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Answers to Queries.

2nd December 1909
Page 13
Page 13, 2nd December 1909 — Answers to Queries.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Wire a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is not specially made, any query ani answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks.

Excess-speed Alarms.

[1,506] " A.L.C." writes:" I should esteem it a great favour if you would give me particulars of an excess-speed register, for use on taxicabs, motorbuses, etc., which I believe has just been put on the market."

AsTsvvea.—We refer this correspondent to our issue of the 4th November.

Agricultural Motors Wanted.

[1,507] " LINCOLN " writes :--" Will you please tell us if the Ivel agricultural motor is still going, and if so who makes it ? Further, can you tell us if any other agricultural motor save Saunderson's is made in England?" ANSWER.—The address of Ivel Agricultural Motors, Ltd., is 46, Poland Street, W. In addition to H. P. Saunderson and Co., Ltd., of Elstow Works, Bedford, you should write to Marshall, Sons and Co., Ltd., of Gainsborough. An excellent agricultural and irrigation motor has also been constructed by Dennis Bros., Ltd., of Guildford.

A Converted Pleasure Car.

[1,508] " HOUSE FURNISHER " writes:—" I should be very much obliged if you would inform me if a 10-12-h.p. — four-seater would be capable of carrying 10 to 15 cwt., if it were transformed into a commercial car? Are these cars reliable?

ANSWER.—NO 10-11.p.-12-11.p. pleasure car would be suitable for so heavy a load as one of from 10 to 15 cwt. The imposition of such a load would break up any such ear in a few months at the most. The car might be suitable, if the gear can be reduced, and if it is in good order, for a total imposed load of from 8 to 10 cwt. including body and driver.

Liability for Snow-heaps.

[1,509] " %men " writes :—" Who is liable for damage done to a light van by a big snow-heap? I nearly had a bad smash this week, but the ' heap ' was not so bad as it may be later, or as others may become on roads I don't know."

ANSWER.—Facts, and the merits of each case, will count in all accidents of the kind. It has been held (Birmingham Summer Assizes, 1909, in Thomas v. Birmingham Corporation), by Mr. Justice Bray, that a snow-heap should be lighted "if it were daugerous." The plaintiff, who was driving home on the 1st January, 1909, ran into a heap of snow some 24 ft. high outside the Moseley-Road tramway depot. A lighted tramcar was near by at the time, and the heap was not far from a street-lamp, yet the Corporation lost the action, and paid £248 damages.

Petrol Lorries for Three or Four Tons.

[1,510] " J.1Ff." writes:—" May I ask if you will favour me with the following information : (1) what licences or fees are required for a 3-ton or 4-ton petrol lorry now ? (2) Is any alteration proposed by the Government in the near future? (3) Can you give me some idea of the cost per mile of running, and, if not too much trouble, how the cost is made up?"

ANswza.—(1) £1 on registration—not annual. (2) No imposition by way of carriage tax whatever, or any annual lump-sum tax, but a duty of 14d. per gallon net on the motor spirit used after the 31st December. (3) A maximum of 11.d. per mile, provided that you can run 2.50 miles per week tires, 2.25d.; fuel, 1.5d.; driver. 1.7d.; repairs, 1.25d.; oil, grease and sundry stores, .25d.; rent, rates, lighting, etc.., .45d.; insurance and contingencies, Id.; depreciation, Lid.; interest, .55d.; and management, Id. This comes to 11.0.5d. Typical Enquiry about Tires.

[1,511] " W.F.C." writes :—" Can you let me know tho best solid tires to run under a 30-cwt.-load van? Some time ago, I was recommended twin — and we have i

gone through two new pas in less than 7,000 miles. They are not at all satisfactory, and I thought of trying or —. Which are the best? A good deal of our load is on the back axle."

ANSWER.—Of the two tires you name we consider the

former is the better make, but there is not much to choose between the two, so long as you fit your wheels with a section large enough to take the weight of your vehicle. In this matter, you should be guided largely by the tire-makers, and fit whatever sections are recommended by their representatives. We note that you have been unfortunate in the use of

—tires, and we should say that it is quite probable that the failure of these tires has been due to the fitting of too small a section in the first place, although, of course, such a tire as the —, or any other moulded and clinched form of tire, although low in first cost, is by no means to be compared with band-section tires as regards life in service, and we think your decision to fit a higherpriced tire will be attended with satisfactory results. Front-wheel Driving.

[1,512] " STAFFORD " writes:" We have been listening and watching for any news about the — commercial vans and lorries. We are rather impressed with the principle of front-wheel drive, and understand that such a chassis is practically divided, the van or lorry part forming a trailer in practice? This being so, we should imagine there would be far less wear on tires, seeing that the hack wheels have to carry the load only, and not, to transmit any drive. Of course, the wear on the front wheels would be greater, but they carry the engine and forward end of the chassis only—quite a different thing to carrying a dead load and transmitting the drive, 28 in the usual practice. We would much appreciate any criticisms you may have to offer upon these vehicles, and, if

we may trespass so far, on the — steam wagon."

ANSW an.-We have not yet been afforded the opportunity to inspect and test -commercial vehicles, so we cannot give any opinion as the outcome of actual experience. The Latil system of front-wheel driving was certainly successful, but all front-wheel drives are not successful. The arrangement of the transmission is not a simple matter, owing to its being confined to the area immediately in proximity to the front axle, but, theoretically at least, there should be a saving in power and wear and tear.

As regards the — steam wagon, we are in possession of a number of highly-favourable reports upon that machine, and we have a high opinion of it.

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