Liberty Introduces a Large Six-wheeler

5th November 1929, Page 172

5th November 1929

Page 172

Page 172, 5th November 1929 — Liberty Introduces a Large Six-wheeler

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AAIONG the many new vehicles of large pay-load capecity to be seen at Olympia this week will be the Liberty rigid six-wheeler for 12-ton loads. This is a massive machine shod with 42-in. by 9-in. tyres, those on the wheels of the bogie being dual.

Drive is taken only to the forward axle of the bogie, the ear axle being of the dead type. A pair of semi-elliptic Jprings is used for each axle of the bogie. The foremost hackle pins are of the fixed type, whilst the other three spring-mounting points on each side are free th move longitudinally. The rear ends of the forward pair of springs are connected to the front ends of the rear pair by means of balance beams working on pivots which are coupled laterally by a tubular cross-member. Oil reservoirs are used for the shackle pins and balance beams.

The driven axle is of the overhead-worm type and is located by the semi-elliptic springs which take both the torque and the drive. The dead axle—as its springs have no positive location—is positioned by two hinged radius members.

Braking, so far as the pedal-operated set is concerned, is on the front wheels and on the forward wheels of the bogie, a servo mechanism being used. The hand lever operates a separate get-of shoes in the drums on thb driven axle.

A 40 h.u. four-cylindered engine is used. This has the u42

cylinders cast in pairs with detachable heads; the block: is bolted to the crankcase. Cooling is by pump circulation and both coil and magneto ignition are installed.. The drive is through a multiple-disc dry-plate cluteh to an eight-speed gearbox, whieh is suspended from brackets on the frame and a pressed-steel cross-member.

Leading dimensions are as follow :—Wheelbase, 19 ft. 2 ins. ; front track, 5 ft. ; load capacity 12 tons. Bumpers are fitted fore and aft; these are of the wood-block type and those at the front are spring mounted, whilst the radiator is protected by a massive guard.

The chassis frame is horizontal throughout and parallel in plan. Pressed-steel cross-members are used, and that which closes the rear end of the frame is particularly massive as n towing hook is installed. To distribute the load imposed by this hook diagonal bracing members run from the rearmost cross-members to the frame side-Members. .Particular attention has been Paid to the lateral stiffening Of the frame at the anchorates of the springs.