Overdrive Gearbox for Medium-sized Bedfords
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A5-SPEED constant-mesh gearbox is
now available as anralternative to the standard 4-speed synchromesh unit on Bedford TK 3-, 4and 5-ton models and the Bedford VAS 29-seater passenger chassis. Fifth speed on the new unit is an overdrive ratio, fourth being direct drive.
The accompanying table gives details of the ratios provided by the 5-speed gearbox and the existing standard 4-speed units. It will be seen that fifth speed has a close-ratio relationship to direct drive and that first and reverse are somewhat higher than the corresponding ratios of
either of the 4-speed units. The ratiosteps between second and fourth speeds of the new gearbox are wider than those of the existing units, however.
The new gearbox is designed to withstand prolonged heavy-duty operation, and is, in fact, of similar construction to the 5-speed direct-top gearbox available on the larger Bedford models. First, second and reverse ratios employ spur gears with sliding engagement. Third and fifth speeds are obtained by dog-clutch engagement of helical gears.
Power take-off facings are provided on both sides of the gearbox casing. Oil capacity is 11 pints. The new unit adds 60 lb. to the weight and £66 to the price of the chassis when it is specified.
Heavy-Duty 2-speed Axle For operators of Bedford TK 7+-ton 167-in.and 120-in.-wheelbase models whose vehicles operate in exceptionally arduous conditions, an Eaton two-speed 20,000 lb. axle will be available as a production option from June onwards at an extra U.K. list price of £290, Large Capacity Air Compressor A heavy-duty air compressor will be introduced in June for Bedford 8-, 10and 12-ton tractive units operating in extremely severe conditions, and for third-axle conversions on I3edford normaland forward-control 7-toa models and Bedford TIC 71-ton models.
The compressor has a capacity of 6.0 cu. ft. per minute at 1,250 r.p.m., compared with the standard compressor's capacity of 3.35 cu. ft. per minute at 1,000 r.p.m. The additional cost is El as.
GERMAN HAULIERS WANT HIGHER RATES
THE, representative body of the Federal 1. German road transport industry has urged an increase in haulage rates. Since the last rate increase, on February 1,, 1958, states the hauliers' body, drivers' wages have risen in Federal Germany by some 36 per cent., drivers' expenses by 25 per cent., third party insurance for heavy vehicles by over 50 per cent., road vehicle tax by 20 per cent. and diesel prices by 8 per cent., while other costs, repairs, etc., have risen correspondingly. Permission has already been given by the Federal authorities for revision of shortdistance road goods rates.