FISCHER Profi Cartech Manual Del Usuario página 19

The differential was driven by a bevel gear or a belt in the previous models.
Now we are going to drive the differential via a cylindrical gear pair.
This makes it possible to position the engine directly next to the differen-
tial, which is the case in a vehicle with an engine in the rear.
Task:
What was the most famous vehicle equipped with a rear engine?
Solution:
The VW Beetle. The engine and the drive axle were in the rear. The
weight of the engine on the axle helped the Beetle to make good
progress through snow in winter.
Model: Pendulum Axle and Differential Gears
(see the assembly instructions on page 38)
The axle is not connected rigidly with the vehicle with a pendulum axle, but
instead it can rotate around the drive shaft.
Task:
What is the advantage of a pendulum axle compared to a rigid axle?
Which vehicles is it used in?
Solution:
Both wheels stay on the ground with a pendulum axle when the
ground is uneven and provide the necessary drive. It is used for
earthmovers, unimogs and off-road vehicles.
Model: Four-Wheel Drive and Artic-Frame
Steering
(see the assembly instructions
on page 40)
Both axles and all four wheels are driven in some vehicles. In our last mod-
el, we drive both axles but cheat a little and drive only one axle per wheel,
so that the vehicle can turn corners even without differential. Artic-frame
steering is used in this model.
Task:
Which vehicles do you know with four-wheel drive?
What are the advantages of four-wheel drive?
Which vehicles use artic-frame steering?
Solution:
Four-wheel drive is found in all common off-road vehicles, but also in
normal passenger cars. The advantage is that you can make much
better progress on slippery surfaces (e.g., icy roads). Artic-frame
steering is used especially at construction sites, e.g., for front-end
loaders or dumpers. They can be maneuvered easily around their own
turning radius.
That's all about vehicle technology. Now, you most certainly
see details on vehicles differently than before and can easily
hold your own in a conversation about simple technical de-
tails of vehicles.
People will be surprised about how much you know!
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