Hurtu Light Delivery Vans for 1914.
Page 14
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We gave publicity to a description of the Hurtu express delivery model in our issue of 5th June last year, with our customary readiness to keep our readers in touch with all types of machines well suited to their business requirements. It fell due, last week, to dispatch a representative to the sole English coneessionnaire of tins French-built model to talk over any possible recent developments.
The concern which_ is possessed of the selling rights of Hurtu productions, not only in England but also the Colonies, India, Japan and South America, is Ariel and General Repairs, Ltd., 322.4, Camberwell New Road, London, S.E.
The management, in response to inquiries, informed us that the sales for 1013 were very encouraging, and that tradesmen who had made a Hurtu choice spoke well as to the capabilities of the machine for affording speedy and economical delivery of goods.
The New Model is a 12 h.p. Machine.
It is also -interesting to record that, in addition to the 14 h.p. model, hitherto referred to, it has been decided to eater for a still lighter class of delivery by marketing a 12 h.p. machine. This model, it was found, has been designed and built on very similar lines to those of its slightly heavier prototype.
Upon inspection, the consttuetional features of this year's example of the 14 h.p. chassis proved, in the main, identical with those of 1913 models, which speaks well for the original design. There are but two modifications worth recording : one is that four travelling speeds are provided in place of three ; the other concerns the rear main suspension, for which half-elliptic snrings are now utilized instead of three-quarter. This construction is considered, and quite rightly, too, the type better suited for business machines of this class. Hurtu Features.
The chassis which has the 14 h.p. engine being, in principle, typical of both vehicles, it is only necessary for us to include particulars of that model. The four cylinders of the power unit are cast en bloc, and, with a bore of 75 mm. and stroke of 120 nun, the engine develops its power quite comfortably.
Conforming to alaiest universal practice, the valve-springs and tappet mechanism are enclosed, so that, not only are dust and dirt excluded, but it is easy for the driver to keep a clean engine with a minimum amount of labour. The camshaft and the magneto, which is a Bosch, are both driven through Coventry silent chains ; although the machines are moderatelypriced, provision is made for tappet adjustment.
The crankshaft revolves on three bearings ; this is a factor of no little importance as tending to eliminate whip likely to he set up on fast running engines. An efficient lubricating system is incorporated in which a pump forces oil to the main bearings, whilst the connecting-rod big ends are fed by the so lash method.
The cylinders are cooled through syphonie circulation, and /luau machines are distinctive on account of the Renault type of radiator which is mounted immediately in front of the Daimler form of dash.
That well-known and efficient make of carburetter, the Solex, is fitted as standard, and both foot accelerator and hand-operated throttle are included for controlling the engine.
Power is transmitted, through the ordinary construction of leather-to-metal cone clutch, to a four-speed gearbox, the inspection lid of which, it was noticeable, could not have been made larger ; it was, moreover, untrammelled by cross-shafts, brake-rods, etc.. Positioned behind the gearbox, and with very little overhang, are the foot-brake drum, of comparatively large diameter, and the universal joint with which the forward end of the propeller shaft is provided. The joint is wholly enclosed and easily supplied with lubricant.
The Back Axles are Well Built.
Final drive is effected by means of a bevel-gear set connected up to the floating type of differential shafts mounted in good stout castings which are bolted together at the differential ; the shafts run on D.W.F. ball bearings.
The remaining necessary braking accommodation is ensured by bolting pressed-steel drums on to the near road wheels, the internalexpanding shoes being operated by hand.
The main frame is built up with four transverse members well gusseted thereto ; the construction is of pressed-steel. Other important particulars concerning both models are as follow : -
10 h.p. chassis.—Wheelbase 8 ft. 4 ins, and track ft. 2 ins. Ground clearance 8 .ins. Length available for the body 7 ft. 1 in. Fitted with either wire or artillery pattern. wheels shod with 700 mm. by 100
Dimlops. The price is 1215. The machine is designed to carry loads of 10 cwt.
The 14 h.p, model has a wheelbase of 9 ft. and a track of 4 ft. 8 ins. ; it can accommodate a body 7 ft. 9 ins, in length. In this instance the tire dimensions are 760 mm. by 90 ram. and the chassis selling price is 2245, and useful loads up to 12 ewt. can be carried. It has to be noted that these prices include two side lamps, horn, jack, tire inflator and kit of tools.
The Concern can Carry Out all Kinds of Repair Work.
In addition to the selling of both pleasure and business machines, this undertaking is in a position satisfactorily to carry out repairs and overhauls to all types of vehicles, accessories such as lamps, radiators, tanks, mudguards, etc. Before leaving the establishment, we were interested to make a tour round the workshops, and there saw gear-cutting, planing, splining, cylinder and crankshaft grindingplant in full operation. A large number of patterns, stored and in the finishing, indicated that many alterations of considerable importance are entrusted to this concern by engine and chassis builders.
A large stock of piston patterns is kept., so that there is little delay in ordering new pistons for engines of various sizes sent in to have cylinders re-bored. In a well-equipped body-building department a noticeable feature was the torpedo and hex-van types of bodies being put through.