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Foden auto dumpers impressive on trial
Page 25
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AUTOMATIC DUMP trucks were last week demonstrated by Fodens Ltd at Ardley Quarry, Oxfordshire. Vehicles from both the on-highway and off-highway range included the recently introduced FC20A, FC27A and FC35A with Allison automatic transmission.
The FC20A is claimed to be the only 20-ton-payload dump-truck with automatic transmission offered in the UK. In each case the gearbox used is Allison's fully automatic CLBT 750 with five forward ratios.
All three dump-trucks on display were fitted with rubber suspension for reduced maintenance costs. Ground clearance under the axles is greater with the new suspension and further advantages claimed by Fodens are good stability and reduced tyre scrub on the six-wheelers. I drove the FC27A 6x4 truck around the quarry and even laden to 39 tons, found it very easy to drive. The gear selector has five positions numbered 1, 2, 2/3, 2/4 and 2/5. For most on-site work, position 2/4 would be selected, allowing the transmission to change up to fourth gear in which the vehicle has a top speed of approximately 34 km/h (21 mph).
Fifth gear gives the dump truck a top speed of 48 km/h (30 mph) while held in first gear a 1 in 4 gradient may be climbed. The Cummins NT 855 C310 engine in the six-wheeler develops 231kW (310bhp) at 210Orpm.
Road-going vehicles on display at the quarry included Gardner-powered six and eight-wheeled Haulmaster rigids and a Fleet master 4x2 tractive unit fitted with a Cummins E290 (Road Test, CM, June 22 1979). The FF20 rubber rear suspension fitted to the six-wheeler is now a standard fitment, whereas the FR20 (manufactured by Fodens Ltd, under licence to Rydewell Ltd) is offered as an option on the eight-wheeler.
• Tim Blakem ore