AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

n SURREY ROADS High Power-weight Ratio of a Recently Introduced

7th July 1933, Page 63
7th July 1933
Page 63
Page 62
Page 64
Page 63, 7th July 1933 — n SURREY ROADS High Power-weight Ratio of a Recently Introduced
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Inexpensive 2-tonner Affords Good Acceleration and Hill-climbing. An Economical Machine that Should Make a Strong Appeal to

Agriculturists and Rural Operators

AMONGST the most recent additions to the popular 24on class of vehicle are the new Surrey Dodge long and short-wheelbase models, which, with the 30-cwt. model, were fully described, on their inception, in The Commercial Motor dated May 12. Offered by Dodge Brothers (Britain), „Ltd„ these machines are made, with the exception of their engines and gearboxes, at the Dodge works at Kew, Surrey, and can, therefore, claim to be more British than American.

We recently carried out a road test of a 2-ton long-wheelbase model fully equipped as a drop-sided lorry, and formed the opinion that it embodies the qualities on which the reputation of the earlier Dodge Brothers' vehicles was built, together with the advances that have been made in commercial-vehicle design and construction, bringing it into line with modern practice.

Our test showed it to be a lorry with a remarkable top-gear performance, to have hill-climbing powers that. should enable it, without effort, to put up a high average speed over main roads, and to go anywhere where wheel grip is afforded, to possess a turn of speed to satisfy any reasonable demands, to be capable of operating economically in respect of fuel consumption and Di a i nt en once, and to be equipped with certain detail refinements that contribute towards safety and driving comfort.

These characteristics should, unquestionably, make a strong appeal. to the farmer, the country haulier or the tradesman in a rural .district where conditions may be severer than in more thickly populated territory, and where there may be much rough going and formidable hills.

Exacting Consumption Test.

On a protracted consumption test some 45 miles were covered at cruising speeds ranging from 30 m.p.h. to 40 m.p.h., including a short spell at nearer 50 m.p.h. than 40 m.p.h. Much traffic work and the ascent and descent of a long gradient, at one time regarded by sporting motorists as a test hill, were included in this run, during which just over four gallons of petrol were used, the exact consumption figure being 11 m.p.g.

In view of the severity of the route, the number of stops and the amount of traffic, this may be regarded as substantiating the makers' claim of 14 m.p.g., which, we understand, and have reason to believe, is easily obtained on straightforward roads. The car buretter settings were as follow :— Choke, 31; main, 150 by 51; pilot, .060; starter petrol jet, 140; air jet, 3.

Threading our way through the network of roads between the Dodge works and the Portsmouth toad where it crosses Wimbledon Common, we stru. k Kingston by-pass and followed it to the "Ace of Spades," whence by way of Leatherhead and Micklehain we arrived at Burford Bridge. Here we turned to the right, passing Box Hill Station, and climbing steadily along the narrow Bookham Road until we reached the Ranmore turning. Having rounded this, we were faced with a long, stiff ascent, culminating In the hairpin bend leading on to Ranmore Common, on which the gradient Is about 1 in 5.

No Over-heating.

The third gear which had been used for the approach proved too high for the final stretch, but the Surrey Dodge completed the climb in second gear with power in hand, maintaining a speed of about 12 m.p.h. to the summit. In spite of a shade temperature of over 70 degrees F., and a blazing midsummer sun, the engine kept remarkably cool, a thermometer inserted into the radiator registering not more than 180 degrees F. immediately after the machine had crested the hill.

There are numerous minor hills on this route, but, elcept where traffic conditions reduced our speed, all were negotiated in third or top gear, which, incidentally, are fairly close ratios, and can be engaged with such consummate ease that one is often tempted to change down when to do so is unnecessary.

Those who know the road will appreciate the fact that we made the climb out of Leatherhead on the return journey in top gear at 24 m.p.h. Prior to this long run, we had tried the Surrey Dodge on the hill from Petersham to Richmond Park Gates, Richmond. This had been surmounted easily in second gear, the one-third of a mite

being covered in 1 min. 10 secs.; that is to say, about 17 m.p.h., the minimum speed being 14 m.p.h.

A feature of the acceleration, shown graphically by the accompanying curves, is the flexibility of the vehicle. The combination of high torque at low engine speed and comparatively low back-axle ratio resulted in an unusually rapid getaway from 10 m.p.h. The moderately high third ratio was responsible for a momentary splutter from the carburetter as the driver's foot went down at the commencement of our acceleration test from 5 m.p.h. Nevertheless, the engine picked up again instantly and the speed rapidly mounted.

The Commercial Motor's system of testing brakes consists of measuring the distance required to pull up from each of a series of speeds. It often occupies a long period, there being two or more brakes to test separately and together. On the Surrey Dodge, however, the hand brake is purely for parking, starting up hills and emergency use. Working on the transmission, it is undoubtedly effective, but is neither intended nor suitable for regular use.

Adequate Braking.

The foot brake is the service brake. Our accustomed labours, therefore, were lessened. Employing the Lockheed system, and operating, of course, on all four wheels, the foot brake is entirely adequate alone, as the accompanying brake graph goes to show.

• Much attention has been paid to driving comfort, as mentioned

earlier. The seat cushion is unusually well sprung, the doors are fitted with winding windows, whilst all controls are well placed and extremely light in operation.

A detail of the equipment worthy of mention is the dimming switch operated by the side of the driver's n40 right leg, so that neither hand nor foot need be removed from another control just at a moment when it probably can ill be spared. Another Is the provision on the instrument panel of a petrol gauge, a third, the recessing of the horn button in the top of the steering-wheel boss so that that Irritating annoyance— sounding the horn accidentally—is prevented, and yet a fourth, the provision of locks incorporated in the car-type handles of the cab doors.

There is no need again to describe the layout and details of the chassis, for they were dealt with fully in our issue dated May 12 last. The main particulars are contained in the accompanying specification panel, and the dimensions of the complete vehicle are given in a diagram.

The Range of Models.

It should be noted, however, that the Surrey Dodge range includes three chassis—the 30-cwt. and the long and short-wheelbase 2-tonners. Each Is available with a standard lorry body. The 30-cwt. and shortwheelbase 2-ton chassis are produced as orthodox vans, and the longwheelbase 2-tonner as a Luton-type van. The last-named chassis (the actual model tested) can also be obtained as a cattle truck, whilst the two smaller chassis are marketed with hand-tipping bodies. Special bodies are built to suit requirements.

A word should be included on the way the machine handles on the road. Apart from its performance, It is easily controllable and light to steer, whilst the driving position and the attention that has been paid to the driver's comfort should minimize the fatigue produced by long spells at the wheel. Undoubtedly excellent value for money, these new Surrey Dodges are already attracting keen interest, and in service they should gain a reputation that will bring them still more before the eyes of those seeking efficient, economical and dependable transport media.

Tags

People: Choke
Locations: Kingston, Surrey, Portsmouth

comments powered by Disqus