Lyka conversions on SA 400-Series
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HE FIRST of a new tandemeered 38-tonne conversion for eddon Atkinson 400-Series active units has been de'loped by Preston engineers rka in association with the anufacturer.
It incorporates a chassis (tension and the addition of a Dsitively-steered air-sprung de ahead of the drive axle.
Two wheelbase options are /ailable, 3.8m (12ft 6in) or 3.5m 1ft 6in). The longer version lows the vehicle to be uprated a maximum gross tractive lit weight of 22.36 tonne while e shorter wheelbase is resicted to 20.33 tonne gtw, but is iid to provide more flexibility r it to couple to trailers with a loft kingpin overhang.
In long wheelbase sleeper cab rm, the tractive unit weighs )proximately 7.9 tonne ready r the road, including fifth heel and fuel. The shorter veron weighs slightly less. Suspension for the extra axle consists of air bags mounted at the end of quarter-elliptic leaf springs, while air pressure is governed to a maximum 80psi by a loading-sensing valve located in the steered axle's shock absorber mountings. This limits the weight carried on the axle to 6.1 tonne. To allow the driver to improve traction on the drive axle under light load, a valve is provided in the cab which lets him release pressure in the air springs.
Lyka has left the price competitive by allowing the operator to supply his own new or reconditioned second-steering axle. A conversion kit without the extra axle and wheels costs just £2,000 whereas a conversion carried out by Lyka would cost around £4,000 which includes a reconditioned steering axle.
The shorter wheelbase version is more expensive because it involves repositioning the silencer.
A low-cost conversion package is also planned by Lyka for Seddon Atkinson 401-Series.