The Crowland Buffalo has taken another step forward with the testing of the gearbox. Getting the gearbox to this stage is due to the amazing effort and skills of DB Santasalo UK Ltd which are based in Huddersfield in West Yorkshire.
DB Santasolo has been working on the Buffalo gearbox since June last year when it was removed from the Buffalo with the help of Crowland Cranes.
The Continental W670-9A engine used in the Buffalo drives the front sprockets for the tracks through a very short prop shaft, together with a controlled differential and final drive unit. The Torsilastic* transmission uses a 5 forward one 1 reverse Spicer gearbox.
Spicer Manufacturing Company was a manufacturer of automotive parts which started in 1904. In 1946 the company was renamed the Dana Corporation which continues to make gearboxes for a wide range of applications to this day.
In August 2021 Managing Director Steve Watson of DBS said in a local newspaper, “I was delighted with the opportunity to be involved and our specialist team are now working hard to restore the LVT gearbox to its original glory. DBS is pleased to offer our services to the historical society free of charge and ensure the gearbox is fully re-furbished while ensuring it maintains its authenticity.”
After 75 years in the ground, the gearbox first had to be cleaned before disassembly could start. One of the first noticeable issues was an inch wide hole on the top of the gearbox where corrosion had eaten away at the metal. Once apart it was found that the gears just needed a thorough clean and polish, in fact for the amount of time it had been underground they were in relatively in good condition. The entire gearbox was disassembled so every single part could be cleaned and inspected before reassembly could begin. One of the challenges come across during the disassembly were some exceptionally tight bearings.
On Friday 26 February Daniel Abbott, Chairman of the Crowland Buffalo Association, went to visit the testing of the gearbox at the DB Santasalo site. Daniel says “I’ve been to Huddersfield to witness the testing of the Buffalo’s gearbox and I’m so impressed and lost for words, it’s been an incredible experience. To think last April this Buffalo was underground and this year we are at this stage. I was gobsmacked to see all the original gears with new bearings seals and pretty much looking as though they had just come out of the factory. Thanks to everyone at DB Santasalo UK Limited.”
* The word Torsilastic comes from the combination of Torsion (the action of twisting) and Elastic (able to spontaneously resume its normal shape).
Crowland Buffalo LVT 