New York Trailer Low-loader Range
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Quadraframe Construction and Removable Running Gear Employed for Medium and Heavy Capacity Trailers
THE York Trailer Co., Ltd., Burnley, 1 Lanes, are now going into production with an entirely new range of lowloaders offering capacities from 10 to 25 tons. They have been developed in conjunction with leading heavy haulage operators and are known as the O.D. (Operator Designed) series.
There are three basic models, of 10, 12/14 and 25 tons, each of which share many design features in common. Both the 10 and 12/14 tonners have very robust frames based on four longitudinal members of equal size and strength. These are of 10 in. by 31 in. rolled steel channel (B.S.C. 114) with a section modulus of 21.9. The cross-members and out-riggers are spaced at 27 in. centres and are of 8 in. by 3 in. rolled steel channel, with a section modulus of 12.75.
Flush Flooring
The 14-in. hardwood flooring is set down between the longitudinals so that it does net protrude above the steel runners, thus avoiding damage to the flooring during side loading. The construction is such that uniform capacity is distributed over the whole of the deck area and wide loads and side loading can be handled with equal ease. The rigid layout of the frame and the longitudinal flooring is certainly sufficiently massive to accept a degree of overloading even when it is concentrated at any one point of the platform.
The running gear is removable to facilitate rear loading. The locking pin is accessibly located at the extreme rear of the trailer. The suspension system embodies rubber-bushed and adjustable radius rods, permitting accurate axle alignment, and springs of double slipper type which serve merely to support the load. Tubular axles of 8 tons capacity are used for the 10-ton trailer and of 10 tons for the 12/14-ton model.
The braking system is integrated with the running gear and there are no rods or cables to disconnect. Generous braking area is provided on each model, the 12/14-tonner for example, having 151 by 6 in. shoes and a lining area of 364 sq. in. An S.A.E. coupling is normally supplied but the 10-ton trailer may be fitted with a Scammell automatic coupling at option.
The largest trailer in the range, the model 0.D.25, is of extremely massive construction. The backbone consists of two 10 in. by 7 in. box sections each plated at top and bottom with 7 in. by 1 in. mild steel plates. Inside the rear box member there are two forged rocker beams; each 3 ft. 10 in. in length, the front ends of which rest on a transverse spring, and the rear forming a stub to which oscillating axles are bolted. The four-in-line running gear has sealed bronze bearings, obviating damage to bearing surfaces when the running gear is removed for end loading.
Integrated Braking As on the two smaller trailers the 25tonner features oversize brakes with the mechanism integrated with the axles. Two-line Bendix-Westinghouse air brakes are standard components. The flooring is of 2-in, hardwood, laid longitudinally between the main_ and outer rails and set down between them. so that the top of the floor is flush with the steel runners.
Both the medium capacity and 25-ton O.D. series low-loaders are being assembled at York Trailer's works at Burnley and Colne.