Ambulance chassis for Dodge 50
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KARRtER Motors has introduced a new ambulance chassis version of the Dodge 50-Series. The specifications made to the new model bring it into line with Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS} recommendations for "sitting cases" such as outpatients requiring hospital transport, claims !Carrier.
Based on the 546 chassis, the ambulance package devised by Karrier's SE0 (special equipment operations) department at Dunstable includes special lowprofile rear springs to give a low entrance height, a high output (670 amp) alternator, a battery isolator switch, laminated windscreen, propshaft grease shields and carburettor drip tray.
Standard engine for the ambulance chassis is Chrysler's R225, 3.7Iitre (225cuin), 66kW (88hp), in-line six-cylinder petrol, with Perkins' 6.247 diesel engine offered as an option.
Automatic transmission is fitted as standard and a fivespeed gearbox is an option. The standard rear axle ratio of 4.875:1 gives the S46 a maximum geared speed of 100 km/h (62mph) and a gradeability of 25 per cent (1 in 4).
List price of the ambulance chassis/cowl, which unusually is supplied complete with a wind Below: The Dunstable-bullt S46 ambulance chassis/cowl has automatic transmission and a 3.7fitre petrol engine as standard. screen that bodybuilders can use for the finished vehicle, is 17,315.
Nine 546 ambulances bodied by Herbert Lomas have already undergone trials with several health authorities.
The new model was given its first public showing at Harrogate last week at Am bex (the Association of Chief Ambulance Officers' conference and exhibition). That particular exhibit was a Dormobile conversion to a factory-built high-capacity van which will soon go into service with the London Ambulance Service. It is designed to carry nine seated patients, plus driver, and is also equipped with a tail lift.
HYTEC TIPPERS Ltd of Westhoughton is offering an automatic power take-off disengagement option with its tipping gears.
Air pressure for the power take-off is fed from the vehicle park brake system. If the driver inadvertently leaves the pt-o in mesh as he drives off, it automatically disengages when the handbrake is released and thus avoids damage to the gearbox.