letters
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Do you want to comment on any of the stories in t:onimercial Motor? Does someone in the industry deserve a pat on the back—or a public dressing down? Or is there simply something you want to say to our readers? Don't keep it to yourself —drop us a line at CM Letters, Rm 11203, Quadrant House, Ihe Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS. Alternatively, you can fax your letter to us on 0181 652 . or e-marl it to
Letters may be edited for length and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.
Air assisted
In last week's Commercial Motor (CM 16-22 July) I read that ZF recognises the conventional synchro gearbox has many years of life left, with its goal being to come as close as possible to a passenger car in terms of shift force.
Towards this achievement, ZF has introduced the Servoshift system (air assisted) which can reduce shift force by 60%.
As a Leyland apprentice from 19461951, with the last period being spent on roadtests, I well remember the lefthand-drive, underfloor-engined Tiger bus chassis which were part of an order of 600 for Buba.
The Leyland synchromesh gearbox fitted to these chassis had air assistance to the forward gears to such a degree that once you had moved the gear lever a little way the "assistance" took over and all you needed to do was follow through with the lever.
It was certainly as easy a change as in many cars of the day.
So, 50 years on it seems the goalposts have not moved much.
David Bryant, Southport.