GPO Vehicles

ENGINEERING INSTRUCTIONS
TOOLS & TRANSPORT
VEHICLES
B 3610
Issue 1, 4.4.63

MOTOR TRANSPORT
Landrover, Type 1

1. General
This Instruction describes the Land-rover, Type I and the facilities which it provides. It has been adopted for use where maintenance access to key stations has to be ensured in the event of exceptionally difficult ground conditions.

Phase I
 

Phase II

2. The designation Type I includes two phases of Landrover production, but they differ mainly in external appearance only. Hence, the following description, although based on the second phase of Landrover production, also applies to the first phase model apart from some minor differences in measurements.

3. Description
The Landrover is designed for arduous service in a difficult terrain. It is a four-wheel-drive vehicle based on a strong box-section chassis, with a light alloy body and hardtop. The overall dimensions are length 11 ft. 11 in., width 5 ft. 4 in. and height 6 ft. 5.5 in.

4. Cab
The standard commercial arrangement of three cab seats abreast is retained. However, for engineering service, the centre seat should be regarded as suitable only for casual use on short journeys. Each front seat cushion is removable, the near-side one affording access to the vehicle tool box. The cab is ventilated by two adjustable air intakes built into the base of the windscreen frame.

5. A fire extinguisher and First Aid Outfit No. 1 are mounted in the cab.

6. Body
The body area is separated from the cab by a waist-high bulkhead. Internal dimensions are: length 3 ft. 7 in., width 4 ft. 9 in. and height approximately 4 ft., but full length wheel-arch boxes 84 in. high project into this space by 13.75 in. on either side. Access to the body space is obtained from the rear via a two-section door arrangement. The upper section lifts up and is held in a horizontal position by locking stays, while the lower section is an orthodox tailboard. The tailboard section is secured in the closed position by sliding fasteners ,and can be supported in a horizontal position with securing chains.

7. Engine
A diesel engine is fitted as standard for P.O. engineering service. Exceptionally, to meet special conditions, a petrol engine can be provided on a new vehicle, but the requirement and supporting reasons should be clearly stated when preparing vehicle estimates.

8. Four-wheel drive
The use of a transfer gear box to select one of two ratios in the output from the main gearbox gives, in effect, a high and a low range of gears. In the low range of gears four-wheel drive is automatically engaged, but in the high range it is manually controlled. Reference should be made to the vehicle handbook for precise instructions in the operation of the transfer control lever and four-wheel- drive control, etc. Do not engage the low ratio unless the vehicle is stationary and do not use four-wheel drive on metalled roads.

9. Auxiliary equipment
Although the Landrover incorporates facilities for driving auxiliary machinery from power take-offs, these facilities are not required for the duties for which the vehicle is normally provided. If a special use arises warranting the provision of an auxiliary device, the matter should be referred to the Eng. Dept. (Cn3/3).

10. Internal fittings
As relatively few Landrovers require internal rack fittings, the provision of fittings in the body is dealt with on a local basis, Minor Van fittings (B 3606) being adapted if practicable. If special racking proves necessary, simple forms of racking using slotted alloy angle may be provided locally.

11. The R.M.T.O. must be consulted on the best method of mounting Minor Van fittings or special units in the vehicle. He will arrange for mechanics to help if necessary in fitting racks in position and for the fitting of a wire mesh screen between cab and body for security purposes.

12. Vehicle tools
Small tools are carried in the locker under the near-side seat. The starting handle and lifting jack handle extension are secured in clips on the seat back rest panel, and are accessible with the seat backs lowered.

13. Spare wheel
The spare wheel is stowed inside the body against the bulkhead. it is held in position by a clamp and wing nut.

14. Ladder carrier
The standard vehicle is not equipped with a ladder carrier, but the type fitted to Minor Vans can be fitted if necessary (see B 3606). Pruning or survey rods can be carried on brackets bolted to the near-side of the carrier (see M 0048).

15. If the supervising officer is satisfied that the provision of a ladder carrier is justified, a requisition form MTE 26G quoting the vehicle type and serial number, together with a statement of the circumstances justifying the provision of a carrier, should be forwarded to the Area Engr. for authority. The authorized requisition should be forwarded to the R.M.T.O. who will arrange for the provision and fitting of the ladder carrier to Drawing MT 1640.

16. Maximum load
On made-up roads the maximum load that can be carried is 9 cwt. exclusive of driver and two passengers. For cross-country work the maximum load is reduced by 200 lb. Due allowance must be made for the additional weight of such items as rack units and ladder carrier. If in doubt a simple check can be made by weighing the vehicle in its moving condition, i.e. complete with contents, personnel, full petrol tank, etc. The gross moving weight should not exceed 42.5 cwt. (40.5 cwt. for cross-country work). Weighbridge charges incurred should be passed to Freight and Cartage.

17. Towing facilities
The vehicle is not equipped to tow a trailer when initially issued, but a towing clevis and rear light extension socket can be fitted on a similar basis as a ladder rack (see par. 15). If a towing hitch is fitted the gross moving trailer weight should not exceed 45 cwt.

18. Locking arrangements
The near-side door is equipped with an inside locking catch, and the driver's and the rear doors with small barrel locks.

19. Signwriting
Standard inscriptions for sign-writing are given in C 0015.

20. Damage to paintwork
Attempts to retouch any scratched or damaged part should not be made by staff using the vehicle. Work of this nature is undertaken by the Workshop Supervisor/Mechanic-in-Charge when necessary and during periodic overhauls.

21. Speed
The Landrover, Type I is classed as a dual purpose vehicle and is not subject to any general speed limit except when towing a trailer (see D 0022).

Last revised: February 03, 2021