FORD ANNOUNCES
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STRIKING NEW RANGE
The New Ford Tug Launched at Scarborough This Week is an interesting 2-ton Mechanicalhorse Unit. Programme Includes a New Normal control 2-tonner and a 15-cwt. Van Equipped with V-8 Engines THE announcement by Sir Percival Perry of the new range of Ford and Fordson models at the dealers' convention at Scarborough on Monday last shows that the concern's policy for the fortlicEming year is to standardize, so far as possible, the V-8 engine for all its commercial-vehicle chassis. Exceptions to this rule are the 5-cwt van, which is to be continued in its present form, and an interesting new three-wheeled mechanical-horse unit to
be known as the Tug. Both these models are powered by the 8 h.p fourcylindered engine.
Other new models in the range are an improved 2-tonner with normal control, having a wheelbase of 10 ft. 3. if ins., and a 15-cwt. van. The FordsonSussex six-wheeler, in -which the power is transmitted to all four wheels of the bogie, and the Fordson-Surrey sixwheeler with trailing rear wheels are to be continued, but are now equipped with forward control. The programme is completed by the forward-control 2-twiner which has been .so successful during the present year.
Of outstanding interest, perhaps, is the new Tug mechanical horse. This model has been designed to meet the need for a distributing unit for 2-ton pay-loads, which has a low first cost, that is economical to run and provides exceptional manceuvrability. It is obtainable with a normal drawbar for use with two or four-wheeled trailers.
or with a special two-wheel trailer of Ford manufacture, equipped with a special 4-Vick-release coupling. The tractor unit is to be priced at R185 and the trailer complete with the coupling device is expected to •retail at a figure in the region of £90.
• The frarde side-members are dropped behind tile single front wheel, and sweep outwards, so that a widecab
can be accommodated. Three sturdy cross-members are provided, the one at the forward end forming a support for the massive bell-crank wheel mounting.
The front axle is of the castor type, and the suspension is _effected by a single coil spring mounted at each end on rubber bushes, As previously men. honed, the power unit is the same as that employed on the 5-cwt. van. It has fourcylinders and is rated at 7:95
h,p., developing 22 at 3,500 r.p.m.
The cylinder block is cast integral with the upper half of the crankcase, the material used being a special iron alloy having in its composition a certain percentage of steel: This gives a closer grain to the casting, with the advantages of better wear-resisting qualities to the cylinder bores, •camshaft bearings, valve seats and guides. Thermo-syphonic cooling is employed, and a fan is fitted.
A single dry-pIate clutch transmits the power to a four-speed-and-reverse gearbox, the final drive -being by way of a tubular propeller shaft to a spiral-bevel axle having three-quartetfloating shafts. A torque tithe with radius rods is provided to take the torque and brake reactions. The rear springing is of the transverse type, the ends ot the spring being attached to the axle close to the wheels; the maximum -degree of articulation of the axle is thus permitted.
Brakes are provided on all three wheels and are mechanically operated by both the pedal and hand lever. A fully enclosed cab, having comfortable bucket seats for both. driver and attendant, is provided. The equipment is unusually complete for this type of machine and includes a four-lamp lighting set, the single hevllamp being of the two-bulb type, a windscreen wiper, a speedometer, and a petrol gauge. The instrument board is indirectly illuminated. Having an overall length of 10 ft. and a wheelbase of 7 ft. 4i ins., the Ford Tug, with the standard two-wheeled trailer, can turn in a 16-ft. circle.
Features of the standard trailer include the quick-release coupling,
operated by a lever at the front of the body, an automatic brake coupling and a fully floating axle.
The new 2-tonner has normal control and is distinguished by a greatly improved appearance and a new cab of streamlined design. The prevailing tendency towards the provision of greater comfort for the driver is well exemplified in this model, and a deep and wellupholstered seat, well-placed controls and good leg room contribute tolliards this end. A new radiator of distinctive design is used, whilst the headlamps are of the Biflex type'.
Mounted on rubber, the V-8 engine has a bore and stroke of 77.79 mm. and 95.25 mm. respectively, the capa; City being 3.622 litres. Rated at 30.01 h.p., the maximum b.h.p. is 81.5 at 3,700 r.p.m. The success attending the use of this engine in the forward-control 2-ton machine has necessitated no change in design; it is a well-tried unit. The remainder of the chassis follows closely the design of the forwardcontrol model which was described in our issue dated October 12, 1934. The wheelbase is 10 ft. 111 ins., and the price of the chassis with cab is £223. Equipped with a drop-sided lorry body the price is £236, whilst a handoperated tipping body and a hydraulically operated three-way tipping body are also available at £246 and £294 respectively.
Also equipped with the 3.6-litre V-8 engine is the new 15-cwt. van. This good-looking machine takes the place of the 10 cwt four-cylindered model previously marketed. Equijsmd with a well-finished body of 118.3r cubic ft. capacity, the pleasing lines and general appearance and performance of this
new model will undoubtedly appeal to operators. Three forward speeds and a reverse are provided, with a synchromesh mechanism-for the top and second gears. The wheelbase is 9 ft. 4 ins., and the chassis is of the same general design as the well-known V-8 privatecar model. If desired, the new and smaller V-8 engine may be used on this model. This unit is similar in design to the larger engine, but has a bore and stroke of 66 111M, and 81.5 mm. respectively, the capacity being 2.33 litres. It is rated at 22 h.p.
The Fordson-Surrey and Fordson Sussex six-wheelers for 41-ton pay.loads are, as previously mentioned, now equipped with forward control. The new cabs are particularly roomy, and a special feature is the provision of a sliding panel in the roof on the driver's side.
For the time being, it is intended to continue marketing the 1-ton model which is fitted with a four-cylindered engine. It is announced, however, that an entirely new model to meet this market, and having a V-8 engine, will be available in the early part of the New Year.