60-ton gross vehicle for Zambia
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A SPECIAL eight-wheeler has been produced by Atkinson Vehicles Ltd., Preston, Lancs, for operation at 60 tons gross with a drawbar trailer carrying copper ore from mines in Zambia to coastal ports and petroleum spirit on the return journey.
Having a wheelbase of 16ft 7.5in., the chassis is based on the frame of an eightwheeled dumper and is powered by a Cummins NH.250 diesel with an output of 240 bhp at 2,100 rpm. The drive is relayed through a ZF 12-speed splitter-type gearbox of new design, which Atkinson says promises to "solve former difficulties with multi-speed gearboxes". The Kirkstall double-drive worm-type rear axles have a reduction ratio of 9.55 to 1.
Other details include ZF power steering, opening windscreens and fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 108 gal. A special ingot-carrying body will be used and the vehicle will make a one-week-per-round journey of 2,400 miles. About 50 per cent of the road surface will comprise earth tracks.