Categories
German

kl. K. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 2): Motorcycle Tractor

Kettenkrad - kl. K. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 2): Motorcycle Tractor

The invasion of Crete (1941) revealed for the first time the use by the Germans of the motorcycle tractor. This vehicle, which retains the standard front wheel and handle bars of a normal motorcycle with the rear wheel replaced by two caterpillar tracks, is used primarily for towing light guns and supply, trailers, and for carrying dispatches in localities where difficult terrain precludes the use of wheeled vehicles. The mobility of this vehicle is as good as most tanks and its ability as a light prime mover, because of its wide gear selection, is excellent. Without load attached it has a maximum speed of 45 m.p.h. on level ground, and is capable of climbing 60 per cent grade.

The chassis is a boxlike structure of pressed steel in two sections, welded together in a horizontal plane below the track guards. It contains the driving compartment, engine, and a transverse seat accommodating two men facing the rear. A hand rail is provided on each side of the back. The driver is seated on a saddle seat directly above the transmission and clutch housing. Gasoline tanks are mounted on each side and, together with the battery and tool compartments, make up the side walls of the vehicle.

Power is furnished by the centrally mounted Opel Olympia 4-cylinder, water-cooled gasoline engine developing 37 gross B.H.P. in a displacement of 91.5 cu. in. Cooling is accomplished by a radiator, with a shaft-driven fan coupled to the crankshaft, at the rear. Six forward and two reverse speeds are available.

The suspension consists of four straddle-mounted, rubber-tired bogie wheels on torsion bars, a front driving sprocket, and a rear idler. The inner bogie wheels are of the hollow-spoke type while the outer wheels are of the removable disk type. The track, made up of 40 links per strand, is equipped with needle bearings and replaceable rubber pads.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         3,400 lb. (combat)
Weight 2,700 lb. (empty)
Length 9 ft., 10 ins.
Width 3 ft., 3 1/2 ins.
Height 3 ft., 11 ins.
Ground clearance 9 ins.
Tread centers 2 ft., 8 ins.
Ground contact 2 ft., 8 ins. (approx.)
Width of track 6.7 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 40
Fording depth 20 ins. (approx.)
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 155 miles
     Cross-country 100 miles
Speed
     Road 45 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 25-30 m.p.h.
Trailer load 980 lb. (normal weight)
Size of front tire 3.50 x 19
Engine Opel, 37 hp.
Transmission 3 speeds forward, 1 reverse with high and low range
Steering Controlled differentially, mechanical brakes
Crew 2 (driver and helper)

German: p. 50

Categories
German

Beiwg. für Krad. (o): Side Car for Motorcycle

Beiwg. für Krad. (o): Side Car for Motorcycle -- Beiwagen für Kraftrad (o) (Einheitsbeiwagen).German nomenclature: Beiwagen für Kraftrad (o) (Einheitsbeiwagen).

English designation: Side car for motorcycle (standard commercial vehicle).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight         110 kg         242 lb.
Pay load 220 kg 485 lb.
Gross weight 330 kg 727 lb.
Length (overall) 1,950 mm 6 ft., 5 ins.
Width (overall) 1,020 mm 3 ft., 4 ins.
Height (overall) 750 mm 2 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 160 mm 6 1/4 ins.
Tread centers
Wheel width 130 mm 5 1/8 ins.
Angle of approach
Angle of departure   24°
Seating capacity   1
Fording depth

German: p. 74.67

Categories
Japanese

Motor Tricycle (Kurogane)

Japanese WWII Motor Tricycle (Kurogane)

This motor tricycle has been recovered in two adaptations: as a light cargo vehicle and as a small personnel carrier. The motor is a 2-cylinder, V-type, air-cooled, gasoline engine with cooling fins made of ferrous metal. The ignition, of the automotive type, comprises battery, generator, coil, and distributor. Motorcycle type coil springing is used on the front wheels and leaf type springs on the rear part of the vehicle. The automotive type transmission provides three speeds forward and one reverse. Power is transmitted to the rear by a shaft and both rear wheels are driven through a differential. The brakes are mechanical, rod-operated, internal expanding, and operate on the two rear wheels only.

The motor tricycle has been developed as a commercial freight carrier in Japan since 1930. Many commercial versions exist, with engines ranging from 350 cc to 1,000 cc displacement. Lighter types have single-chain drive without differentials, whereas heavier types may have shaft or double-chain drive with differentials. Load capacities vary from 300 to 1,000 pounds. It is believed that the army adopted whatever types were available, and that no standard army model exists.

SPECIFICATIONS

CARGO CARRIER
Weight         1,185 lbs.*
Loading capacity
Length (overall) 8 ft., 11 1/2 ins.
Length of body 4 ft., 2 ins.
Width (overall) 4 ft., 1/2 in.
Width of body 3 ft., 8 1/2 ins.
Height (overall) 4 ft., 1/2 in.
Ground clearance 6 ins.
Tread centers 3 ft., 6 3/8 ins.
Wheelbase 6 ft., 3 ins.
Tire size 4.75 x 18 ins.
4.75 x 27 ins.
Fuel tank
Fuel consumption
Fording depth
Speed
Engine 2-cylinder, V-type, air-cooled, gasoline
Bore and stroke
Ignition
Transmission 3 speeds forward; 1 reverse

*Not verified

Japanese: p. 31 (May 1, 1945)