Cab-Over-Engine Trucks - Their Status and Advance in Design 370192
DEPENDING upon the location of the front wheel, the door and step are placed either at the front or back of the cab. Some designs incorporate a protruding “hood” portion, whereas others extend the cab fully forward. The engine compartment is either immediately back of the radiator or under the cross seat. The floor and seat heights are relatively higher than in the conventional truck, and better visibility is obtained. The engine hood is well insulated for heat and sometimes for sound as well. Most powerplants are removable readily for major repairs although, in most instances, major maintenance operations can be done readily within the cab.
Front axle treads have been increased in order to give greater stability on the road as well as to avoid an excessively large wheelhouse.
The change in weight distribution has called for considerably more study on braking distribution. The shortened wheelbase requires a more accurate location of the fifth wheel in tractor-semi-trailer service; has emphasized the importance of the steering-angle conditions of the front axle; and has brought riding qualities to the fore.
Specifications and dimensional data accompany the paper, as well as drawings of typical layouts showing the cab, engine, and front-axle relationships.
