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This vehicle is not currently on display at the Museum
The long running 1950s 3 ton military trucks were destined to be replaced in the 1960s by a new range of diesel engined vehicles. These replacements were intended to be able to operate on alternative fuels. After trials with Austin, Commer and Bedford vehicles, (now rated as 4 tonne capacity trucks), the Bedford MK was selected for production. The MK was based on the civilian pattern TK but with all four wheels driven.
When a replacement for the Bedford RL Light Recovery Vehicle was required, the Bedford MK chassis was adapted for this role with a winch and twin rear wheels. The body was fitted with side lockers and folding struts could support the crane jib in position for suspended tows. Two angled jacks at each end of the body took the weight when the crane was used with the vehicle stationary.
A commercial prototype was available in 1977, but with single rear wheels. The military version was developed and tested over a period of some years before coming into service in 1981. By this time the basic truck had been developed with a modified engine and brakes and given the new designation Bedford MJ.
The Reynolds Boughton pedestal mounted crane featured a two part extending jib with a maximum lift of 6 tons using the supporting jacks, or 4 tons without. The crane was hydraulically operated with controls on the pedestal.
Length |
6.32 m (20 ft 8 in) |
Width |
2.44 m (8 ft) |
Height |
2.67 m (8 ft 8 in) |
Wheelbase |
3.96 m (12 ft 11 in) |
Winch |
6 tonnes capacity |
Crane lift |
6 tonnes (max) |
Engine |
Bedford 6 cylinder diesel |
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Page produced by Peter Eldred - Last updated 24 July 2004