Eagle
Page 170

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Independent Wheel Suspension a Feature of One of a Range of Eagle Trailers and Semi-trailers
Stand 66
OF note on this stand is the Eagle
automatic-coupling semi-trailer, which is connected to the tractor unit merely by backing the latter under the attachment. This unit is of the lowloading type and is to be seen coupled to a Ranier Bantam chassis. A rocking carriage, fitted above the rear axle of the tractor, permits automatic coupling, the brakes being simultaneously applied. The internal-expanding brakes are operated through a vacuum-servo cylinder. . With oak framing and chock rails, the body is 18 ft. 6 ins, long and 6 ft. 6 ins, wide, and has a rounded metal front.
A novelty is provided in the patent two-wheeled trailer, the axle unit of which is suitable for a two, four or multi-wheeled trailer. The upward pressure on• the road wheels causes the cranked stub axles to rotate in the tubular cross-members and thereby compresses the springs through tension rods. Each wheel is thus independently sprung, minimizing distortion of the chassis .frame and bodywork, and weight is reduced.
Particularly impressive when tipped (by underslung hydraulic gear) is the E48 • trailer attached to a Scammell 6-ton mechanical-horse unit, the whole outfit being mounted upon 10.50-in. by 13-in. low-pressure tyres. The wheels,
which run on tapered-roller bearings, are interchangeable. The front end of the chassis incorporates a patent retractable undercarriage, jockey wheels and locking gear. The body, which is 14 ft. long, 7 ft, wide and 1 ft. 9 ins. deep, is of .trotigh-shaped all-metal construction, reinforced with steel roller sections
and mounted on a steel underfrarne.
Another hydraulic tipper—in this case a 4-5-tonner—is to be seen coupled to a Thornycroft tractor. The chassis is constructed throughout of rolledsteel channels, electrically welded,and the forecarriage is equipped with largediameter rings and spigoted king-pin bearings. The rear of the frame is. swept downwards to accommodate the spring brackets and tipping fulcrum shaft. Underslung telescopic single-ram gear enables the body to be tipped through an angle of 40 degrees. The body is 12 ft. 6 ins. long, 6 ft. 11 ins. wide and 2 ft. deep inside.
There are also on the stand two platform trailers, one being a 4-5-tonner and the other a 6-tonner. They both incorporate Timken roller-bearing kingpins and servo-operated internalexpanding brakes. The body details are also similar, the platform, in each case, being 14 ft. 6 ins, long and 7 ft. wide, with an oak floor and chock rail.
Particular note should be taken of the ingenious toggle brake lever for trailers, which increases the leverage as it is applied.—Eagle Engineering Co.', Ltd., Eagle Works, Warwick.