The majority of the reputable truck builders are attempting to build a high-quality product that will operate over a period of years with the minimum of maintenance expense; however, many designers lose sight of the effect of shocks and strains, which is of even greater importance. Stating that a truck is scrapped for some one or a combination of the three reasons of obsolescence of design, wear on vital parts that cannot be replaced economically and failure of parts due to shock loads, fatigue or crystallization, the author comments upon these and then discusses chassis strains under five specific headings, illustrations also being given.
Pneumatic-tire cushioning, cushion tires and wheels, and other means of eliminating vibration are then discussed in considerable detail, following which the prediction is made that as a result of the use of scientific cushioning in design trucks will shortly be made lighter, stronger, more economical because of lighter weight, faster and, in general, more suitable for use than present designs.