Sisu KB-24

Last updated
Sisu KB-24
Sisu KB-24 firewood small.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Oy Suomen Autoteollisuus Ab
Also calledNalle-Sisu
Production1955 [1] –1960
Assembly Karis, Finland
Body and chassis
Layout 4×2
Related Sisu KB-48
Powertrain
Engine petrol models:
Sisu AMA, [2] 4-cyl. in-line,
52.2 kW (70.0 hp) /3200 1/min; [3]
diesel models:
Ford Dagenham, 4-cyl. in-line,
52.2 kW (70.0 hp) [4]
Transmission 4+1 manual, forward gears with synchromesh [2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,500–4,000 mm (98.4–157.5 in)
Lengthlorries: 5,100–7,650 mm (200.8–301.2 in)
Widthlorries: 1,950 mm (76.8 in) [2]
Chronology
Successor Sisu KB-124

Sisu KB-24 is a two-axle lorry and special vehicle chassis made by the Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) from 1955 to 1960. It is a six-tonne delivery lorry planned to operate on narrow streets in Finnish cities.

Contents

The marketing name for the vehicle was Nalle-Sisu, "Teddy-Bear-Sisu". The power options included petrol and diesel motors. In addition to lorries, the chassis were bodied as fire engines, mobile shops and small buses by coachbuilders.

KB-24 was replaced by 1961 introduced KB-124, also called Nalle-Sisu.

Development

The new model was developed under supervision of Nils Fagerstedt [5] and Senior Engineer Pentti E. Lehtinen. The objective was to design the lorry as light as possible with the biggest possible load capacity. The tyre size selected was 7.50-16", which allowed 1 000 kg load per unit and also a low platform height, and therefore limited the total weight to 6 000 tonnes. The wheelbase was 2 500 mm and the outer dimensions were small, making the lorry agile. A forward-control cabin enabled a 3 450 mm platform length. In order to reduce weight, the frame was joined together completely by welding, instead of riveting, which had been the case in every previous Sisu model. The steel used had almost 50% better tensile strength than the materials used by then. By these actions a weight saving of over 100 kg was reached. [2]

The first prototype, "Winnie the Pooh" at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Sisu KB-24 prototype.jpeg
The first prototype, "Winnie the Pooh" at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium.

Although SAT had its own axle factory, the company decided to source the axles from another company due to low volumes. Kirkstall axles were selected due to the 50-degree turning angle of inner wheel; this enabled a small turning radius. For the engine was selected in-house produced underpowered, four-cylinder Sisu AMA, which was a shortened version of very outdated six-cylinder Sisu AMG. [2]

The designing time took total three years, largely due to the new frame construction, before the first prototype, nicknamed Nalle Puh ("Winnie the Pooh") was produced in 1955. The agility was thoroughly tested in Helsinki at gateways and corners known to be difficult to manoeuvre. Based on the experiences, the door handles were replaced by recessed type, decreasing the maximum width by 50 mm. [2] The prototype featured a wooden-frame cabin produced by Karia, but production models were with completely steel structured type, being the first Sisus with full-steel cabins. [5]

Production

KB-24 was introduced in 1956. [1] It was available in three wheelbase options. In addition to lorries, the chassis were also bodied as buses and mobile shops; the first fire engine application was produced in 1957. [6]

The model was produced in small numbers, only 100–150 units annually. [2] The production followed the principle, in which the same team did the assembly work from beginning to ready vehicles. [3] It was replaced by [7] the 1961 introduced KB-124, [8] which was also called Nalle-Sisu. [7]

Technical data

Four-cylinder Sisu AMA SV-engine. Sisu AMA side.jpg
Four-cylinder Sisu AMA SV-engine.

Engine

The initially offered, in-house produced engine is straight, four-cylinder 3.5-litre Sisu AMA, [3] of which output is 70 hp /3200 1/min and maximum torque 215 Nm /1300 1/min. The cylinder bore is 101.6 mm and stroke 108.0 mm, and the compression ratio is 6.7:1. [9] The technically outdated side-valve petrol engine was based on American Hercules, of which licence production SAT had started in 1940. KB-24 was one of the lasts Sisus to be powered by this engine. [3] The AMA engine was produced with two types of carburettors: Zenith-Stromberg EX22 and Carter 413S. The air filter is oil bath type. [10]

In 1958 Nalle became available with four-cylinder Ford Dagenham diesel engine, of which displacement is 3.61 litres and output 70 hp. The model with Ford engine was KB-24D. [4]

Chassis and transmission

Frame of Nalle-Sisu. Sisu KB-24 frame.jpg
Frame of Nalle-Sisu.

The frame is produced from reinforced steel type V6A with tensile strength of 60 kg /mm². The frame was the first in Sisu to be completely constructed by welding. [2] The frame was available with wheelbase options: 2,500 mm (98.4 in), 3,200 mm (126.0 in) and 4,000 mm (157.5 in). [6]

The 11"-clutch is single-plate and dry type. The transmission features four speed forward, of which 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears are with synchromesh, and one reverse gear. The rear axle is with hypoid bevel gear set. [11]

The front axle is rigid type, with forged beam and drop in the middle. The king pins are with slide bearing bushings. [10] The axles were produced by Kirkstall. [2] The suspension consists of 2½" wide and 1 200 mm long half-elliptic leaf springs, with additional auxiliary springs on the rear axle, and telescopic hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers. The wheel size is 7.50 – 16". [10]

The service brakes are hydraulically operated drum brakes, which are similar type both on the rear and the front axle. Each brake includes two slave cylinders. The hand brake is mechanically operated and includes a separate drum brake behind the gear box, affecting on transmission. [10]

The steering system is worm gear type and produced by Ross. [11]

Cabin and superstructures

Instrument panel. Sisu KB-24 dashboard.jpg
Instrument panel.

The lorry models featured the first solid steel structured cabin type designed and produced by SAT. The cabin was also available extended, with another passenger seat in the back. [5] The short cabin enabled maximum platform length of 3 450 mm. [2]

The standard cabin includes seats for driver and one passenger. The interior is hardly upholstered; the earliest versions lacked of cover even on the ceiling. The side windows are openable by sliding front half on rails. The dashboard is equipped with a speedometer including odometer and a combination gauge that shows fuel level and engine temperature, and includes also charging and oil pressure indicator lights. The engine starter is operated by a separate button on dashboard. The heater nozzles are directed to the windscreen and legroom. The windscreen washing device works by squeezing a plastic bottle filled with washing fluid. The driver's seat is adjustable by rails. [12]

The electric system is 12-volt type and produced by Lucas. The 84-Ah battery is located under passenger seat. The generator is either Lucas C45 [10] (288 W) or Delco-Remy (300 W). [11]

The lorry models were available with a hydraulic tipper. The telescopic cylinder is located between the cabin and tipper and used by a multi-piston pump, operated by PTO on gearbox. [10]

Other than lorries, typical applications are buses, fire engines and mobile shops; the bodies were built by independent coachbuilders, such as Lahden Autokori and Kiitokori, [6] or Karia, which was a subsidiary of SAT. [5]

Dimensions and weights

Measurements of Sisu KB-24SA with 2 500 mm wheelbase. Sisu KB-24 measurements.jpg
Measurements of Sisu KB-24SA with 2 500 mm wheelbase.
Sisu KB-24 sightseeing bus with 3 200 mm wheelbase. Sisu KB-24 sightseeing bus.jpg
Sisu KB-24 sightseeing bus with 3 200 mm wheelbase.
Wheelbase,
lorry models
2,500 mm (98.4 in)3,200 mm (126.0 in)4,000 mm (157.5 in)
Dimensions
Platform maximum outer length3,450 mm (135.8 in)4,600 mm (181.1 in)6,000 mm (236.2 in) [11]
Rear overhang1,500 mm (59.1 in)1,950 mm (76.8 in)2,550 mm (100.4 in) [11]
Total length5,100 mm (200.8 in)6,250 mm (246.1 in)7,650 mm (301.2 in) [11]
Vehicle width1,950 mm (76.8 in) [11]
Track, front1,565 mm (61.6 in) [11]
Track, rear1,500 mm (59.1 in) [11]
Platform height, unladen1,000 mm (39.4 in) [11]
Turning radius, measured from outer front wheel5,000 mm (196.9 in)6,900 mm (271.7 in)6,300 mm (248.0 in) [11]
Weights
Max. permitted load on public roads6,000 kg (13,227.7 lb) [11]
Rear axle weight4,000 kg (8,818.5 lb) [11]
Front axle weight2,000 kg (4,409.2 lb) [11]
Chassis kerb weight2,200 kg (4,850.2 lb)2,425 kg (5,346.2 lb)2,550 kg (5,621.8 lb) [11]
Capacity including platform3,800 kg (8,377.6 lb)3,575 kg (7,881.5 lb)3,450 kg (7,605.9 lb) [11]

Use and characteristics

Never think, that Nalle-Sisu is a Ferrari and You are Fangio; instead, let the drivers with faster vehicles to pass You when ever they desire.

Nalle-Sisu KB-24SA/ Instructions and periodic maintenance, 1959, [12]

Due to the large 50° turning angle of inner front wheel and small measurements Nalle-Sisu became a common delivery lorry. The low, about one-metre high platform eased handling of heavy goods. Typical Nalle-Sisu users were the State Railways, Finnish Post, City of Helsinki Sanitation Service, Helsinki City Gas Works and number of coal and firewood distributors. [2]

The nominal fuel consumption is 11–13 litres /100 km and the top speed reaches 74 km/h, which is practically over the area of decent driving characteristics. [2]

Sources

Related Research Articles

Sisu Auto Truck company based in Raseborg, Finland

Sisu Auto is a truck manufacturer based in Raseborg, Finland. Its name comes from the Finnish word sisu meaning guts, grit and determination.

Sisu SA-150 Motor vehicle

Sisu SA-150 is a medium-size, two-axle off-road lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer Oy Sisu-Auto Ab from 1982 until 1991. The four-wheel-drive lorry with load capacity of 6 400 kg was developed for pulling of heavy cannons of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Sisu SA-110 is a prototype of a light two-axle off-road lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer Oy Sisu-Auto Ab in 1986. Total six pieces were made. The vehicle was partly armoured.

Vanajan Autotehdas Finnish producer of heavy vehicles

Vanajan Autotehdas Oy (VAT) was a producer of heavy vehicles based in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The company was founded as Yhteissisu Oy in 1943 by the Finnish government and a number of major Finnish companies with the aim of producing lorries and buses for the Finnish Defence Forces. World War II was over before the company could start series production; it was renamed Vanajan Autotehdas and the marque became Vanaja. Subsequently, the production consisted of outdated lorry models, partly built from military surplus materials. After overcoming initial difficulties, the company modernised its products, became profitable and grew until the mid-1950s. Many major components, including engines, were imported. Diesel engines became widely available in 1955, and in 1959 VAT introduced its most significant innovation, the full load lifting tandem axle mechanism, which improved off-road capability significantly; the system is now used in Sisu vehicles.

Sisu SA-240 Motor vehicle

Sisu SA-240 is a heavy off-road lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer Oy Sisu-Auto Ab from 1984 until 1991. The six-wheel drive lorry with payload of 12 000 kg was developed for pulling of heavy cannons of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Sisu KB-112 Motor vehicle

Sisu KB-112 is a three-axle lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) from 1962 though 1969. The vehicle was equipped with a technically advanced tiltable cabin. A two-axle variant, the KB-117, was produced from 1964 through 1969. Both versions were only produced in small numbers.

Sisu A-45 Motor vehicle

Sisu A-45 is a light off-road lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) in 1970–1982. The two-axle, all-wheel-drive vehicle with payload of 4 150 kg was a further development of Sisu KB-45, that was originally developed after an assignment of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Sisu KB-45 Motor vehicle

Sisu KB-45 is a light off-road lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) in 1965–1970. The two-axle, all-wheel-drive vehicle with payload of 4 000 kg was developed after an assignment of the Finnish Defence Forces. It was followed by almost identical A-45/AH-45 in 1970.

Sisu KB-46 Motor vehicle

Sisu KB-46 is a prototype of a three-axle, six-wheel-driven off-road lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) in 1968. Its capacity is three tonnes and it was produced after an assignment of the Finnish Defence Forces to tow heavy cannons.

Sisu K-44 Motor vehicle

Sisu K-44 is a three-axle 4×4+2 driven lorry made by the Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) from 1959 to 1965. The most usual applications were for log transportation and earth moving vehicles. The K-44 was noted for its excellent gradient capabilities. The legally permissible maximum vehicle payload was between 7 800 and 11 750 kg: with a trailer this increased to 20 000 kg. The K-44s were powered by Leyland diesel engines with power outputs of between 85.8 and 156.7 kW.

Erik Paul Oskar GillbergMSc (diplomi-insinööri) was a Finnish engineer, businessman and vuorineuvos.

Sisu S-21 Motor vehicle

Sisu S-21 is a lorry first produced by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT), then under names Sisu S-22 and S-22K by Yhteissisu, which, after changing its name Vanajan Autotehdas (VAT), produced it with name Vanaja V-48. The production period was 1943–1955.

Sisu K-50SS Motor vehicle

Sisu K-50SS is a six-wheel-driven ballast tractor made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT). The vehicle can generate a 388 kN drawing force and it was used for pulling flatbed trailers.

Sisu Axles, Inc. is a producer of heavy vehicle axles in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

Sisu Terminal Systems

Sisu Terminal Systems Oy (STS) was a Finnish terminal tractor producer. The production began in 1969 as a part of Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) and the first vehicles were based on lorry components. The portfolio grew by time. The production facilities were in Hämeenlinna until the mid 1990s, when they were moved to Tampere. The company produced terminal tractors also in Texas under the name Magnum in 1987–2005.

Sisu M-161 Finnish truck

Sisu M-series is a 2–4-axle forward control lorry model series made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) in 1969–1984. The series consists of 4×2-driven M-161, 6×2-driven M-162, 6×4-driven M-163 and 8×2-driven M-168. Typical applications were logging trucks, tankers and long-distance transportation haulers which pulled conventional and semi-trailers. The permissible payloads varied from ca. 9 tonnes up over 18 tonnes.

Sisu Nemo

Sisu Nemo is a hydraulic radial piston motor type developed and initially produced by Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT). The system was patented in 1961.

Sisu S-321 Motor vehicle

Sisu S-321, S-322 and S-323 is the first lorry and bus model series made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) in 1932–1934. Upgraded models S-341 and S-342 were produced in 1934. The vehicles were heavily based on Volvo components. The two-axle, 4×2-driven lorries were designated with 2 500 kg capacity and total weight of 4 800 kg.

Sisu R-141 Finnish truck

Sisu R-series is a 2–3-axle lorry model series made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) in 1970–1982. The series consists of 4×2-driven R-141 and R-148, 6×2-driven R-142, 6×4-driven R-143 and R-149, 4×4-driven R-144, 4×4+2-driven R-145 and 6×6-driven R-146. Typical applications are logging trucks, dumper trucks and long-distance transportation haulers which pull conventional and semi-trailers.

Sisu KB-124 Motor vehicle

Sisu KB-124 was a two-axle lorry and special vehicle chassis made by the Finnish heavy vehicle manufacturer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT). It was a six-tonne delivery lorry which was developed to follow the KB-24. The KB-124 was produced from 1961 until 1968, when it was replaced by the similar KB-121 with increased permitted load. Production ceased in about 1972.

References

  1. 1 2 "Sisu tuotteiden syntymävuodet". Sisuviesti. Oy Suomen Autoteollisuus Ab (2./1981): 22. 1981. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Hoppula, Vexi. "Nalle-Sisu osa I" [Birth of Nalle-Sisu part I]. vetku.fi (in Finnish). Veteraanikuorma-autoseura ry. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Blomberg: Omin konein eteenpäin. pp. 99–104.
  4. 1 2 Blomberg: ...ja muita kummallisuuksia. pp. 138–142.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Blomberg: Hyttituotantoa tyyppi kerrallaan. pp. 174–185.
  6. 1 2 3 Mäkipirtti: Sisu KB-24 "Nalle-Sisu". pp. 77–78.
  7. 1 2 Mäkipirtti: Sisu KB-124. pp. 80–81.
  8. "Sisu tuotteiden syntymävuodet". Sisuviesti. Oy Suomen Autoteollisuus Ab (2./1981): 23. 1981. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  9. Mäkipirtti: Sisu KB-sarja. p. 76.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Nalle-Sisu KB-24SA: 4. Rakenneselostukset ja yleiset huolto-ohjeet". pp. 18–48.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Nalle-Sisu KB-24SA: 5. Teknilliset tiedot". pp. 49–54.
  12. 1 2 Nalle-Sisu KB-24SA: 2. Käyttöohjeet". pp. 8–12.