• Home
• Used vehicles
• Product news
• Dealer news
• Compliance
• Buying advice
• Archive

On the components scene

NAME ANY COMPONENT and it's a fair bet that it will be on somebody's stand at Earls Court — that is, if you can find it. Because some developments are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, they are not easy to spot.

In this components preview, based on information supplied by the companies concerned, we have tried to pick out the main component features or improvements that will interest the big fleet operator and the owner-driver alike.

On the engine front Perkins Engine Co (stand 296) will be showing, for the first time at Earls Court, the automotive version of the 8.8-litre V8 540 diesel engine. It is similar to the smaller capacity V8 510 unit and has the same bore but a longer stroke.

The V8 540 engine develops 134kW (180bhp) gross BS AU 141a at 2,60Orprn and maximum gross torque is 556Nm. (4101bft) at 1,650rpm. Net output is sufficient to drive vehicles with a gross weight of 24.4 tonnes (24 tons) within the 4.4kW per. tonne (6 bhp per ton) power-to-weight-ratio requirement.

Other changes from the V8510 engine include new alloy pistons and connecting rods, fully heat-treated crankshaft, high-strength crankcase and highdurability steel-alloy inlet valves.

Close scrutiny of the 14-litre and 12.2litre diesel engines, which are popularly fitted to heavier UK chassis, is invited by Cummins Engine Co Ltd (stand 289). Units on display will include the NHC 250 naturally aspirated and the NTC 335 turbocharged versions of the 14litre big bore engine. An in-line sixcylinder unit, the 14-litre engine can achieve, with turbocharging, power outputs up to 298kW (400 bhp), and lesser powered versions can be specified for the new ERF, Foden and Seddon vehicles. An exploded component display of the 14-litre engine and the smaller capacity NH220 naturally aspirated six-cylinder in-line engine will also be on the stand.

Apart from its 6DA air-cooled engine Dorman Diesels Ltd (stand no 244) will be showing its 8JT and 8FT watercooled V8 engines. Both are turbo charged; the former, a 13.3-litre unit is rated at 246kW (330 bhp) gross at 2,200 rev/ min, and the latter a 9.1-litre engine, has a maximum rating of 18kW (242 bhp) gross at 2,500 rev/ min. The 6.2-litre air-cooled in-line unit is naturally aspirated and has a gross rating of 79kW (103 bhp) at 2,500 rev/ min.

Clutch life

Retail delivery fleet managers interested in extending useful clutch life should see the new Lipe-Rollway Hydraseal clutch unit on stand 247. It is a heavy-duty oil-sealed unit suitable for town delivery "stop-start" work and for most types of on-highway application. A 330 mm (13 in) twin-plate unit will be shown though several other sizes and capacity units will be available in the near future. Life expectancy of the clutch has been shown to be about one million miles for on-highway use.

Another welcome feature for maintenance staff is that both the 355mm (14in) and 393mm (15.5in) diameter current clutches now have automatic self-adjust control. Once the clutch is correctly installed, at the production stage, the self-adjust mechanism will maintain the necessary clearance settings.

A strong indication of the trend toward torque converter application for heavy goods vehicles is shown by two companies with new torque converter models, Brockhouse Engineering Ltd (stand no 234) will display a new lightweight design of its TCL converter range. The company considers the unit suitable for both on and off-highway applications when used in conjunction with conventional manual-shift gearboxes and engines with power outputs up to 127kW (170 bhp).

The unit features an electronically operated hydraulic lock-up system and has the facility for a 52kW (70 bhp) power take-off. The converter offers high starting torques and, apart from cushioning the transmission from harsh impact loads, it reduces gearchange frequency and eliminates engine stall, claims the company.

The TCL 17 converter currently fitted to vehicles up to 24.4 tonnes (24 tons) gvw will be seen in cut-away form.

The torque converter from Bristol Diecasting Co Ltd (stand 208) can be applied to any commercial vehicle at half the cost of existing automatic transmissions, says the company.

Tests have shown that when fitted to private cars the ACT converter, as it is called, offers fuel savings of as much as 20 per cent over conventional threespeed automatic transmissions.

The secret of the success of this unit, is its 5 to 1 stall torque ratio. A circulatory turbine, a fourth element on the converter system, is placed between the impellor and the main turbine. It runs at a slower speed that the impellor for wide input/output ratio and at a higher speed that the impellor at close ratios. The high torque multiplication enables the engine to run at a near constant speed under differing load and road speed conditions and thus give good fuel economy figures.

Two models will be on the stand, a three-speed unit rated to 1,491Nm (1,100Ibft) and a two-speed unit rated to 305Nm (225113ft) and specified for off-highway plant.

Moving into top gear, the Turner Manufacturing Co Ltd (stand 265) will be showing examples of the M-series range of synchromesh transmissions for commercial vehicles. The gearboxes are offered with five or six ratios and torque capacities of up to 678Nm (500 lb ft). Features of the M.-series gearbox include the use of constant-mesh gears between the mainshaft and layshaft at the output end instead of the input end; and the employment of synchronizing units in a layshaft that operates at an increased speed in higher ratios.

Design life

The transmissions have a design life of 100,000 km (250,000 miles) compared with an average gearbox life of only half that mileage.

Operators will like the synchronizers' relatively low loading. One size is used throughout the range and this simplifies stock-holding and maintenance.

All parts are exposed for inspection after assembly and before the casing is lowered into position.

Also on the stand will be an autoadjust version of the Dana Angle Spring pull-type clutch, which is now produced by Turner Clutch Division. The cleverly designed self-adjust mechanism can be removed either for repair or replacement with the clutch unit still in the vehicle. Also, it can be pivoted away from the clutch mechanism in order to allow manual adjustment. • The centrepiece of the David Brown Gear Industries (stand 182) display will be the Model 8 (previously designated the 08-750) eight-speed constant-mesh gearbox. Designed for engines with torque capacities up to 1,017Nm (750 lb ft), alternative ratio selections are available to increase torque ratings to 1,098Nm (810 lb ft). The six-speed Model 6 (previsouly the 06.600 gearbox) with a maximum torque capacity of 814Nm (600 lb ft) will also be on view.

A full range of transmissions and axles will be shown by Eaton Truck Components (stand 255). The major exhibit will be two working drive-lines presented as variables of the Eaton complete transmission/ axle application. A Fuller RTO-9509A Road-ranger nine-speed gearbox driving through an Eaton 16128 rear axle is paired with an Eaton 475 five-speed synchromesh transmission driving through an Eaton 16220 two-speed axle.

For low-loaders For special very low-loader applications A. W. Hunton & Co Ltd (stand 206) has produced an axle, rated at 5 tonnes (4.9 tons) capacity, which has hub spacers to permit the fitment of 12in wheels. Without spacers the wheel will not clear the larger (12.25in) diameter brake drums. This axle will be seen alongside other models typical of Hunton's range and offering capacities of up to 10 tonnes (9.8 tons).

Rubber suspension systems have gained in popularity over the past few years — they are maintenance free and offer a good price compromise between leaf-spring and air systems.

Norde Suspensions Ltd (stand 193) has up-dated its rubber suspension units, which now feature hydraulic dampers to improve ride especially with regard to impact loads on road surfaces. The dampers are linked to the rear of the suspension articulating beams to dampout end-to-end patter as well as any bounce in the rubber springs.

Single and tandem-axle versions of the rubber spring running gear will be featured on the stand.

A newcomer to the field of rubber suspensions is Rydeweli Engineering Ltd (stand 252). Under the chairmanship of Mr R. Wragg, formerly from Norde, the company has already produced a tandem-axle running gear and it is showing two further designs, a single-axle and a widespread tandemaxle unit.

Like the first suspension produced by the company, the latest running gears have a transverse Metalastik spring arrangement — the inclined rubber sandwich springs are mounted in pairs on each side of the suspension. Without wheels and tyres the single-axle running gear weighs 650 kg (1,4191b), the widespread tandem-axle unit I.6-tonnes.

The production version of the closecoupled tandem-axle suspension now has an upper A-frame to locate both axles. The A-frames have been set down on the suspension to allow adequate :learance for pipework in tanker applications.

Another newcomer to the rubber suspension field, Merriworth Engineering Ltd (stand 117) will be showing its recently announced tandemaxle gear fitted to its own flat-platform trailer. SpeCial features of the suspension unit include the elimination of axle wind-up during vehicle roll, thanks to the swinging axle-arm arrangement. The geometry of the linkage alters the load bias on the Metalastik springs from shear to compression to provide the required increase in spring rate to give optimum ride with increase in axle load. The company claims a good degree of bogie articulation making the suspension suitable for on/ off road service or for operation on the French road/ rail system to climb the steep ramps on to the rail wagons.

Also based on Metalastik springs is the new tandem-axle rubber suspension from R. A. Dyson and Co Ltd (stand no SO). Unlike the Merriworth units, these springs are so fitted to act mainly under shear as far as load carrying is con:erned, though to control roll the springs. react under compression. Telescopic dampers are fitted as standard and rocker beams and locating arms are rubber mounted for quiet running and Tiinimum maintenance.

Airpoise is the name given to York [railer Co Ltd's brand new air wspension system which will be shown itted to a Freightmaster van on stand io 124. Units are already available in ;ink, tandem or tri-axle configuration or York Freightmaster vans and the aispension is also considered suitable or live-axle application.

A point to note is that all the rubber mshes used on the suspension are also ;pecified for the Big D fifth-wheel ouplings. In tandem-axle form the 0.irpoise weighs about the same as a eaf-spring unit and anticipation of EEC legulations the bogie to be shown is itted with axles designed to 11 tonnes :apacity.

Vehicle roll is controlled by the railing-arm rubber bushes in and the evelling valves feature a built-in time ag to prevent quick changes of air )ressure and thus instability when urning corners or moving over rough ;round.

Elimination of maintenance is one of he features of Rubery Owenlockwell's ST Series four-spring tandem axle running gear which will be fitted to a skeletal semi-trailer on stand 218. Other objectives of the design are higher payload capacities in anticipation of EEC regulations and lighter weight: the ST suspension is lighter than the popularly specified M-series units owing mainly to the "Ionglife" spring design.

Metric wheel fastenings

The axles on the show trailer have metric wheel fastenings plus the new options of spigoted hubs for French Michelin wheels. Further the axle brakes feature RO-R's new automatic slack adjuster.

TM-series axles will be shown with a wide range of brake options, some having either the German TUV Dauer Bremse or EEC brake approved.

York Trailers also show an 11-tonne capacity axle; it has a cast steel spoke wheel and detachable rim andit complies with the EEC 71/320 braking directive.

Complementary to its range of heavy vehicle braking equipment, Bendix Westinghouse Ltd (stand 213) will introduce three items, an electronic braking corrector, an air drier for air brake systems and an integral hydraulicpower-steering unit.

The electronic brake corrector measures the acceleration/ deceleration of a propeller shaft, detects an imminent wheel-skid condition and readjusts the braking effort on the driving wheels to prevent locking. The device replaces the conventional variable load valve in the service brake system. The corrector can be supplied in kit form for fitting to existing vehicles. Additional air reservoir capacity is not normally considered necessary. Called System Guard, the air drier is fitted in the compressor discharge line to remove water, oil, carbon and dirt from air before it enters the braking system reservoirs. It has only two moving parts; incoming air is cooled and filtered and then enters a dessicant cartridge where water vapour is collected by microcrystalline pellets in an adsorption process. Dry, cool air passes through a purge chamber before passing into the air reservoir and periodically some of the clean air is used to expel the contaminant from the air drier and simultaneously "recharge" the microcrystalline pellets. The device is fitted to the new ERF B-series chassis.

Suitable for all commercial and public service vehicles with front-axle loadings up to 7.1 tonnes (7 tons), the hydraulic power-steering unit can be specified for single and, with an auxiliary cylinder, tandem-steer installations.

The steering column is coupled to the steering gear unit, which transmits the steering action through a ball and nut mechanism. The nut is incorporated in a hydraulically power-assisted piston which also acts as a steering damper. Oil under pressure is supplied from an engine-driven pump. Direction and degrees of power assistance are controlled by a steering-column-controlled rotary valve. If one of the steering axle tyres bursts, the valve will react to assist the driver to overcome the vehicle's tendency to swerve.

1n-cab warning A new dual-hydraulic mastercylinder for all air operated hydraulic braking systems is among many new components from Clayton Dewandre Co Ltd (stand 297). It now has a more compact design and a special venting feature which will immediately indicate any faults in either of the two hydraulic circuits. A differential pressure switch in the master' cylinder automatically trips and provides a continuous in-cab warning when a fault occurs.

The unit is available with differential volumetric outputs.

Also of interest is the use of air-brake chambers with dual-wedge brake assemblies — an actuator is fitted at each wedge. Units displayed will be a single-diaphragm brake chamber operating one wedge with a spring brake incorporating a diaphragm linked to the second wedge. The two-diaphragm chambers are simultaneously actuated from the dual-valve footbrake control and the spring brake is controlled from a hand valve for parking and secondary braking.

Governor control of the unloader plungers inside compressor cylinder heads are features of the new CD twin cylinder compressor. And the new SC2 single-cylinder compressor is combined with a rotary exhauster and is able to supply vacuum as well as positive air power.

A new development for CD is a handoperated double-acting hydraulic ram for controlled cab tilting; the ram can be locked in any position.

From America

New to the European market is the Skid-Trol anti-wheel lock device shown by Rockwell-Standard Group (stand no 191). Also on display will be the Rockwell Stopmaster II brake for commercial and off-highway vehicle application. A wedge-actuated unit, it is expected to be available in the UK from 1975.

Girling Ltd (stands 225-227) will be showing its new Twinstop commercial vehicle brake designed to suit axles with loads up to 13.2 tonnes (13 tons), The main feature of the new unit are the two fully independent expander/ adjuster mechanisms which provide a higher mechanical efficiency than more conventional brakes. The automatic adjuster is sealed within the brake expander unit which carries a 250,000km (150,000 miles) service period schedule. The brake offers twinleading-shoe operation in both forward and reverse directions with either air or hydraulic operation.

The Girling Wheel Slide Protectior (WSP) system will be making its Earl; Court debut. The system eliminate; skidding and is considered especially suitable as an anti-jack-knife devict when fitted to tractive units.

Other new components include a nev heavy-duty FCSS 393 mm (15.5 in) Er 203 mm (8 in) brake. It has a high-hi adjuster unit and a detensioner devio which facilitates the changing of brake shoes by removing the load from th, shoe return spring.

Also released for the first time are thi Girling 38 mm (1.5 in) and 44mm (1.75 AS/ AS master cylinders. Designed t( operate dual-line hydraulic braki systems, they have two independen cylinders in a common casting. Shoul( one cylinder fail, the other will remaii operative. An optional feature is pressure differential warning actuato which is incorporated in the casting an given an in-cab warning in the event of ; partial failure oCcurring.

New retarders

Retarders are gaining ground especially in the psv market but i; addition to its standard range, Telma Retarder Ltd (stand no 290) will have three of its latest developments on the stand.

The axle-mounted trailer retarder for both semiand drawbar trailers will be displayed fitted to an Eaton axle. After the Show one is to be fitted to a York tandem-axle trailer for field trials. The company claims that fitting retarders to the trailer as opposed to the tractive unit prevents jack-knifing.

Another retarder will be shown as an integral part of the SCG RV 90 gearbox which is installed in Leyland Saurer buses operating in Switzerland.

The third device is the new foot control, which is fitted with a motionsensing device and enables maximum driver use of the retarder.

Brake Linings Ltd (stand 228) will exhibit a new high coefficient purposemoulded lining suitable for all brakes using segmented linings.

Apart from the standard range of brake and clutch linings Ferodo Ltd (stand 181) will display a type 2124F clutch/ facing which has been especially developed for commercial vehicle and psv application. It is a rigid moulded friction material with a random fibre asbestos base and it contains brass chippings.

Intended for use with their own transmission range, the new David Brown ptos are designed to provide auxiliary drive for both heavy and light applications and will be shown on stand 182.

Full torque top-mounted units are avail able with Model 6 gearboxes and they locate on existing top cover faces.

A heavy-duty unit is supplied for use with an extended layshaft version of the Model 6 box.

Power take-offs designed to bolt on to the rear of Model 8 gearboxes have an output of either half or approximate engine speed depending on type. Lowtorque side-mounted units are avail able for all DB gearboxes and in some cases those of other manufacturers. Designed for single-speed, forward or reverse drive units, they are mounted on SAE standard facings provided on the lower half of gearbox casings.

A "cold" reception is promised by Hubbard Engineering Co Ltd (stand 285), which is showing its new 2000 transport refrigeration unit designed for maximum-length refrigerated trailers. With 41,000 Btu per hour at 80 / 35°F, the 2000 has sufficient capacity for fresh meat or frozen food applications at high ambient temperatures.

Petters Ltd (stand no 298) will have on view a selection of its mechanical transport refrigeration equipment. Available with diesel, petrol/ propane or hydraulic drive all models can be provided with standby electric motors for operation from a three-phase supply. Most units are able to supply warm as well as cold air.

If you are engaged on delivery work, take a look at the new John Ratcliff (Tail Lifts) Ltd 500 kg (10 cwt) tail-lift designed to fold away behind delivery van doors (stand 266). The original body needs no structural alteration and so application should suit factory produced models.

Not surprisingly called Foldaway, the lift is also designed for easy fitting to either the rear or side apertures of large vans. It can be readily transferred between vehicles, it weighs about 200 kg (4 emit) and can be supplied in kit form.

Another development which will be phased in on standard models during October is a new lever-operated valve control to provide easier and safer taillift operation.

Three tank discharge machines will be making their Show debut on the Drum Engineering Co Ltd (stand no 278). The first, the Europa 4.00, fills the gap in the Drums powder-blower range. Suitable for working continuously at pressures up to 2 kg per sq cm (29 psi) and developing up to 595 cu m per hour (350 cu ft per min), it is designed for both medium and high-pressure tank application. A number of components are common to the Europa 130 model.

The Gemini 400 exhauster is an oil lubricated version of the Europa 400 and it is designed for use on a Jumbo waste collection tank. Vacuums up to 710 mm Hg (28 in Hg) can be achieved and loading rates are in excess of 2,250 litres per min (500 gal per min).

Weighing 39 kg (861b), the Pluto cargo pump has top and bottom feet for easy mounting in the vehicle, and on-site servicing is made easier because the unit can be stripped by removing four tie bolts. Flow rates of 1,360 litres per min (300 gal per min) can be achieved with this model.

The company will also be showing a combined hydraulic pump and pto for powering a wide range of hydraulically operated equipment including tipping gear. Working pressures of up to 20,685kN1 sqm (3,000 psi) can be achieved. At the same time, a new range of high-torque ptos for Fuller, Scania, Turner, Clarke, Volvo and Ford gearboxes will be shown. All units are available with pneumatic or cable control.

A new Swedish automatic coupling unit from VBG Produkter KB with a 10minute conversion time from 50 mm to 40 mm DIN trailer drawbar eye will be shown on stand 286 by UK concessionaire John R. Billows (Sales) Ltd. The coupling is a cast steel one-piece construction with only two basic moving parts. It is wear guaranteed for 125,000 miles.