Barreiros beefed up
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CHRYSLER has modified its Spanish-built Dodge Barreiros 300 Series tractive units in an effort to achieve greater reliability.
The Chrysler synchromesh gearbox has been replaced by the Fuller RIO 9509 constantmesh unit and the clutch has been "beefed up." • To back these changes, Chrysler is offering a warranty which it believes is one of the best on offer by a lorry manufacturer.
The company has in effect guaranteed for two years those parts which operators had experienced trouble with on the original Barreiros vehicles. CM has been out for a short test drive to see just how a demonstration Dodge 300 behaves.
Inside the cab a smaller engine cover is the only immediately obvious change, as the Chrysler cab now tilts, thus eliminating the need for a removable cover.
Entry to the cab, which is less aggressive looking than many top-weight vehicles, is simplified by two well placed steps at the front of the wing. The fully adjustable driving seat is comfortable and once in it the driver has good all round vision. Split external mirrors are fitted, which we found rather a nuisance. On the-road, the test vehicle, which is the smaller 36-tonnegcw tractive unit, pulled very well with its 32 tons all up weight. The steering was light but precise and made the Dodge nice to handle.
After the brief ruo in the Dodge we are looking forward to carrying out a complete test as soon as possible.
It was necessary to change upward through the Fuller box quickly in order to achieve a clean change every time. This was due to the engine revs dropping off very quickly. If a slow change was made, a quick "blip' on the throttle was enough to allow the change to be made.