Bedford 4 x 4 in Bulk Production
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ANEW Bedford four-wheel-drive 3-tonner is now in volume production both for the armed forces and for civilian operators in specified markets, Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., Luton, announced this week. With many features in common with the Bedford 7-ton vehicle, it is being produced with three different types of body—a cargo carrier with a canvas superstructure, a battery-charging, body, and a load carrier with a winch.
Apart from the four-wheel drive, the major differences between this model and the Bedford 7-tonner are a wider track, large single tyres, a higher frame and air assistance for the braking system. With the goods body the designed total laden weight is 7f tons and 8 tons for the winch model. For road work, trailers of up to 4 tons gross weight may be hauled, and on crosscountry operation up to 30 cwt. gross weight.
Claimed performance details are as follows:—Tractive effort, 1,700 lb.-ton at 100 per cent. efficiency in four-wheel drive; maximum road speed, 52.5 m.p.h.; acceleration from 0-40 m.p.h. through the gears. 54.5 secs.; fuel-consumption rate under average conditions, at least 10 m.p.g.; oil-consumption rate. 1,500-2,000 m.p.g.; drawbar pull, 1,200 lb. stall, 1,100 lb. maximum torque; braking distance from 20 m.p.h. (emergency stop using hand brake), 20 ft.; will start and restart on gradients having a hard dry surface of greater severity than 1 in 4.
The power unit is the Bedford sixcylindered petrol engine which develops 110 b.h.p. at 3,200 r.p.rn.; the R.A.C.
rating is 36 h.p. A 12-in. diameter single-plate clutch takes the drive to a four-speed gearbox having synchromesh engagement for top, third and A32 second gears. The ratios are 7.06, 3.332, 1.711 and 1 to 1, with a 7.06 to 1 reverse.
A two-shaft transfer box is employed, to give a straight-through drive to the rear axle for two-wheel drive, and a 2 to 1 reduction for four-wheel drive.
The transmission line consists of three propeller shafts, each having two Hardy Spicer needle-roller-bearing universal joints. Each shaft incorporates a sliding joint.
The basic design of the front axle is similar to that of the rear axle in respect of the differential, hypoid gear and drive shafts, and is provided with Tracta constant-velocity universal joints.
A two-cylindered compressor, driven by twin V belts from the front of the engine, supplies the compressed air for the Clayton Dewandre servo system employed in conjunction with the Bedford hydraulic brakes. Tyre size all round is 11.00 by 20, 12-ply rating.