The Ford Converted
Page 77
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Into a Low-loading Vehicle
AS a result of numerous inquiries for low-loading vehicles, Alan Taylor and Co., Ltd., of 126, High Street, Wandsworth, London, S.W.18, has brought out the .A.,T. low-loader, which is illustrated on this page. The basis of the vehicle is the Ford latest-type 24 h.p. fourcylinder goods chassis, the only important change in which— in -order to secure a loading-platform level of 2 ft. 2 ins. above-the ground—is the adoption of small-diameter wheels. The steeripg gear-has also been, modified and brought forward in order to allow the driver's compartment to be located at the side instead of at the rear of the engine,• whilst a vacuum-tank petrol-supply system has been arranged.
With the object of securing greater load-carrying area, the chassis has been extended about 1 ft. 6 ins, at the rear. As will be seen from the picture the radiator is enclosed in a sheet-steel dash extending 'the full width' of the vehicle. All other details of the Ford chassis remain unaltered,and the electric starting and lighting equipment is retained.
Two models are being made—one designed to carry from 20 cwt. to 2 tons, and the other 2i tons, the ouly'difference being that for the heavier loads supplementary springs are fitted at the back. The road wheels are of the disc type, either 20 ins. or 22 ins, in diameter, and are shod with 31-in. tyres, twins being used at the rear.
We had a short run the other day on a demonstration vehicle, which is fitted with a plain platform body. This ' measures 5 ft. 7* ins, in width by 10 ft. 9 ins. in length, and does not overhang the end of the extended chassismember. Exhaustive test's with the vehicle have shown that the gear ratios. as provided by the standard gearbox and worm-driven aide of the Ford chassis are quite suitable for use with the low-loader. Indeed, Mr. Taylor demonstrated . to us that it is very rarely necessary to change down from fop gear, and that it is possible for the driver ' to step down and walkat the side of the vehicle when the latter is travelling slowly on. the top gear. An' type of body can be mounted and there is space on the near side of the power unit for a seat for the, driver's
• mate, this seat being equal in size and handiness for mounting and dismounting to that of the driver. Although only • lately introduced, we understand that the new vehicle has already met with a. favourable reception. The chassis ' prices are £270 for the 30-40-cwt. model, and £285 for the 2A-tonner.
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