Another Acason Model.
Page 15
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A Chassis for 2i-ton Loads, Exclusive of Body.
Our readers will remember the 31--ton Canadian chassis described as the Acason, of which we published details in our issue of 9th September. At the time that we were enabled personally to investigate the merits of the 31--tonner, we also advised our readers of the existence of .smaller models. On a recent occasion we were able to examine one of the latter, which hap
pened to be a 21i-tonner. This chassis is constructed on lines almost identical with those of the large model ; in fact, a similar specification would apply with the exception, of course, of minor modifications in size.
A Large Engine.
The engine, as a matter of fact, is identical, being a Waukesha, 414in. by 534in. bore and stroke respectively, dimensions which indicate that. in size it is ample. Its construction is exceptionally robust, and it is designedin accordance with modern principles. The cylinders are cast in pairs, ample water jacketing space is available, and the circulation of the cooling water, as is usual in commercial vehicle chassis, is effected by means of a centrifugal pump. The ignition is by hightension magneto, and the water is cooled by means of a built-up radiator with cast top and bottom headers and vertical tubes, assisted by a 20 in. aluminium fan, The engine is three-point suspended, the front end being carried below a cross member, a pin fastened o the top of the crankcase having a hearing in a bracket on this member.
Clutch and Gearbox. The clutch is a dry disc, one, the material employed for facing being
Itaybestos. It is fully enclosed, being covered by a bell housing which also serves as a support for the three-speed and reverse gearbox. The latter is a very neat and compact unit indeed and carries in the top cover the quadrant for the side brake as well as the centrallyplaced change-speed lever and gate. The gears and shafts are all made from nickel-chrome steel
suitably heat-treated. The bearings employed throughout are Timken. The power is conveyed thence by a long propeller shaft doubly jointed, the joints being suitably enclosed and available for
lubrication. The shaft itself is made of large size tubing with the object of stiffening it.
Worm-drive Semi-floating Rear Axle Frame.
The rear axle is a worm-driven one, the gearing being of that type wherein the worm is carried above the wheel. It is semi-floating ; that is to say, the road wheels are keyed to the driving shafts, which, in addition to transmitting the engine torque, carry the weight of the chassis and any super-imposed load. The gears are cut on a machine of the David Brown type. The housing is a substantial item and is of cast steel, with spring-seats formed integrally. Torque and thrust from the driving axles are taken by means of the front halves of the rear springs. The frame, which is pressed steel, is apparently well able to carry the load for which the chassis is intended, and has been carefully designed with a view to avoiding any unnecessary bends and complicated smithwork, while at the same time, as we were able to observe, an unusually large lock is available for steering purposes.
A Short Test. Price.
Our trial of this chassis was made in unfortunate circumstances, inasmuch as the Holley carburetter was in need of a little adjustment. This precluded our making a comparative hill-climbing test, but at the same time we were able to try the feel of the chassis and its general handiness in traffic and for locking in and out of awkward corners. We have on previous
occasions drawn attention to the fact, that ease. of steering is a characteristic; of American machines. Apparently this, although made in Canada, has the same feature. It is further accentuated by the provision of a steering wheel 22 in. diameter, four inches larger than that standardized by the Governmern; for subsidy vehicles. The brakes, which both take effect directly on drums on the rear road wheels, are quite efficient.
We are still looking forward to a fairly long test on one of these machines loaded, but, as remarked in the previous article, we do not anticipate that there will lei anything in the ordinary way at hill-climbing or hard work which any. of them should not successfully accomplish. The price of the 2-i-tenner, complete with tires, delivered in London, is Z360.: