Seddon-Atkinson 38-tonner ready for Earls Court
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A SEDDON-ATKINSON prototype truck — a 4x2 tractive unit — is to appear on the company's stand for the first time at Earls Court. A full range goes into production next year. The vehicle is designed at 38 tonnes (37.4 tons) and is equipped with a new cab, The London exhibit will differ from a prototype shown at the Amsterdam Show earlier this year in that it has a two-berth sleeper cab and 24 other modifications which were suggested to the company by Continental hauliers.
The ventilation system has been improved with the addition of demister outlets under the windscreen and two extractor vents at the rear quarters of the cab. The sealed-beam headlight units have been covered at the rear to protect them against water thrown forward by the front wheels, and the controls for the cab tilting mechanism have been repositioned.
Aiming at maximum vision, the windscreen pillars have been tapered and angled and the side windows in the doors given no quarter-lights.
The Seddon cab tilts to an angle of 60deg and access to the radiator, dipstick and air-pressure switches is through a side panel on the cab. Sound-absorption tin has been used in the cab and single-piece moulded rubber is used to cover the floor and engine.
The cab interior is finished in standard cream and brown. Both cab seats are fully adjustable; the driver's seat has only a suspension arrangement but the passenger seat is fitted with a head restraint and arm rests. The upholstery is of brushed nylon.
The tractive unit's 7in headlamps are recessed into the bumper bar, which, Seddon claims, gives a wide spread of light without danling oncoming traffic.
The outfit is powered by the Cummins turbocharged six-cylinder NTC 353 diesel. The rear axle is Seddon's own hub-reduction design rated at 13 tonnes.