Tomcar

The Tomcar is a type of commercial off-road utility vehicle.

The Tomcar is made in two and four seat models, and is powered by either unleaded petrol or diesel engines. It uses a CVT transmission system, and a chain driven final drive system, giving the vehicles a ground clearance of 38 cm (15").

The Tomcar's chain-driven swing arm system allows the vehicle an above average ground clearance and suspension articulation, and also create "anti-squat" or lift. Under acceleration, a vehicle usually squats in the rear due to the physics of conventional drive-trains. In the Tomcar vehicles, this torque is displaced, causing the swing arms to be “pulled” down and under the vehicle, creating rear-end lift. Known in physics as 'anti-squat'.

History

The Tomcar has been in active development in Israel over the last 30 years. It was originally designed and built for the Israel Defense Forces, being specifically designed to fit into a Sea Knight or Chinook helicopter. The original Tomcar was developed as a two-seater model, known as the TM2. A four-seater model, known as the TM4, was added to the line up in order to carry more personnel. A utility version with a larger tray was then developed, which is known as the TM5.

It is currently in use by the Israeli military to patrol its borders and carry out various military missions, by the US Customs and Border Patrol, the US National Guard and by the British Army in Afghanistan.

The Tomcar has become available to the public for both commercial and recreational use since 2005.

The Tomcar is now produced in Melbourne, Australia by MTM Pty Ltd on licence by Tomcar Australia Pty Ltd. The production facility was launched on March 8, 2012 by Victorian Minister for Trade, Industry and Export Richard Dalla-Riva.

Models

The Tomcar currently comes in a two-seater version called the TM-2, a four-seater version called the TM-4 and a utility two-seater version called a TM-5.

The Tomcar used to be also available in a one-seater version, known as the TM-1, however this is now a discontinued model.

Specifications

Model: TM-2 (Two-Seater)

Dimensions:

• Length: 2820 mm / 111.5"
• Width: 1780 mm / 70"
• Height: 1686 mm / 67"
• Wheelbase: 2052 mm / 81"
• Ground clearance: 381 mm / 15"
• Dry weight: 715 kg / 1573 lbs

Engines:

• Lombardini Inline 4-stroke Diesel engine.
• YH465Q-2E 4-Stroke-water-cooled petrol engine.
• Kohler LH775S Liquid Cooled petrol engine.

Transmission:

• Automatic V-belt CVT
• Heavy-duty, high/low gear box
• Rear wheel drive
• Final drive: 2 x dual oil bathed chains
• Forward - neutral - reverse
• Differential lock

Tyres:

• Front: AT 25 x 8 - 12
• Rear: AT 26 x 12 - 12

Suspension:

• Front: Double wishbone, heavy-duty 343 mm / 13.5" travel
• Rear: Trail arm heavy-duty 343mm / 13.5" travel with dual coil over springs, gas/hydraulic shocks

Steering:

• Rack-and-pinion, 1.6 turn lock-to-lock

Brakes:

• Disc Brakes
• Mechanical hand brake

Fuel:

• 26 litre / 6.75 gallon safety tank (1 or 2 tanks)

Electrics:

• 12V 56AH battery
• 40A alternator and regulator
• Power socket
• Halogen headlights, tail lights and brake lights
• Horn

Instrumentation:

• Speedometer
• Wheels hour meter
• Voltmeter
• Fuel gauge
• Low oil pressure
• Turn signal
• High beam light
• Water temp gauge

Seats:

• Adjustable bucket type with head rest,
• 4-point harness

References

TOMCAR bought by Maini

Sources

• Hassal, David. "Australia’s first all-terrain vehicle to be built in Melbourne ", "John Mellor's GoAuto News", 12 April 2012
• Hinchliffe, Mark. "Tomcar is a terrain terror", Courier Mail, 11 May 2007
• Janes Defence Weekly Vol. 42, Issue 25, 22 June 2005
• TV News broadcast - Eyewitness News, Channel 5 KSL, Utah USA, Summer 2004.
• TV broadcast - "Discovery Channel, Daily Planet Show", 25 September 2009.

External links

• Tomcar.com.au
• Tomcar.com