tyres, instead of disc wheels and 32-in. by 6-in. tyres. Twin tyres are fitted to the rear wheels in both cases.
The wheelbase of the new model is 1338
13 ft. 9 ins., just 1 ft. S ins, shorter than the earlier type, so that a platform length of 13 ft, is available, whereas 15 ft. 6 ins, was the length of the platform space on the earlier chassis. Anothepr difference is that, in place of the 25-gallon petrol tank mounted on the near side of the frame, a 12-gallon tank is now provided, this being carried transversely beneath the driver's seat.
Features of Both 3-ton Models.
As many of our readers will know, the power unit employed for the Dodge 3-tonner has six cylinders of 34 ins. bore and 4i ins, stroke, the crankcase, clutch housing and gearbox being formed as a unit. Features worthy of mention are the engine-temperature indicator and the radiator-shutter control, both of which are mounted on the dashboard, also the hydraulic brake gear and the standard fitment of a mechanical tyre pump, which is mounted on the off side of the gearbox and driven therefrom.
The front and rear brake drums are both 16 ins, in diameter, the former being 2i ins. Wide and the latter 31 ins. wide.. The brake pedal operates a piston which forces oil through pipes into cylinders mounted in each brake drum, thus forcing apart a pair of pistons which actuate the two semicircular shoes. This Lockheed system is extremely simple and includes no parts that are likely to get out of order. A mixture of neutralized alcohol and denatured castor oil is employed for the brake gear. The hand-brake lever acts upon a contracting band located behind the gearbox.
It may be mentioned in conclusion that a chain-driven dynamo developing 125 watts is fitted as standard, but that, if necessary, a 225-watt dynamo may be fitted at an extra charge, the drive in this case being by -Whittle belt in tandem with the fan pulley. The price both for the HEX-model chassis and for the new RES type is 1645, and deliveries are now available.