90 BEDFORD

22nd September 1972, Page 119

22nd September 1972

Page 119

Page 119, 22nd September 1972 — 90 BEDFORD

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Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Luton, Beds.

Without a doubt the biggest last-minute surprise of the Show is the Bedford 32 tons gcw artic. This model — its advent has been rumoured for some time — uses an improved KM cab and an American Detroit Diesel model 6V71 engine. Bedford feels that this combination of production-line-built truck and worldwide proven engine will give the operator a most reliable truck at a competitive price. The 6V71 engine is a 6.98-litre two-stroke V6 design which develops 200 bhp at 2100 rpm and 550 lb ft torque at 1200 rpm. A 14in. diameter dry twin-plate Lipe Rollway clutch is used in conjunction a Fuller Roadranger RT(0)609 nine-speed gearbox. This gearbox has an overdrive top gear of 0.74 to 1.

The front axle is plated for 6 tons and the rear axle, an Eaton 19320 series single-speed with double-reduction, is plated at 10 tons. Semi-elliptic springs are used front and rear. The ladder-type frame has five cross-members, and the flitched sidemembers have a channel section of 10.5in. x 3.2in. x 0.31in.

A three-line dual air system with dual foot valve and dual reservoirs is fitted. The primary circuit operates brakes on all tractive unit and semi-trailer axles. The auxiliary position on the hand valve operates the secondary system on tractive unit front axle and on semi-trailer axles. The parking brake is air assisted and operates on both tractive unit axles. Total lining is 909 sq in.

The TK and KM cabs have several important changes to improve driver comfort and are used throughout the Bedford range. The new 32-tonner can be recognized by the extra-depth lower bumper.

Also on show will be the additional 14ft wheelbase to the KM16 tons gvw tipper range whichis fitted with an Edbro steel tipper body.

Another new model which is on show for the first time is the 10cwt version of the Viva HA van. This model has an uprated engine, clutch, suspension and tyres to suit the higher gross weight.

Other exhibits are specially chosen to demonstrate the under 3-ton unladen class and the range of possibilities it offers. For example, a KD boxvan specially defrated to operate at 7.1 tons plated gross weight with bodywork by Imperial Caochbuilders is exhibited which demonstrates how a high volume can be catered for within the 3-ton unladen limit.

• Bedford's new mid-engine 11-metre YRT coach chassis suitable for 53-seater bodywork also makes its show debut. Bodied YRTs can be seen on the Plaxton stand (34), the Duple stand (35) and the Caetano stand (41).