Sisu KB-124

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Sisu KB-124 (Nalle-Sisu)

Sisu KB-124 was a Finnish 4x2 two-axle delivery truck and chassis built by SAT in Karis, Finland. It weighed about 6 tonnes and was designed to follow the KB-24. Production ran from 1961 to 1968, and in 1968 the model name was changed to KB-121 after a government recommendation. Production ended around 1972. The truck was often built as fire engines, mobile shops, or small buses.

The KB-124’s cabin was modernized from the KB-24: more spacious, better upholstered and insulated, with good visibility. It was a bit less agile than the old KB-24 and didn’t handle some tight curves as well. Total weight rose by about 300 kg to roughly 6,300 kg.

Engines and power
- Engine options included a Sisu petrol engine and Ford diesel engines (about 70 hp initially; a stronger Ford Dagenham diesel with 84 hp was added in 1967).

Transmission
- 4 forward gears and 1 reverse, with synchromesh on 2nd–4th gears.

Chassis and dimensions
- The frame used a U-profile steel construction. Wheelbase varied from about 2,500 to 4,000 mm. Standard wheels were 7.50-16 inches; 5.50-20 inches were optional.

Suspension and brakes
- Leaf-spring suspension with telescopic shock absorbers. Hydraulically operated drum brakes on both axles; dual-circuit and servo options were available early on, with servo becoming standard later. Handbrake was mechanical. Steering was worm gear.

Cabin and electrical
- The SAT-made all-steel cabin was more comfortable and better insulated. The truck used a 12-volt electrical system with an 84 Ah battery (146 Ah optional).

Fuel and tanks
- Early fuel tank capacity was 60 litres (later moved to the left side with 55 litres). A bus chassis could be equipped with a 120-litre tank.

Pallets and layout
- Platform width was 1.85 m, which made fitting standard pallets two across difficult. A plan to widen to 2 m for the State Railways was abandoned.

Customers and market
- Main buyers were Finnish government bodies, including the Post and Telegraph and the State Railways. Domestic production faced price competition with Fargo lorries; in 1971 Finland bought more Fargo trucks, while SAT kept delivering Nalle-Sisu units due to ongoing government orders.

Summary
The KB-124 was a modernized, roomier follow-up to the KB-24, offering more space and options but slightly less agility. It evolved into the KB-121 in 1968 with a higher permitted load and remained in service with Finnish institutions into the early 1970s.