NOW A CRANE CARRIER FROM ATKINSON
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THE first of a new design of crane-carrier Achassis with low-level cab set forward of the engine and front axle has just been completed by Atkinson Vehicles Ltd. Models to the same general design are offered by vehicle manufacturers already, including Fodens and a Continental maker, and the Atkinson—designated model No. MEC 2568PA—has been built to an operator's specification. Tests have proved satisfactory and the model has been added to the Atkinson range of chassis.
Power is provided by a Perkins V8.510, 170 b.h.p. diesel and is transmitted through a 14 in. clutch to an ENV 542 cm. five-speed constant mesh gearbox which drives through a Fuller auxiliary gearbox mounted midway along the chassis. The six-wheeler has a Kirkstall doubledrive rear bogie with worm-drive axles having
ratios of 9.66 to 1. Suspension is by semi-elliptic springs at the front while the rear bogie has solid equalizing beams. The frame is heavily reinforced, the main members being 21 in. by 8.25 in. RS.T.
Braking is by an air-pressure system with dual-diaphragm actuators at all wheels. The footbrake operates one set of diaphragms while the second diaphragms are brought into use by a dash-mounted hand-control valve. There is a normal ratchet-type mechanical handbrake and the front brakes measure 16.5 in. by 6 in. with the rears 15.5 in. by 8 in.
Minus crane, unladen weight is 12 tons 10 cwt, on a 15 ft. 9 in. wheelbase. The crane fitted to the first chassis had a maximum lift of 25 tons at loft. radius and retractable outriggers were supplied to extend to 14 ft. centres.