New Fordson Forward control 3-tonner
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Big Loading Space and Luxurious Cab Features of 1431-in. Wheelbase Lorry of
New Design. V-8 or Four-cylindered Power Unit Optional
coR 1938, the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., 1 Dagenham, has announced the first of its new range of commercial vehicles, namely, a forward-control 3-tonner of 1431-in. wheelbase.
Although there has been for some time a 2-ton chassis with the forward driving position, no 3-tonner of this type has been available. Therefore, the new model is an interesting innovation. As it affords a body length 14 ft. 31 ins., it is logical that it should replace the long normal-control model, which had a platform measuring 10 ft. 61 ins., and this model is being dropped. .
A point which will appeal to those operators whose requirements are served better by a power unit that has good " slogging " characteristics than by an engine with a liking for high r.p.m., is that either the 30 h.p. V-8, or the 24 h.p. " four " is available in the new model. This arrangement has, indeed, been carried farther, and now all Fordsons in which formerly the
eight-cylindered unit was standardized, can be supplied alternatively with a four-cylindered engine.
Following past practice, the company guarantees the new 3-tonner for a 50 per cent. overload, so it may be regarded as coming in the 4-5-ton class It scales, for registration purposes, 2 tons 64 cwt., accordingly there is an ample margin within the 30 m.p.h weight limit.
Most noticeable among the features of novelty are the new radiator shell, which has a horizontally barred, plated grille, and the new position of the lamps. These are mounted on the wings instead of being flush-fitted in the front panel—an arrangement that gives greater space inside the cab and puts them out of reach of the feet of its occupants, to the benefit of the lamps.
In this connection the cab, which is of the all-steel type, besides being spacious, is luxuriously equipped, and an unusual degree of attention has been paid to it, with a view to enhancing
cushions. These are carried by a kind of network of tension springs, rigged across a light tubular frame, the springs, which are of different tensions. being carefully ranged for maximum comfort. It is claimed that this is the first time this form of seating has been incorporated in the cab of a commercial %Thiele.
Finally, not only is an ash-tray provided, but also a cigar lighter. Lucky drivers! We can afford only " gaspers."
In view of the length of the body, the hinged sides are each in two sections, with between them a central pillar; this and the sides and tailboard
are detachable. Sills, cross-bearers, sides and ends are of hardwood, whilst the floor is protected by iron skids. The width of the body, inside, is 6 ft. 61 ins., the height and thickness of the sides, respectively, 1 ft. 7i ins. and 1T ins., whilst the loading height. unladen, is 3 ft. 7 ins.
Another main dimension, appro priately included here, is the overall length of the vehicle, namely, 20 ft. 5 ins, and its width, overall, is 7 ft.
Although the design of the chassis is new, its components are well-tried Fordson units, the clutch, gearbox and rear axle being standard products. It should be mentioned, however, that the overall ratios are approximately 37.5, 18.1, 9.9 and 5.83 to 1, and reverse, 45.7 to 1. Optional axle ratios are 6.66 and 5.14 to 1.
Straight-topped channels, 7 ins. by 21 ins. by 7-32 ins., form the side members of the new frame. These are braced by a tubular tie at the extreme front, in line with the front spring brackets, a substantial specially shaped member which supports the forward end of the engine, a deep banjo bearer at the back of the gearbox and three channels behind these.
The first of these carries the propellershaft centre bearing, whilst the second (which is of "hat " section and strongly gusseted to the longitudinals), and the third line up with the rear spring anchorages. It is of note that the engine back cross-member is afforded additional rigidity by short diagonal braces, that on the near side running forwards, and that on the oil side rearwards.
At both back and front the springs are longitudinally placed semi-elliptics, their lengths being, respectively, 36 ins. and 504 ins., and the widths of the leaves 24 ins, and 24 ins. Built-in helper springs are provided at the rear.
Built for the Job.
The front axle has been designed expressly for this new chassis. This comment applies to the whole steering layout, also the wheel hubs, which have six studs instead of five. The wheels arc shod with 32 by 6 R.H.S. tyres. with twins at the rear.
There has been a change in the brake system, the shoes being of the selfenergizing type, , with quick-acting adjusters and cable operation. Pedal and lever operate independently a common cross-shaft at about the centre of the frame. From this four encased cables run to the four hubs.
The cross-shaft is secured to the frame side-members, and works in two spherical bronze bearings, provision being made for it to slide axially in one bearing to accommodate frame distortion. This is an excellent point and one which every chassis maker does not consider, The drums used at the front are 14 ins, in diameter, whilst the corresponding dimension of the rear drums is 16 ins. Both are 24 ins. wide.
Again, with a view to driver's comfort, an improvement has been effected in the arrangement of the controls. The instruments include a large speedometer, an ammeter and a petrol gauge, which are incorporated in an illuminated panel.
A six-volt electrical system it employed, the battery being under the passenger's seat (an easily accessible toolbox is placed under that of the driver) and a 154-gallon cylindrical petrol tank is mounted on the near side of the frame. As a complete lorry, finished in green primer, this new Fordson costs £295.
Early in 1938 a new 10-cwt. semiforward-control model will be avail
able. Particulars will be announced in the near future.