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Two Recently introduced

22nd November 1935
Page 32
Page 33
Page 32, 22nd November 1935 — Two Recently introduced
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Unorthodox Straussler Models

(Right) The Straussler Zulu 7-ton four-wheel-drive chassis. It has a Ford V-8 engine and weighs under Zi teas. (Below) A quick-coupling articulated sixwheeler of the mechanical-horse type. It is rated as a tanner and is designated Nippy.

(Right) On the mechanical horse, radiator, engine, gearbox and axle are mounted on a subframe which is easily removed.

WE have already referred to the VV recently introduced Straussler 7tonner and 30-50-cwt, mechanicalhorse-type articulated quick-coupling machine, but the original and unusual design of both these machines warrants a fuller description than we have yet had an opportunity of publishing.

The larger chassis, named the Zulu, is outstanding for its low weight. Scaling under 50 cwt. it can, we are informed, actually be offered with, presumably, the lightest of platform bodies without this figure being exceeded.

It employs four-wheel drive, equal power being transmitted, by the use of three differentials, to each wheel. Similarly, all four wheels are equally laden. Thus the lightest practicable springs, axles, tyre equipment, etc., can be utilized.

Mechanical Simplicity has also been the designer's aim. Two identical axle units are attached to each end of a long central tube. The outer ends of the front-axle casing incorporate steering heads, with constant-velocity universal joints to transmit the drive. This axle is also free to swivel on the tubular central member, thus affording a high degree of wheel articulation.

Alongside the tube is carried the power unit—a Ford V-8 of 30 h.p.—and so disposed that it is below the level of the body floor.

The flywheel end of the engine faces the front of the vehicle. From this, 1322 the drive is taken, via the unitmounted gearbox, through a transfer box, to a shaft in the central tube.. A spherical housing in the transfer-box casing embraces the back of the gearbox, whilst the front (starting-handle end) of the engine hangs freely on a cross-member, attached to the main channel-section frame, which also supports the radiator, mounted behind the engine. In the transfer box is incorporated the " third " differential, which can be locked.

Four interchangeable semi-elliptic springs support the main frame and it is noteworthy that this, with the body, can be lifted off the tube and axleassembly with ease, so that maintenance is vastly simplified.

On a platform right at the forward end are mounted the steering wheel and controls, leaving the whole of the rest of the frame available for an unbroken body platform.

Beside the engine and within the frame is the petrol tank, and it is of interest that this and the power unit are well protected from damage in the event of an accident. All the major components in the make-up of the chassis are well-tried units of proprie tary make. .

The following are some of the leading dimensions: Tyres, 9 ins. by 33 ins. high pressure; front track, 5 ft. 9 ins.; rear track, 5 ft. 2 ins.; wheelbase, 10 ft. 6 ins.; overall length, 17 ft. 9 ins. or 19 ft. 9 ins.; loading platform, 14 ft. or 16 ft.; platform height (laden), 3 ft. 10 ins.; turning circle, 52 ft. The lowest overall ratio is 38 to 1 and a maximum speed of 40 m.p.h. is claimed. The machine is also available as a cross-country model, in which case the wheelbase is 9 ft. 6 ins., the rated pay-load capacity 4 tons, and the tyre size 9 ins. by 22 ins. The price of all three models is £610.

Designed for " inner-zone " transport the smaller vehicle, designated Nippy, comprises a four-wheel tractor and a semi-trailer. Likethe Zulu,it is largely composed of proprietary parts which are easily obtained and serviced.. One of our pictures shows how the radiator, engine, gearbox and back attic form an easily detachable and replaceable unit. A normal, transversely sprung front axle is used. Projecting forwards over this is the part of the frame that carries the cab, for which there is ample space.

Formed of deep Channel-section steel, the frame is rigid, and is braced by a cross-member which carries the transverse spring and, by a socket and ball, the front end of the , sub-frame. On the -rear of = the frame is the coupling-gear and turntable platform, and to it are also attached the rear springs.

(inc movement of a hand lever in the cab uncouples the trailing unit, and by driving the tractor away from it, it can be left supported on its jockey wheels with the brake applied, the last operation being automatically performed as the two units separate.

Coupling is equally easy. The tractor is backed towards the trailer, and the front of the latter rides up a ramp, lifting the jockey wheels, and drops into an indentation where it is immediately se:cured by two stout spring-loaded hocilis.. At the same time a Catch releasesthe brake.

The pivot bearing of the coupling gear is a 16-in.-diaineter bronze bush mounted in a housing attached to the trailer frame by two silieo-manganese steel spring bars. These, whilst affording adequate rigidity, permit the degree of flexibility desirable.

This vehicle has a Ford fourcylindered 10 h.p. engine, a three-speed synchromesh gearbox, and a lowestoverall reduction of 88 to 1. The short rear axle incorporates a doublereduction final drive but no differential. The tyres are 26 ins. by 6 ins.

The front, .rear and trailer tracks are 4.ft. 8 ins., 2 ft. 4 ins. and 4 ft. 8 ins. respectively. A loading surface of 12 ft, by 6 ft. is afforded, and the overall length of the outfit is 18 ft. It weighs unladen 25f cwt. and costs complete £275.

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