Kirkstall Prepares for Heavy-duty Demands
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I ARGE-SCALE constructional pro1-1 jects in many parts of the world are likely to result in increasing demands for heavy-duty road vehicles of types with which British manufacturers have been successful in the past. The gathering tempo of civil-engineering projects, however, makes probable a call for yet greater capacities and, in readiness to meet the industry's demands in this connection, a special survey, of this sphere has recently been make by Kirkstall Forge Engineering, Ltd., Leeds, 5.
In consequence, models of two entirely new giant axles will be available for inspection in small scale form on the Kirkstall stand at the Commercial Motor Show at Earls Court.
The first is a new Kirkstall heavyduty front-wheel-drive axle which has been designed to give the best possible working life even when operating under adverse conditions. The components are designed to take a ground load of 10 tons and a tractive effort of around 20,000 lb.
Primary reduction is by means of robust 71-in.-centre worm gearing, which is readily removed. for servicing. Secondary reduction is by planetary gears in the wheel hubs. The hubs are mounted on ball and roller bearings and are arranged to carry 14.00-24-in, single tyres on 10.00-24-in. rims. They have a I0-in. by I-in.-diameter wheel-stud fixing. The axle width overall is 9 ft. 4 ins.
The drive to the wheel hubs is by constant-velocity universal joints and, because of the incorporation of hub gears, the torque loading in the universal joints is kept to a minimum. Cam brakes in drums 20 ins, in diameter and 6 tns, wide, operated by air-pressure cylinders, are fitted.
What will probably take pride of place as the biggest unit of its type to be made in Great Britain, is the new Kirkstail 25-ton rear axle.
The intention of this design is to provide for a ground load of 25 tons and a tractive effort of around 50,000 lb. The primary reduction is by 10-in.centre worm gearing.
Here, again, planetary gears in the wheel hubs give the secondary reduction, accessibility being a feature of the design. Hubs are of cast steel and are fitted with cleated rims that will accommodate, without alteration, either 27.00-33-in, single tyres or I8.00-33-in. twins.
in this case, the drums of the airpressure cam brakes are .26 ins, in diameter and 10 ins. wide.