Heavy-duty chassis for a heavy wrecker
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• Built recently to the requirements of Dial-Holmes (England) Ltd as the basis for a heavy wrecker, this Unipower Invader built by Universal Power Drives Ltd, Penvale, Middlesex, Middlesex, is representative of Invaders built by the company since the model was introduced at the 1968 Earls Court show. This particular example has an extra-heavyduty rear axle, big-single tyres and a lengthened chassis to allow for winch equipment and counterweights.
The Invader has the Perkins V8 engine as standard, and versions of the chassis have been used for snow clearance, cement-mixer, crane carrier, fire tender and recovery vehicle applications. Following recent Army trials there is now also military interest in the model. Tipper and platform models are made, and tractive unit versions can be constructed for loads up to 24/26 tons.
The standard Invader is a 16-ton-gross 4x4 vehicle, its Perkins engine driving through an ENV five-speed synchromesh gearbox and thence by short coupling shaft to an AEC two-speed constant-mesh auxiliary box, The one-piece propeller shafts drive through AEC double-reduction axles. Front axle capacity is 6 tons, rear 10 tons—though a 13-ton model can be specified.
Brakes are 17in. front, 15.5in, rear, on completely duplicated systems. The main frame members are 10.5in. by 0.25in. at max section, with 3in. flanges, and are flitched. The cam and triple roller steering is power assisted.
Bird's and worm's eye views of the Unipower Invader chassis.