A.E.C. Goods Models Reduced in Weight
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ALL models in the range of goods chassis manufactured by the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Southall, Middlesex, are now offered in a redesigned form with increased load capacities and reduced weights. Bearing the same names as their predecessors, the models in the Mark II range, as it is to be called, are the Mammoth Major eight-wheelers and six-wheelers, the Matador, the Monarch and the Mercury.
The eight-wheeler, formerly in the 7-ton taxation class, now has an unladen weight not exceeding 6 tons, whilst its load capacity has been raised from 132 tons to 151 tons. Now permitted to carry 13i tons, instead of 111 tons. the six-wheeler has been lightened to come within the 6-ton category. The Matador Mark II has an unladen weight of less than 4 tons, and a pay-load of 71 tons—nearly a ton more than its predecessor.
The latest Monarch weighs under 4 tons and has a rated pay-load of 71 tons, whilst, without modification this model may be equipped with tipping gear. The corresponding figures for the Mercury are not yet available. In effecting these alterations, the A.E.C. concern has achieved a combination of weight reduction with high carrying capacity that must nearly approach the practicable maximum consistent with the company's standard of efficiency in respect of performance and durability. The B30 use of lighter frames and suspension systems is responsible for a big proportion of the weight saved.
The redesigned engines and back axles are considerably lighter than. those of the earlier type, and in numerous details, weight economies have been effected, as, for example, in the employment of cylindrical fuel tanks, and of localized electrical gear by means of the concern's new control panel, which was described in our issue dated March 15 last.
In the Matador, Mammoth Major and Mammoth Major 8 models, the new A.E.C.-Ricardo six-cylindered oil engines are installed. These have a capacity of 7.58 litres, and their design, which is the outcome of a long period of development of the type, from experience gained in research and in actual operation, affords robust construction and a high power-to-weight ratio. The maximum output of this engine is 115 b.h.p., whilst its weight with flywheel, starter and dynamo is under 11 cwt. It resembles the well-known earlier power units in respect of the lead-bronze big-end and main bearings, the large-diameter crankshaft journals, the short-push-rod valve gear, and full pressure lubrication system.
A Re-designed Major Component.
The new rear axle used on these three models has been evolved from that previously employed on Mammoth Majors. It is of the bevel type incorporating a doublereduction gear and fully floating shafts. The casing is a one-piece nickel-steel forging.
On the six-wheelers and eight-wheelers, the rear bogie is of the type in which a pair of semi-elliptic springs is used for each axle. The springs are of ample length and those on each side have their adjacent ends attached to a balance bar.
The following is a summary of the main changes effected to each model individually.
In the case of the Monarch, a four-cylindered engine, of 120-mm. bore, replaces the former 108-mm.-bore power unit, whilst hydraulic brakes are now used instead of zr mechanically operated system.
The Matador now has the new six-cylindered engine, with 105-mm. bore and 146-mm. stroke, in place of the fourcylindered 120-mm.-bore unit, the new light rear axle and hydraulic brakes. Previously incorporating 115-mm.-bore power units, the Mammoth Major and the Mammoth Major 8 chassis now have the new lighter engines, back axles and bogies. The hydraulic braking system on these models is as before. With regard to the Mercury, this model is equipped with a 108-min.-bore engine, semi-floating-type axle, and brakes on only the rear wheels.
The wheelbase-lengths available in each case are given below with the corresponding body space in brackets. Monarch and Matador: standard, 14 ft. 7 ins, (17 ft.) ; short, 12 ft, 1 in. (13 ft.) ; long, 19 ft. 7 ins. (20 ft.). Mammoth Major : standard, 16 ft. 91 ins. (22 ft.) ;. short, 1.4 ft. 61 ins. (19 ft.) ; long, 18 ft. 91 ins. (24 ft. 6 ins.). Mammoth Major 8: standard, 17 ft. 91 ins. (22 ft. 6 ins.).