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TEAR WITH NEW RANGE Four New Models in a Variety of Wheelbase Lengths for Pay-loads Ranging from 50 cwt. to 5 tons and All Within the 3 o m.p.h. Class Wni the New Year comes a new range of goods chassis from Gamer Motors, Ltd., North Acton Road, London, N.W.10. It comprises four models, a 50-cwt. machine, a 3-tonner, a 4-tonner and a 5-tonaer. The chassis prices of these with petrol engines are, respectively, £355, £385, 435 and £490, whilst the two larger vehicles will be fisted with Perkins P 6 oil engines as alternative power units.
• We understand that even the largest. oiler, with a drop-sided lorry body, will not exceed 50 cwt. unladen.
Each model will be available in a number of wheelbase lengths, four in the case of the 50-cwt.-4-ton machines and three in the case of the 5-tOnner.
The figures are common to the first group, and are as follow, with the coriesponding recommended body lengths given in parentheses :-7 ft. 5 ins. (9 ft. 4 ins.); 9 ft. 3 ins. (12 ft.), 11 ft. 1 in. (14 ft.), 12 ft. 11 ins. (16 ft.). For bulky loads, bodies measuring, respectively, 9 ft. S ins., 12 ft. 3A ins., 14 ft. 1.0i ins. and 17 ft_ 6 ins. may be
carried without the legal maximum being exceeded.
The corresponding wheelbase and recommended body dimensions. for the 5-tonner are 10 ft. 04 in. (11 ft, 101 ins,), 11 ft. 9.ins, (14 ft. 31 ins.) and 13 ft. 81 ins, (17 ft. 04 in.).
No drastic changes have been made to the general design of these chassis, but, as each model has now a higher rating than its respective prototype, steps have been taken to increase their carrying capacities. These' measures include the use of stouter frame members, stiffer springs and sturdier axles, whilst we understand that an adjustment will be made to the choice of final-drive ratios offered.
All the special features, that have been largely responsible for the popularity Garners have gained among those operators who use them, are retained.
Whilst the 5-ton model has a mesh radiator grille and flat front, the others have V-shaped fronts and grilles of the horizontal slatted type. The cabs are of a new design and a good impression of their pleasing appearance can be gained from our illustration of a 4-ton short-wheelbase lorry, equipped with Wood hydraulic tipping gear. This is finished in light and dark blue and is, undoubtedly, a smart vehicle.
It will be noticed from this picture that a handle is now provided on both sides of the cab to facilitate entry and exit. In a recent road-test report of the predecessor of this model we remarked that there was a definite need for such a fitment.
As the 4-tonner may he regarded as typical of the range, we willbriefly run through the 'specification of this model. It has a frame incorporating straight tapering longitudinals, measuring, in section, at the deepest part, ins. by 2+ ins., by -r5gin and well braced by an adequate number (varying according to the wheelbase) of
cross-members. '
That which carries the rear-spring sliding ends is bolted on under the sidemembers to which it is strongly gusseted, and extends beyond them, thus constituting an extremely sound support. Throughout the frame bolted joints are used exclusively.
Developing 65 b.h.p. at 2000, r.p.m., the power unit, which is common to all models, has six cylinders measuring n ins. (85.72 mm,) by 4 ins. (104.77 mm.) giving a total piston displacement of 3.621 litres. Side valves are employed,-the pistons are of cast iron and oil is fed under pressure to the main, big-end, camshaft and
idler-wheel bearings. The crankshaft is
211 ins, in diameter. "
A'pump is included in the cooling system, ample provision is made for properly cooling the valve ports and the cylinder barrels have full-length jackets. Economical running is promoted by the manifold design, which incorporates a hot-spot, and the combustion chamber which affords controlled turbulence.
Much interest attaches to the mounting of the engine. Normally insulated from the frame by rubber pads, the unit is carried at the front, centrally, on a 'tubular cross-member, which is easily detachable, distance pieces being provided at both ends. At the rear, there are brackets, extending from the engine feet, which are equipped With rollers. When the securing bolts have" been removed, these rollers rest on the frame and enable the unit, complete with 'radiator and gearbox, to be run forwards without difficulty.
Equipment includes an automatic advance and retard mechanism, 12-volt dynamo and Exide battery. .
Behind the engine is a Borg and Beck 11-M. ventilated clutch, Operated by an ingenious but simple control of Garner design. This incorporates .an easy adjustment. A graphite-lubricated bearing -transmits the thrust.
Having a silent third gear, the .gearbox provides four ratios of 7.3, 3.3, 1.84 and 1 to 1, reverse being 10.4 to 1. All gears are ground, as are the splines, after hardening. The shafts are short and stiff and the bearings and wheela of ample dimensions. There ate .pow-ertake-off openings on both sides, Power is transmitted by Layrub jointed shafting, a.self-aligning bearing, carried under the centre cross-member, being employed in the case of the longer machincis;
Of, the spiral-bevel type the rear axle has • fully floating half shafts: The casing is a sturdy one-piece pressing of
special steel. It is 'possible to withdraw the whole final:drive.assenibly, as a unit, Timken tapered-roller bearings are used throughout, also for the hubs, and the pinion is straddle mounted.
Of girder section, the. front axle is also substantial, and the hubs again run on Timken bearings. The design is quite Conventional. Manes Weller steering gear is used.
• As in the past, no shackles are employed on the suspension system; instead, there are rollers bearing upon the spring ends, which work in guides having hardened-steel side plates which can be adjusted to eliminate side play.
Working in chrome cast-iron drums, the brake shoes are expanded by the Lockheed hydraulic system, an F. and J. latest-type vacuum-servo bellows amplifying the power imparted by the pedal to the master cylinder.
Pivoted on a bracket bolted to the frame, the hand-brake lever operates the rear brakes through the medium of a short cross-shaft carried on the cross-member in front of the rear axle.
In standard form, the wheels are -shod with 32 by 6 heairy-duty tyres, Mit on the model under consideration 34 ,by 7 tyres can be used, :Low-pressure tyres will probably also be offered • Reverting to the cab,the driver's accommodation is comfortable and his = position affords a particularly good outlook. Extra space has been gained by using a specially large front-wheel track and by off-setting -the power unit
by 11 ins, to the, left. As in the past, 'the arrangement Of swinging wings and removable boards to give eaSy ácecas tb the-enginels continued. Both the cab and the standard bodywork are products of the Garner company.