ANOTHER 4-TON ELECTRIC VEHICLE.
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A Lorry Hailing from Germany, and Containing Many Interesting Featur:s.
A N interesting example of German , practice in electric design is shown by the Scheele lorry, which, is being marketed in this country by the Park Motor and Haulage Co., Julian Street, Grimsby. We recently inspected one of the 4-ton models at the Electric Car and Accessories 14:)., 16, Portobello Road, London, W. This vehicle will be kept there and is available for examination by those interested, whilst another vehicle may be seen at Messrs. Goddard and Smith, 70, Seymour Place, London, W. 1. The Scheele electric cannot be termed a new arrival in this country as examples have been in use for two years, and some 50 are now employed in Grimsby, particularly for work in the fish docks, for ice -carrying, etc.
At, the first glance, the absence of a cab detracts slightly from its appearance, but we were informed that this type is being found most useful in the narrow streets and other parts of Grimsby, as the driver can stand in front of the steering wheel, facing to the rear, and thus direct the vehicle in reverse with great
accuracy. In such cases he makes use, when necessary, of the very powerful electric brake.
The vehicle appears to be soundly constructed. It has a channel-steel frame, a round dead rear axle and a solid forged front axle with jawed ends. Each wheel is driven independently by a powerful motor, which pivots on the rear axle at the front end and is suspended at the rear by means of a quarter-elliptic spring, which is anchored to one end of a stout channel section radius rod. This radius rod is carried forward to about the middle of the chassis and is there anchored to a hinge bolt. The brush gear on the motor is quite accessible as the end-covers can be removed with ease.
The final drive to the wheels is totally enclosed and is hy..spur pinons meshing with large spur wheels carried on the road wheels. The accumulators are contained in two trays, both of which are in a box under the driver's seat.. This box is provided with easily detachable covers, for inspecting the terminals, etc.
The controller and resistances are accessibly situated under the footboards, which can all be lifted out in a few moments. The controller is of a very simple drum type and a cut-out is provided. When using the cut-out all the burning is taken by a pair of replaceable copper arms provided with an arc blow out coil. The controller provides four speeds forward and a reverse. The switch for the latter and the fuses are contained in a box inside the dash.
The batteries themselves consist of 80 cells of 250 amp.-hour capacity. The life of the batteries is approximately two years, and their cost is £140. The hand-brake lever and theibrake. pedal are interconnected and operate the cut-out; both act on expanding shoes in the large diameter rear-wheel drums, which are particularly wide. The steering is at the off side, as are the operating levers, of which there are two, one the aforementioned brake and the other the controller lever, which, when brought. right back by the depression of a special knob, brings the electric brake into action.