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OPINIONS FROM OTHERS.

23rd November 1920
Page 24
Page 24, 23rd November 1920 — OPINIONS FROM OTHERS.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The Editor invites correspondence on all subjects connected with the use of commercica motors. Letters should be on one sraia of the paper only and typewritten by preference. The right of abbreviation is reserved, and no reSpomibility tor views expressed is accepted.

Auxiliary Springing on Commercial Vehicles.

The Editor, Tug COMMERCIAL MOTOR.

L1766j Sir,—We have read with interest your article on .auxiliary springing. No doubt this much neglected subject would have received far more attention in this country if it had been a case of "needs must when the devil drives," as in the case of the Germans. We have recently been studying auyiliary springing for heavy vehicles, and are now marketing special models of the Mamet patent shock absorber for use on commercial cars, also we have equipped a fleet of 15 two-ton vehicles with our absorbers. We think this supports your contention that "there is something in the auxiliary spiing idea."

The chief objections to the use of ordinary vertical coil springs are, the possibility of breakage, the liability to set up side-sway and the complication-of fitting. In the Mamet absorber, should the twin coil springs break, the side-plates continue to function as ordinary shackles; side-roll is impossible, as the plates, allow of m.ovement only in a vertical plane, whilst they can be 'easily fitted to any vehicle with semi-elliptic springing, as itl is merely a matter of replacing the shackles with the absorbers. More.over, if it is advisable for any reason to change the auxiliary springs, this ean be readily done without removing the absorbers from the chassis.

Our experience 18 that the beneficial results of fitting auxiliary springs are far • greater and more obvious on heavy vehicles than on oklinary pleasure cars, and we confidently expect that after the lesson of the German lorries and the interest, at 'present being given to the subject of suspension it/ will -not be long before auxiliary springs will be standardized by some manufacturers.—Yours faithfully,

EDMUNDS, WALKER AND C*).,

A Challenge to the "Giant.'

The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.

[1767] Sir, -With reference to a".rious leading articles and correspondence in journals devoted to the interests of road traction, allusions have been frequently made to the insidious propaganda emanating from American sources, the object of which is to foster the adoption of " Giant "pneumatic tyses i on heavy commercial vehicles and, n particular on those engaged in, passenger-carrying services. The claims advanced (vide advts.), viz. greater efficiency and decreased running costs to the tune of a saving of 25 per cent. ; of a 40 per cent, saving in petrol and 25 per cent in oil consumption; of,fewer visits to the repair shop with a Tesultantisaving of 70 per cent. ; of a 50 per cent, saving in maintenance; of less cargo breakages through decreased vibration, and of increased earnings through more journeys per day, are claims which require not only practical substantiation, but, even assuming that they are just, require proof . of advantage that will at least compensate for the enormous initial cost and the extremely heavy annual 'renewals and maintenance.

We claim that the. Palladium double-cantilever suspension•vehicle on solid tyres will-effect results which are--we desire to retain our natural modesty—at least equal in merit and performance to the " Giant " equipped vehicle without the heavy initial outlay and without the serious and prohibitive annual cost for renewals and maintenance. That is to say, that the

1318 Palladium chassis on solid tyres with double-cantilever suspension is sold at the same price as our former standard chassis.

Quite apart from the foregoing points, which are itenas that vitally affect the whole future of mechanical transport, the factor of safety, not to speak of reliability, must receive the most serious consideration from the MOT. The Palladium double-cantilever suspension vehicle on solid tyres represents perfect safety and complete immunity from lurch. Can the " Giant " put forward this elaiml As the matter is one of considerable importance and interest to motor transport generally' and as a decision would, we feel sure, be welcomed by many users, we would like to suggest that a test of the rival claims, namely, " Giant " pneumatic v. solid tyres and improved suspension (such as the Palladium double-cantilever suspension) should be undertaken at once and that a series of searching trials and destruction tests should be made under all conditions to determine these claims.

For this purpose, we shall be prepared to enter a four-ton, Palladium vehicle fitted with the Palladium double-cantilever suspension and solid tyres in a competition with any other vehicle of similar type shod with " Giant ' pneumatic tyres—sa-y 10 in. type—under full load. Further, to give the'Giant" every advantage, we shall challenge him on the points in which he claims superiority, namely ;

(a) Resiliency or cushioning capacity. (b) Petrol gild oil consumption. (c) Economical chassis-life., (d) Economical load-life.

(e) Effect on speed.

The points of the trial would not entirely resolve itself into the question of whether the " Giant" pneumatic-shod vehicle showed to advantage over the Palladium doublesiantilever suspension vehicle with solid tyres, but also whether the advantages, if any gained, would justify :— (1) The enormous initial outlay of the " Giant" pneumatic ; and (2) The heavy annual cast of renewals, which the adoption of " Giants " must entail.

(3) The risks to safety and reliability inherent in pneumatic tyres, and enhanced in application , to heavy commercial vehicles. A risk we understand Scotland Yard has recognized in its refusal to grant licences in the Metropolitan police area. We are willing to submit the Palladium doublecantilever vehicle for the purpose of this test, to the decision of any impartial committee of appioved transport experts, and wouldrespectfully suggest that a small ooramittee appointed by the transport Press would in our 'opinion be a most fitting tribunal to adjudicate in the public interest on the tests in question.—Youss faithfully,

PALLADIUM AUTOOARS, LTD.

Examinations for Driving Licences.

The Editor, TH13 COMMERCIAL MOTOR,.

[1768] Sir,—I am coming more and more to the opinion that every person who wishes to take up motor driving should, before being granted a driving licence and before renewal, say, every third year, be compelled to undergo an examination to determine driving capability and fitness. I say this reluctantly, although I am no believer in these official examiner

tions.—Yours faithfully, R. 3. Exvix. Croydon.

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