Seddon fitting Gardner 8
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• Gardner 8LXI3 engines are now being offered by Seddon Motors Ltd for installation in its four-wheeled artic tractor range. The engine is being fitted for the first time in a derated form, developing 200 bhp (instead of 240) at 1850 rpm and -a maximum torque of 575 lb-ft at 1150 rpm. Behind the straight-eight Gardner engine is fitted the new David Brown 06-600 gearbox (CM. June 4). The drive is then taken via a Hardy Spicer 1700 series propeller shaft to Seddon's own hub-reduction driving axle. The 8LXB-engined tractive units will have a 15in. Borg and Beck twin-plate clutch, affording faster gearchanges through lower inertia.
It has not been necessary to extend the chassis in order to accommodate the long in-line diesel; the wheelbase remains at 9ft 6in., as on Seddon's 6LX13 and Rolls-Royce-powered tractors. The rear face of the cylinder block does, however, protrude 16111. behind the rear panel of the cab, so that swing clearance problems could arise on semi-trailers of 40ft length or over.
First of the new Seddons to be completed is for bulk liquid haulage work with Bulwark Transport Ltd, of Chippenham, Wilts. Trailer length is no problem with Bulwark so that the front overhang ahead of the kingpin can be kept down sufficiently to ensure adequate clearance between cylinder-block and the tank's dished end.
Estimated weight of the tractor in standard trim is 5 tons 5cwt, and the unit is listed at £.6750. Seddon is looking at the possible installation of the fully-rated 8LXB engine, although it would involve the use of either a Fuller, or the new David Brown 8-750, gearbox.