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Answers to Queries.

8th August 1907, Page 18
8th August 1907
Page 18
Page 18, 8th August 1907 — Answers to Queries.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction OY use of commercial motors. Where

a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed f a request for Privacy is not specially made, say

query and answer may be published.

Value of Leather Covers.

".T.P." [1293].—The leather covers fitted over the joints of the steering gear are very necessary, as they prevent dust and dirt from finding a lodgment upon the working faces, thus giving a considerably longer life to those points. If the holes are oval, they should be carefully reamered out, and correctly-fitting steel pins inserted. Keep the joints well lubricated, and covered with a leather jacket, and an improvement on the past state of things will result.

Spring Wheels.

" W.R." 11[294] writes :—" Can you tell me if spring wheels fitted with solid tires are more economical than pneumatic tires for van work?"

ANSWER.—Solid tires in themselves are more economical than pneumatic tires for such hard service as that which the majority of vans have to do. Numerous spring wheels have been patented, and much ingenuity has been expended upon the many designs. They all, unfortunately, possess one serious fault, viz., the inability properly to perform the required work under a varying load. This, taken into conjunction with the relatively high number of working parts, makes the cost of upkeep of most of the designs upon the market prohibitive. Others are still undergoing trial, Size of Steering Wheels.

" R.T.S." 112951 writes :—" I am about to buy a light delivery van, and have brought down the number of the makers which turn out a vehicle suited to my requirements to two. The point I want your advice upon is whether the front wheels should be of equal diameter with the back ones, or, is it preferable to have the leading wheels slightly smaller than the back ones?"

ANSWER.—Given a chassis with straight side members. small front wheels generally allow an increase in the angle of available lock, and this feature is, of course, useful when the vehicle has to travel along narrow streets, or in thick traffic. Small front wheels are supposed to make for slightly lighter steering, but this is a minor advantage on a van. If the two vehicles are of equally good design, we should advise you to make your choice apart from any differences in wheel diameters, unless pneumatic tires are used. In the latter event, it saves trouble in respect of " spares," and allows partially-worn tires from the back wheels to be worn down still further on the front wheels, if all sizes are the same.

No Expensive Stabling.

" S.M." [12961 writes :—" I have just bought a light delivery van, and this is at present stabled in a shed having a wooden floor. I may purchase other vehicles in the future, so I shall be glad of a hint or two from you before putting the matter of the erection of a shed in local hands,"

ANswEa.--The building can be cheaply constructed from galvanised iron, and lined with match-boarding. The door should be made of concrete, and sloped from the walls to a central gutter. An inspection pit 6 feet long, 3 feet 6 inches or 4 feet deep, and 3 feet wide, would be a convenience.

Unladen Weight.

" Builder "[1297] writes :—" We shall be glad if you will kindly inform us what position is being taken up generally by registering authorities, with respect to accessories fitted to steam wagons or steam tractors, such as awnings over the engine, auxiliary water tanks, special bodies, etc., all of which, necessarily, if included in the unladen weight, bring the majority of heavy motor vehicles over the limit of 5 tons unladen. We believe that fittings and accessories such as are not essential to the proper working of the motorcar are generally admitted as a portion of the load, but we should like to have any information you can give us on this subject."

ANSWER.—The circular letter of the Local Government Board, which covered the issue of the Heavy Motorcar Order, does recommend local authorities to make allowances at its discretion. Mr. Staplee Firth had a case, in the Lake District, in which he proved that both the boilers and the water tanks of certain steam lorries were " accumulators," but every authority seems to take its own view of the subject. Your best course is to send any machines to be weighed and registered in a stripped condition, but yet in a state when they can properly run on the road. Once each obtains a registration certificate, provided you do not run the axleweight up unduly so as to be illegal, which is practically out of the question with a tractor, no further trouble should arise, as there is no further power under the Acts or Orders to allow anybody to check the unladen weight.

Tags

Organisations: Local Government Board
People: Staplee Firth

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