Revised maximum weight tractive unit
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• What amounts to a completely revised tractive unit for maximum weight articulated work is announced today by Seddon Motors Ltd. The new model, called the 34:Four is plated for 34 tons gtw and although in outward appearance it is similar to the 32:Four it replaces, it is made to a much improved specification.
Chassis frame, cab structure and engine — the Rolls-Royce Eagle 220 — remain the same but now power-assisted steering is standard and brakes are cam expanded by spring-brake chambers. Besides being cam-expanded the brakes are now 81n.-wide on the back axle, an increase in width of one inch. The extra width has been provided to equalize the front and rear wear rates rather than improve effort. The air system has a dual-line footbralce split between the unit and trailer and there are spring chambers on both axles for emergency and parking. In addition at each chamber there are two Schrader valves so that the system can be checked with a tyre-pressure gauge.
The transmission now includes a twin-plate clutch and Fuller range-change 10-speed gearbox and the road springs are more flexible and progressive. The front axle is rated at 6 tons.
The noise inside the cab, which now has a Bostrom sprung seat as standard, has been reduced, says Seddon, by 11 decibels to 86dBA which is half the external noise at 89dBA which in itself meets the 1974 standards.
This considerable reduction in interior noise has been achieved by the fitting of a steel bonnet and lining it with foam on the inside and facing it with abs on the outside and at the same time eliminating all gaps and holes, including around the pedals. Thick moulded-rubber covers the whole floor and the washable roof lining and the abs trim panels are backed by foam.
The layout of the instruments has been changed and the rocker switches are grouped to the left of the steering wheel on the instrument panel. All instruments can be seen through the twin-spoked steering wheel. A hazard warning light switch is also included and the flashers and stop lamps are automatically dimmed when the side and tail lamps are switched on.
Entry to the cab has been made safer and easier by installing a long grab rail on either side of the doorway and it has also been made more safe for the driver to climb on to the chassis behind the cab to couple or uncouple trailer connections.
Price for the new model, -with the Rolls-Royce engine, is £5750, compared with £5180 for the 32:Four it replaces with its much barer specification. A version powered by the Gardner 6LXB costs £5795. This vehicle has the six-speed David Brown gearbox and until October, when the 6 bhp per ton power to weight ratio legislation comes into force, is rated at 32 tons gtw. After October this version will be rated at 30 tons gtw.
A further version will be available shortly powered by the Gardner 81.AB engine derated to 215 bhp instead of its normal 240 bhp. This vehicle will cost £7065.