4x4 Transit from County
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Toby Clark • County Tractors has released its 4x4 conversion of the independent-suspension Ford Transit. The new model, available to order through Transit dealers, adds about £7,850 (exVAT) to the cost of a Transit 190 van.
Since Ford ceased development of its own 4x4 Transit it has lent support to County, whose conversion comes with full Type Approval and a Fordbacked warranty.
County takes a fullyassembled Transit 190 and raises its body by around 200mm, fitting a new crossmember and suspension struts to the front of the chassis and a subfranrie to the rear. An epicyclic transfer box (from US Chrysler subsidiary New Process) is mounted to County's replacement rear gearbox half, which allows for a power take-off. Drive goes to the front wheels via an electrically operated clutch and a Countydesigned front axle.
The high-rise County Transit is intended as a capable off-roader, with much more ground clearance than production-line rivals such as VW's Transporter Syncro or the Peugeot Talbot/ Fiat Sevel 4x4, but County claims that the new independent front suspension gives it equally acceptable on-road manners. Most operators, they say, will spend 90% of their time on the road— utility companies and local authorities are their largest customers.
Fleet users should be attracted to the County conversion for several reasons: its load volume compared with traditional of f-roaders such as the Land Rover; its commonality with existing Transits, for example gearbox ratios, which are un-changed; and the ease of fitting it out. The only penalty, apart from cost, is an increase of 215kg in kerbweight; the turbo-diesel variant would then offer a payload of 1,450kg.
CM has driven both diesel and turbo-diesel 4x4 Transits. It was certainly easy to drive on the paved track, feeling much like the standard model but for its Ford SVO mud & snow tyres. Off the road, a separate gear lever engages high or low ratio fourwheel-drive, while the front axle drive must be switched on. Soft mud and severe gradients did nothing to stop the County. It lacks differential locks, a surprising omission, but it seemed capable enough in slippery conditions. Quaife limited-slip differentials are optional front and rear.
The low-ratio gearing (a reduction of 2.72:1) provided welcome engine braking. Ground clearance felt adequate with quoted approach and departure angles of 46° and 48°. Loading height has been raised to 922mm.
County is currently offering the van conversion in petrol, diesel and turbodiesel forms. The chassiscab will be introduced next year, but will be available only with the naturally aspirated diesel.
Five conversions per week are coming off County's production lines.