Now a Ford D series model for 14 tons gross
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• At the Scottish Motor Show, which opens next Friday, the Ford Motor Co. Ltd. will be introducing an extension to its D Series range the D900 for operation at 14 tons gross. Five wheelbases provide for platform lengths from 14 to 25ft, and three tipper models are also offered for body lengths ranging from 10.2ft to 13.7511.
The chassis have the new Ford 380 cu.in. diesel (see page 23) which gives 127 bhp as standard with the turbocharged 360 cu.in. diesel 150 bhp as an option. In general the D900 follows the design of the D800 which is sold for a maximum gross weight of 13 tons and therefore bridges the gap between this model and the D1000 for 16 tons gross operation.
The wheelbase dimensions for the new model are:10ft, lift 2in.. 13ft, 15ft 2in. and 17ft 2in. Chassis suitable for tipper bodywork are obtainable with wheelbases of 9ft, 10ft and lift 2in., and a factory fitted 7 cu.yd. U-section or dropside tipper body is available for the 9ft wheelbase version.
The Ford 380 diesel, producing its 127 bhp gross (BS) at 2,800 rpm and 288 lb.ft. gross (BS) at 1,600 rpm, drives through a Turner five-speed synchromesh gearbox. The actual ratios in the box are varied according to the specification of engine and rear axle; the type number is .different if the turbocharged diesel is fitted or if a two-speed axle is specified instead of the standard single-speed. The turbocharged engine has a maximum output of 150 bhp at 2.400 rpm and maximum torque of 349 lb.ft. at 1,700 rpm.
The rear axle is the Ford 16C singlespeed spiral bevel unit as fitted to current D1000 models and the option is an Eaton 18802 two-speed. In both cases the axle is plated for 10 tons. The front axle used in the D900 is similar to that of the D1000, and with a plated weight of 5 tons there is tolerance for uneven loading within the 14-ton limit.
Rear suspension is by 15-leaf semielliptic springs and tippers are fitted as standard with a single-leaf helper spring instead of the four-leaf design previously used by Ford on heavy-duty tippers. The single-leaf helper springs are available as options on truck models. Standard on the tippers and optional on the trucks are lever-type rear dampers. The front springs have nine leaves on the trucks but 10 leaves, with a higher capacity, are fitted on the tippers. Telescopic dampers are standard in both cases.
Braking is by a dual-line air-assisted hydraulic system similar to that used on existing heavy D Series trucks. There is a dual actuator powering a tandem hydraulic system so that if one of the air circuits fails there is still half braking on both axles; if one hydraulic circuit fails, full braking remains on one axle. Two leadingshoe brakes are fitted all round, measuring 15.5in. by 6in., and a load sensing valve to reduce the effort of the rear brakes when running part laden or empty is standard on the 9ft wheelbase tipper. The design of handbrake introduced for the DT1500/ 1700 six-wheelers in August is employed on the D900 also, and this gives full power release as well as application. Air assistance is applied to the mechanical linkage of the single-pull handbrake through a diaphragm in the line.
A new-design chassis frame is introduced for the D900. It is of high tensile steel and of riveted construction and will be introduced also for the lighter D700, D750 and D800 models. Basic section in the case of the D900 is 9.58in. by 3.0in. by 0.25in. for chassis with wheelbases up to t3ft but the 15ft 2in. and 17ft 21n. chassis have side-members with a section of 10.5in. by 3.5in. by 0.276in. A heavy-duty riveted cross-member is fitted to the tippers at the rear end.
Worm and peg steering is employed on the new models with hydraulic power assistance standard. As an option to 10.00 — 20, 16-ply tyres, radial steel cord tyres of the same size or 11.00 — 20, 14-ply or RSC can be specified.
The standard fuel tank on truck models and the two longer wheelbase tippers has a capacity of 28ga1 with a 40gal tank an option, but the 9ft wheelbase tipper has a 33gal tank mounted at the rear of the frame. All models have a 12V negative earth electrical system with 120 amp/hr battery and 37amp alternator.
Cab options on the D900 follow the D Series pattern. Standard or "custom" trim is available and while a dual passenger seat is standard on trucks there is only a single seat for a passenger on the tippers. The cab tilts to 45deg for engine access.
Kerb weights quoted by Ford range from 3.85 tons to 4.05 tons for the truck models according to wheelbase and about 4 tons for the tipper chassis. And, although plated for 14 tons solo, the models will be plated for a gross train weight of 18.75 tons with the standard 380 cu.in. engine or 22 tons with the turbo-charged 360 cu.in. unit.