Orphan of the Day, 01-24, 1927 Sterling E

[8E45E]

This marque became an orphan a second time at the end of 2009 when D-B laid it to rest.



Craig

[Milaca]

I've seen pictures of Sterling trucks with the chain drive being built into the 1950's. I am puzzled as to why they continued to build trucks with chain drive. Similarly, I am puzzled as to why Caterpillar continued to manufacture bull dozers with cable operated blades into the 1960's as well as manufacture mechanical operated grader blade mechanisms into the 1960's when every other manufacturer was using hydraulics. If it ain't broke, don't fix it??
Anyway, awesome looking truck, thanks for sharing.

[Gary1953]

WOW very neat truck. I like it alot.
Thank you for posting.

[JimsLeadCommander]

Wouldn't THAT truck look great going to the fabled 'Pumpkin Patch' and loading up with several pumpkins before it coolly takes the lead in the Halloween parade on Main Street in Somewhere, U.S.A?

[dictator27]

I've seen pictures of Sterling trucks with the chain drive being built into the 1950's. I am puzzled as to why they continued to build trucks with chain drive. Similarly, I am puzzled as to why Caterpillar continued to manufacture bull dozers with cable operated blades into the 1960's as well as manufacture mechanical operated grader blade mechanisms into the 1960's when every other manufacturer was using hydraulics. If it ain't broke, don't fix it??
Anyway, awesome looking truck, thanks for sharing.

I think it is very likely this truck has a worm gear or hourglass final drive in the differential. The pinion would have been easy to change without having to disassemble the diff. Likewise the small chain sprocket would be easy to change. Put the two together and you have quick change gear ratios. From what I can find out, the E series Sterling was available in 4 to 10 ton capacities, all of them with 4 cylinder engines. This one has single rear wheels so it is probably a 4, maybe 5 ton, but the differential was likely used in several tonnages. As the tonnage went up, the hourglass and sprocket were changed to give the engine (maybe 40 horsepower and 4 speed trans) a half decent chance to move the load. Top speed of this unit in the 20's at best, a 10 ton half of that. Patience was definitely a virtue!

Terry