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TRAILER

SURAT

A BUYER'S GUIDE TO TRAILERS AND SEMI-TRAILERS

ADAMSON AND HATCHETT

Adamson and Hatchett, Dukinfield, Cheshire.

Three ranges of semi-trailer are manufactured by this company and plated for operation at from 13.5 tons up to 31 tons, the latter figure being in anticipation of the impending changes in C & U Regulations. A feature of the ranges are the fabricated I-beams used for the main frame, these being constructed using mild steel webs and high tensile steel flanges. The webs are pierced through on all models to accept 4in. rolled steel l-section cross-bearers at 24in. centres throughout the length of the unit. These are ranged 1.125in. below the level of the top flange of the main frame to permit longitudinal hardwood flooring of the same dimension to be laid flush with the main frame. The floors are secured by self-tapping screws to the crossbearers.

Single-, tandemand three-axle vehicles are manufactured, all the multi-axle types being available fitted out with TIR bodywork.

Five of the models made are available as container carrying skeletals these being those ranging from 19.25 tons to 31 tons gross trailer weight. A second alternative specification for these models is as a platform container carrier where container locks are let in to the deck.

Three-line air-pressure braking is standard on all vehicles, nylon piping being used throughout.

ARROW

Arrow Construction Equipment Ltd., Cowpen Road, Blythe, Northumberland.

Special tilting trailers designed to carry wheeled or tracked plant and bearing the range name Target, are manufactured by Arrow.

The Target trailers are supplied either as drawbar or articulated types, the drawbar model having a capacity of 10 tons while the artic carries 16 tons. A recent innovation to the range is the inclusion of electrid-powered hydraulics in place of the former handpowered units. The unique braking system on these vehicles utilizes multi-plate disc brakes. These comprise metallic-faced discs interleaved with steel plates. Actuation is by threeline air-pressure systems and parking braking is by spring-powered chambers.

Peripheral framing is used on the flat platform range of trailers produced by the firm. Standardization of parts used in their construction is complete. The same axles, brake gear and suspension parts are used throughout as is the two-speed landing gear. Models are produced for general haulage, TIR work or as container carriers. A feature of the TIR vehicles is that where operators have not yet fully converted to 24-volt lighting, a dropper unit can be included in the wiring system to permit 12and 24-volt operation. The vehicles are supplied complete as listed in the company's literature, no extras are available.

BECORIT

Becorit (Engineering) Ltd., Hallam Fields Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

This company has entered into the semitrailer and trailer manufacturing field in the past 18 months. Its products are all of a ground-level loading type utilizing trailing arm independent suspension which can be raised and lowered by means of retracting hydraulic rams. Quarter elliptic springs are imposed between the ram ends and the suspension arms providing the suspension media. Hydraulic power can be obtained from pto driven pumps or alternatively from doubleacting hand pumps mounted directly on to the trailers.

Models with capacities ranging between 10cwt and 12 tons are made, the lighter vehicles being of the drawbar variety while the heavier types are articulated.

Although the units made here are low loaders the chassis are produced in any form.

BOOTH

J. Booth (Trailers) Ltd., Featherstell Road, Oldham, Lancs.

One of the newer companies engaged in the construction of semi-trailers, Booth concentrate on straight frames with either flat platform, drop-side or TIR bodywork. The company also manufactures the most recent addition to its range, a 32-ton coil carrier. This vehicle has been specially designed to achieve the greatest possible width between the main frame so as to permit large diameter coils to be carried at the lowest obtainable C of G.

Fabricated I beams form the main frames of all Booth trailers and crossmembers are also fabricated. Decks are laid longitudinally and fastened with self-tapping screws. The planking is half lapped and so installed as to permit simple replacement in the event of damag.

TIR-bodied vehicles are made and these feature specially designed steel-bound body sides. Rubery Owen running gear and suspensions are used throughout the standard ranges although where small diameter wheel and tyre equipment is used Ion dropand step-frame models for instance) Moss Gear Co. axles are used. Both close-coupled and wide-spread bogies are available.

BTC

British Trailer Co. Ltd., Phoenix Works, Richmond Road, Trafford Park, Manchester 17.

The world famous Four-in-Line running gear is made by this firm along with a wide range of standard and special purpose trailers and semi-trailers.

Most of the products utilise fabricated Ibeam main frames and cross-members and all models are equipped with the BTC Twinspring suspensions. On the tandem-axle models the springs are trunnion mounted and inverted, the axles being carried at the extreme outer ends of the springs. The twin spring comprises an upper and lower multi-leaf unit carried on centres above and below the axle.

The company's Four-in-Line also features the twin-spring suspension. The twin axles of these units are carried in swivelling trunnions mounted between the upper and lower springs and oscillating on the axle centres.

Pole trailers and machinery carriers are built for a wide range of payloads and all the suspensions and running gears are available for mounting on frameless designs.

A complete range of skeletal trailers are made suitable for the carriage of 20, 30, and 40ft long containers. Outriggers and locks can be arranged to permit the carriage of any combination of short and long containers if required.

BROCKHOUSE

J. Brockhouse and Co. Ltd., Vehicles Division, Victoria Works, Hill Top, West Bromwich, Staffs.

Fifth wheel and automatic coupling semitrailers provide a complete range for all aspects of general haulage operations. The Brockhouse automatic coupling is of the non-collapsible variety and trailers so fitted are equipped with dual mechanical and twoline air braking systems complying fully with the requirements of the C and U regulations.

Fifth-wheel trailers go by the name of Expediter and this range contains single-, tandem-axle versions including flat platform, lowloader and container transporting types. The twin oscillating-axle designs employ trailing arm suspensions utilising compressed rubber as a suspension medium. The single-axle units have conventional leaf springs with an option of Dunlop Pneuride air suspension. A light weight mechanical non-reactive suspension is employed on the tandem-axle versions.

'Transliner' vans are available on any Brockhouse automatic or fifth-wheel chassis.

CARTER

Carter Engineering Co. Ltd., Lichfield Road, Tamworth, Staffs.

Car transporters are the speciality of Carter Engineering and it produces vehicles for these purposes in both artic and draw bar types.

Rubber suspension is a feature of the firms products and it is continually making studies of legislative regulations in order to provide vehicles that will permit users to secure the greatest possible profit margins. The larger sized vehicles employ hydraulically raised and lowered upper decks.

CARRIMORE

Carrimore Six Wheelers Ltd., Harelaw Industrial Estate, Stanley, Co. Durham.

Whatever a customer orders is the type of trailer or semi-trailer manufactured by Carri

more. All types of vehicle from heavyweight machinery carriers down to the lightest models for use as mobile shops, libraries and the like are manufactured and the company has its own bodybuilding division in which these special trailer frames can be bodied.

Recent models built by Carrimore include 20 ton extensibles with a closed length of 39ft and a fully extended length of 60ft. These models were equipped with self-steering rear axles.

CHAR ROLD

Charrold Ltd., St. Peter's Road, Huntingdon.

Special trailers—for handling bulk granular materials—and stainless steel vans are made by Charrold.

The bulk vehicles all embody frameless construction and utilize many types of materials handling equipment. These can be of the belt conveyor type, elevator, gravity or pneumatic delivery—in fact any system to suit the customer's requirements.

Constructed on the frameless principle, the vans utilize corrugated stainless steel panels. Fitted with standard leaf spring suspension, they are available with single taper-leaf springs as an option.

CRANE FRUEHAUF and BODEN

Crane Fruehauf Trailers Ltd., Boden Trailers Ltd., 655 London Read, Isleworth, Middx.

The range of trailers manufactured by these two concerns embodies some 15 different types Of vehicle. They include flats, skeletals, vans, tippers extensibles, low loaders and tankers, besides a wide variety of running gears, suspensions, fifth-wheels and landing gears.

The ranges produced by both the companies are virtually identical, differing only in the badges. All the standard models now feature the Crane Fruehauf F series suspension although other types may be specified.

The fiat-platform and skeletal trailers in the range embody the best features of the Fruehauf and Boden units i.e. the Boden Mark 3 frame and the Fruehauf running gear. Container skeletals of all sizes and for all module variations are produced as are dry freight, insulated and refrigerated frameless vans. TIR vehicles with both the open top type the soft tilt types of bodywork are offered and there is also a wide range of stepped van chassis suitable for special bodywork.

From its tanker division the Fruehauf branch of the combine produces mild steel vessels for every conceivable type of operation.

On the heavy transporter side of the business Crane Fruehauf probably has a complete monopoly. But in the more competitive section of the low loader market the firm manufactures large numbers of both semi-trailer and draw-bar types ranging in capacity from 10 to 60 tons.

Tippers are built with either light alloy or all-steel bodywork. These feature single, five stage front end rams and an air-powered tail-gate lock.

Powder tankers with the ability to handle all types of powders and granular materials are produced in light-alloy and mild steel. Most of the multi-axle models can be equipped with tandem, widespread tandem or three axle running gears and the running gears are available for mounting on frameless designs of other manufacture.

CRAWFORD, PRINCE AND JOHNSON

Crawford, Prince and Johnson Ltd., Syston, Leicester.

No semi-trailers are manufactured by this company but building of bodywork for vehicles of this kind is undertaken. Trailer production is restricted to two-wheeled drawbar types with capacities of up to 15cwt. Special types are produced to carry sheep and pigs and lightweight units suitable for towing behind light cars or motorcycle combinations are made.

DAYSON

Dayson and Co (Coachbuilders) Ltd., Wilden Works, Wilden Lane, Stourport on Severn, Worcs.

Straight frame semi-trailers with bodywork for TIR operations or ordinary general haulage, and skeletal framed container carriers are produced by Dayson. The trailers bear the trade name of Overlander and incorporate fabricated I-beam main frames pierced through with rolled steel channel crossbearers.

Skeletal types will accommodate different container sizes and all the models are equipped with Rubery Owen running gears and suspension.

DENNISON

Dennison Trailers Ltd, Antrim Line Newtownabbey, N. Ireland.

This firm markets trailers both of its own and other company's manufacture in Northern Ireland. Among the ranges built on its premises are straight frame container carriers, tipping container carriers, chassis suitable for the mounting of special bodywork, lowloaders and flat platforms. The company has facilities for fitting out tractive units with fifth wheels or automatic couplings,

DIXON-BATE

B. Dixon-Bate Ltd. Chester CH3 5NA.

Semi and drawbar trailers up to payload capacities of 6 tons are manufactured by Dixon-Bate. Among the models produced is a ground level loading lightweight machinery carrier incorporating a novel suspension medium. The suspension layout is similar to other makes of this type in that it utilizes trailing arms supporting its wheels on stub axles. But on this model the medium is a number of stacked spring washers giving adequate deflection through a system of leverage.

The company is presently developing a new range of lightweight semi-trailer. vans in co-operation with Arlington Bodybuilders of Ponders End, London. These vehicles are plated for a gross trailer weight of 7.75 tons and are designed for operation with the Bedford KCC10 and KDSC5 models, The trailer incorporates the Taskers automatic coupling and it is envisaged that the body will be fitted with two runs of the DB Shorfast cargo control gear at each side of the body. DURAM1N

Duramin Engineering Co Ltd., Harbour Road, Lydney, Glos.

Standard straight frame platform, van bodied and skeletal semi-trailers make up the products of this company. The construction of all the frames is identical fabricated I-beam main frames being joined by box section crossmembers. Extensive gusseting at stress points in the chassis frames is used and body crossbearers are from pressed steel channel pierced through the webs of the frames.

Units with single, tandem or three axle running gears are produced and these can be mounted on conventional, tubeless or lowprofile tyre equipment.

DYSON

R. A. Dyson and Co. Ltd., Grafton Street, Liverpool, 8.

Probably the oldest trailer manufacturer in the UK, Dyson produces a wide range of vehicles including standard flat-platform goods carrying vehicles, special designs for use in desert oil field conditions and numerous different styles of low loader and machinery carriers.

The company pioneered the use of air suspension and still manufactures large numbers of its Aeroride units used on tanker semitrailers, refrigerated units and other machines where smooth riding characteristics are essential. Also available is the DNR non-reactive suspension while standard Rubery Owen M Series suspension is offered as an option.

During the past year the company has introduced two new low loader ranges utilizing tandem and triple-axle bogies, These units offer longer deck lengths by virtue of having small diameter wheel and tyre equipment and the deck carried above the wheels. Two popular sizes in the lighter range are the 15 and 20 ton capacity units, the smaller being mounted on 7.50-15 Michelin X tyres and tandem axles while the 20 ton unit, also on tandem axles, utilizes Michelin 10.00-15 X. The deck heights of these trailers are 3ft and 3ft 2in. respectively.

Three-axle low loaders offered provide for capacities of 25, 30 and 35 ton payloads. These also are mounted on the smaller size wheels mentioned above and have the 3ft deck height. Alternatively cut outs above the wheels can be utilized which allow the deck height to be even lower. A special model of this type can be equipped with the last 2ft of the deck angled downwards and a pair of hinged ramps.

In the heavier payload range trailers with detachable swan necks are offered with capacities of up to 60 tons. The tandem axle models of this range with capacities of 20, 25, 30 and 35 tons are suitable for use within the normal C and U Regulations when carrying lighter payloads.

1BBETT

Ibbett Engineering Co. Ltd., Kempston Hardwick, Bedford.

Ground level loading is the by-word for this firm. It specializes in the manufacture of trailers and semi-trailers which are equipped with either a patented hydraulic lowering system or tilting bodies permitting heavy plant and the like to be loaded without the use of cranes or other lifting gear. Units are made in capacities of from 7.5 cwts up to 25 tons, the articulated types ranging from 3 to 20 tons while the draw bar types range from 7.5 cwts up to 7.5 tons. A third range covers vehicles with tilting bodies and these have capacities from 5 to 25 tons.

A feature of the close coupled drawbar types made by the firm is that the drawbar towing height can be varied between 23 and 36in., permitting towing by heavy lorry or Land-Rover type vehicles. The tilting platform trailer for 18-ton loads employs two sets of twin oscillating axles and is with 10-00 20 16 ply tyres adequately tyred for its 18 ton payload. It is however not equipped with springs and so restricted to 20 mph maximum speed.

FOX

Fox Trailers Ltd., Victory Works, Woodend Avenue, Spoke, Liverpool 24.

A variety of semi-trailers are built by Fox mostly to customers specification. Skeletal container carriers are made suitable for carrying 20, 30 and 40ft long ISO containers.

Step framed units suitable for specialized bodywork are produced and a unit developed for the carriage of empty steel drums can be bodied either by Fox or other bodybuilders. The drum body produced by Fox has light alloy panelled sides and the trailer is 32ft long.

Fox are the manufacturers of the Fold-Over fifth wheel coupling a device that enables a tractive unit to .be u.ed with either an automatic coupling or fifth wheel coupling semitrailer in a matter of a few seconds.

Also produced at the Liverpool works is a standard 15 ton machinery carrier with knock out rear axle, and a range of parcels vans with quickly detachable bodies in lengths of 25ft, 28ft, 30ft and 34ft. Rubery Owen M series, Dunlop Stabilair or Moss Gear Co. Ltd. suspensions are offered.

FROMANT

Fromant and Son (Trailers) Ltd., 97 Felpham Way, Felpham, Bognor Regis, Sussex.

All trailers built by this firm are made to customers specification. Almost any type can be produced to order including flat, step and drop frame models, tippers. skeletals, box vans, machinery carriers and others designed specially for the carriage of prefabricated-building slabs. The firm also produces running gear assemblies based on Rubery Owen components for tanker and other types of frameless construction.

A wide range of optional extras are provided for including a wide choice of tyre equipment and the Hope Anti Jack Knife device.

HALSON

Nelson Trailers Ltd., Newhaven, Sussex.

Car transporters and small recovery trailers are the Nelson speciality; a range of models which include four-wheel and semitrailer-type car transporters is produced, the close-coupled four-wheelers will carry four cars and the articulated units which bear the model numbers AT5 and AT6 can carry five and six cars respectively,

HANDS

Hands Trailers Ltd., Icknnield Way, Letchworth, Herts.

About 2 years ago this company foresaw a swing towards the use of small articulated vehicles for urban and medium distance delivery work. A range of small single axle semi-trailers providing for a capacity of around six tons and positively matched for operation with the Ford D 300 tractive unit are now produced. This range is equipped with load-sensed braking and automatic coupling gear. Braking systems are by two line air-pressure with a secondary system working through mechanical linkage passing through the coupling gear. Straight framed units and others with stepand drop-frames are included in the range, the flats being produced in lengths of from 15ft to 30ft in increments of lin, while the drop-frame types provide for well lengths of 12ft, 15ft, 18ft and 19.75ft.

A second group of models for the same weight range feature independant trailing arm suspension. These models are designed as light machinery carriers and embody the same coupling gear and braking system as that used on the straight frame units.

In the heavier ranges Hands produce single knock-out axle machinery carriers plated for gross-trailer weights of from 13.25 tons up to 18 tons and offering well-lengths of from 16 to 22ft. Flat platform single axle types with the Hands Autosafe automatic coupling or fifth wheel couplings are built with plated weights ranging from 10.5 tons up to 19.75 tons. These models are built in lengths varying from 20 to 39ft.

Single and tandem axle running gears featuring slipper ended leaf springing or the Hands /Neway RTS 500 suspension as well as the recently introduced, revamped ARI air suspenion are produced suitable for mounting on tankers or other frameless body designs. The company will undertake to convert any make or semi-trailer to accept the Hands Newsy AR I air suspension.

HIGHWAY

Highway Trailers (Great Britain) Ltd., Multiwheeler Works, Southampton Airport, Southampton, Hants.

A new range of semi-trailers was announced by this company on Aug 27th this year called the Highway 75 Fleet Special Range. From the specification details it appears there is little basic change from the previous M ranges the company has produced in previous years.

Fabricated I-beam main frames are used, one of the main features of the method of building being the profile piercing of the webs to accept the threaded through crossbearers pitched at 24in. centres throughout. Box section cross-members are used and an option in the design, in the interest of low unladen weight, is the perforation of the main frame webs with 8.625in. holes. Rubery Owen M series suspension is used with either single-, tandemor three-axle running gear. Single taper leaf springs are included in the options.

The range features a newly designed headboard assembly, cut away at the top corners for improved visibility and braced forward to the extended main frames for additional strength. Jumper lead connections are mounted, recessed into the cavity formed by the headboard supports and their own supporting member, giving them added protection from accidental damage. A new underrun bumper assembly protecting the latest lighting and reflector to BS AU4OL111) clusters is fitted as standard.

HUDSON OF LEEDS

Hudson of Leeds, Robert Hudson (Raletrux) Ltd., Raletrux Works, (PO Box No. 4), Morley, Leeds LS27 8GT.

Low loaders are the speciality of this firm, in particular the Timiser which incorporates a steered and geared together twin oscillating axle bogie assembly designed to speed up the loading operation.

The bogie assemblies are carried on a pair of trailing arms pivoted at the rear of the load continued on page 117 deck. One of the assemblies is braked lightly and with the locking pins removed the outfit is slowly reversed. The effect of the brake on one bogie causes this to swing outwards transmitting identical movement through quadrant gearing to the opposing bogie, both swinging around their respective pivot points simultaneously to finish up situated transversely alongside the load deck and leaving the full width of the deck available for rear end loading. Fabricated steel ramps are provided for plant to be run up on to the platform.

When the loading operation is completed the Timiser is driven forward until the bogies run back into the straight ahead position, the locking devices are then replaced making the vehicle suitable for operation again.

HWP

HWP Trailers Ltd., Lindum Street, Hexthorpe, Doncaster.

All types of semi-trailers are manufactured by this company although the bulk of its production is confined to flats, tippers and skeletal models.

The flat types are built in plated weights of from 19.5 tons gross trailer weight up to 27 tons gross trailer weight. Running gears with single-, tandemand three-axles are produced for mounting on tankers and the like and these can be supplied with either steel spring suspension or Dunlop Stabilair air-suspension. The company produces a wide range of tipping trailers and specialises in the production of tipping skeletal trailers for use with bulk containers.

KING

King Truck Equipment Ltd., Riverside Industrial Estate, Market Harborough, Leics.

Low-loaders, semi-low-loaders and extensible pole trailers, concrete panel carriers and special high-capacity platform trailers are among the King units. A range of dollies which allows semi-trailers to be converted to drawbar types and can also be used for stipporting one end of an indivisible load is offered and a number of fixed bogies is also available. No upper limit is placed upon the capacity of the company's semi-low-loader trailers which are specifically designed as machinery carriers and the like.

An agreement under which King has exclusive manufacturing rights for products designed by W. Scheuerle Fahrzeugfabrik which covers a whole range of road-going and industrial trailers with capacities of up to 400 tons for the road vehicles and up to 1,000 tons for industrial types is in operation.

10 LODE

Low Loading Trailer Co. Ltd., Dean Street. Bedford.

The only semi-trailers made by this company are tandem-axled units for special appli cations with capacities up to 20 tons gross trailer weight. Lolode specializes in exhibition and mobile display-vehicles, mobile laboratories and the like and concentrates On drawbar trailer equipment for these purposes with capacities between 15 cwt and 20 tons.

Solid rubber-cushion tyred industrial trailers with capacities between 3 and 12 tons are built for many applications.

MERRIWORTH

Merriworth (Engineering) Ltd., London Road, Stone, Dartford, Kent.

Trailer production by Merriworth is devoted to straight frame semi-trailers of all types, particularly those suitable for TIR operations and variable purpose units suitable for carrying both containers and or general goods.

These models include one specially designed for operation with the French Railways Kangaroo system and they are all plated for 30-32 tons g.v.w. Standard TIR units are produced in lengths of 8, 10 and 12 metres 123ft 3in, 32ft 10in and 39ft 4in) and to the maximum permissible width, 24 metres (8ft 2iin). Two interior heights are available 88in and 100in, both floor-to-eave measurements. A feature of the 12 metre models is that the superstructure side and corner posts are socketed outside the floor area permitting a clear interior width of 7ft 11-tin which will accommodate two Continental type pallets to be stowed side by side.

Merriworth is unique in that it offers a range of axle gear from four manufacturers. Rubery Owen, BPW, Moss and York equipment is available and mounted on Merriworth's own suspension employing 3.5in wide steel springs, balance-beams and rubber-bushed radius rods.

The Kangaroo models can be equipped with high deflection bogies in which the suspension is carried on a type of walking beam. The VP trailers are skeletals boarded to permit the carriage of general goods, and for operations having sufficient container traffic the plain skeletal is available. Special light weight units featuring low profile tyres and single taper leaf springs are made.

Merriworth also manufactures lntertruck semi-trailer accessories which include landing gear, twist locks, king pins, spare-wheel carriers and parking brake levers. All these items are supplied to other trailer makers as well as being used by the parent company.

MFR

MFR (Sales) Ltd., The Stocks, Cosgrove, Nr. Wolverton, Bucks.

Two-wheeled drawbar trailers including some designed as dual purpose vehicles which will carry both liquid and dry cargoes, are manufactured by MFR.

The company also produces many small special vehicles such as field servicing equipment units and mobile lubrication units. Single purpose trailers for liquids or dry cargoes with capacities of up to 500 gal or 10 cwts are offered, all being equipped with steel leaf suspension, but offered with rubber suspension as an alternative. MFR will undertake to build small vehicles of this nature for practically any purpose to customers orders.

M and G

M and G Trailers (Lye) Ltd., Hayes Lane, Lye, Worcs.

Most popular in the range of trailers made by M and G are the dual-purpose coil carriers. These are built with single tandem and three axle running gears, Rubery Owen gear being used throughout. The company has continued to develop its original design of coil carrier, ironing out the bugs as they have arisen until it is currently an extremely well proved vehicle.

To overcome the inherent problems with tyres running on three axle running gears, M and G have developed an extremely simple variable load suspension. The progressive spring pads are replaced at the slipper ends of the balance beams adjacent to the centre axle, by constant rate units. The centre axle is equipped with low profile tyres which, having a larger rolling radius than the standard 10 x 20 equipment normally fitted, causes this axle to accept a higher proportion of the load. The increased capacity of the bogie permits the smaller tyre equipment on the leading and trailing axles to run well within their designed limits, while the additional load imposed on the centre axle is also below tyre design weight of the low profile tyres fitted there.

MORGAN

D H Morgan (Engineers) Ltd., Park Iron Works, Kingsley, Bordon, Hants.

This company has recently become a wholly owned subsidiary of Highway Trailers (Great Britain) Ltd which will develop further the Morgan Hydro-Couple low-loader machinery carrier.

The system employs a pair of air operated hydraulic legs situated within the crank of the frame. The frame is arranged to separate where the deck and the swan neck join, it is joined when in the running condition by mechanical hooks and locks so designed that the inherent strength in the massive construc tion of the swan neck assembly is retained. Modals are made with twin-oscillating axle running gear, single-axle running gear and tandem-axle running gear.

In future the Hydro Couple, already built for payloads of from 10 to 25 tons, will be made to cope with heavier loads probably up to 40 tons. Development for other purposes may also be pursued.

MULTIWHEELERS

Multiwheelers (Commercial Vehicles) Ltd., Multiwheeler Works, Southampton Airport, Southampton, Hants.

Multiwheeler is the specialist vehicle division of Highway Trailers. This section of the company builds any model which does not fall into a. set range produced on the Highway production lines. Such units as low-loaders, steerable bogies, running gears and frames designed for specialist bodywork are all made here.

MURFITT

R. Mut-fin Ltd., Weasenham Lane, Wisbech, Cambs.

Almost every conceivable type of trailer equipment is produced by Muffin. Flat platform types ranging from 6 to 31.5 tons gross trailer weight and from 20 to 45ft in length are offered. Custom building of machinery carriers, extensibles and pole trailers is undertaken, as is the building of any type of tipper with or without Murfitt bodywork.'

Bulk powder and granular materials hanAling are a Murfitt speciality, numerous different types of handling equipment being produced. and vans with either insulated and/or refrigerated bodywork are also supplied.

The German Schmidt self-steering twoand three-axle bogies are made under licence by this firm and can be supplied on almost all its products. Among the cargo-handling gear are units designed for use with ISO and Freightliner containers. Skeletal transporters for these items are produced and running gears of all types are supplied for mounting on frameless tanks and vans. Drawbar units up to 16 tons gross trailer weight and any type of trailer between 6 and 50 tons can be built to order.

NORTHERN

Northern Trailer Co. Ltd., Colston Ironworks, Auchinairn Road, Bishopbritatle, Lanarkshire.

Units mainly designed for the general haulage trades are made by Northern. Single-, tandemand three-axle configurations are produced with flat, van, tipping or TIR bodywork. Tipping trailers of either the conventional type—having a tipping body imposed upon a chassis—or employing the Villiers system are supplied.

In the three-axle range, vehicles are produced either with three rigid axles or with the rearmost self tracking. The self-tracking axle is the Italian Ceschi unit which is produced under licence by Northern.

Coil carriers and tankers are produced and the company supplies running gears for use with tankers or frameless vans. Apart from a 12-ton unit which is supplied with an Automatic coupling, all the models have SAE /SM MT fifth-wheels.

PASHLEY

W. R. Pashley Ltd., Masons Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

Lightweight two-wheeled drawbar.units'are the speciality of this firm which makes a wide range of small trailers for use as tool carriqrscum-benches, for the collection of salvage and the carriage of cycles. and motor cycles. Most of the vehicles are equipped with tyre and wheel equipment commonized to the Land-Rover specification.

PEAK

Peak Trailer and Chassis Co. Ltd., Ashton Road, Etredbury, Cheshire

The most striking product of Peak Trailers is the independent suspension bogie it has introduced in both single and tandem axle forms in the past year. This unit comprises swinging arms and coil springs mounted in a substantial sub frame suitable for use on conventional trailer frame work, or frameless designs.

Also produced are standard steel spring suspension types with straight, step or drop frames and suitable for various types of bodywork. The company specializes in TIR bodied vehicles, one of the features of which are the provision of double loading decks.

Fabricated I-beams are used for the main frames of all the trailers and they are all equipped with Rubery Owen axles and hubs. All but the independent suspension types are mounted on M series RO suspensions. Peak manufacture a wide range of other trailer equipment for the caravan manufacturing industry.

PEEBLES

Peebles Engineering and Marine Co. Ltd., Southcote Works, Southcote Road, Bournemouth, Hants.

Small frameless box van semi-trailers designed to operate with 15cwt to 35cwt pick-up vehicles or chassis cabs are manufactured by this company. The vehicles are designed primarily for use in the cartage of light bulky goods and have aluminium stressed skin bodywork and rubber suspension.

PITT

Pitt Trailers Ltd., PO Box 54, Wigan, Lancs.

Straight frame semi-trailers of several types are manufactured by this concern. The range mainly embraces flat platforms and skeletals but trailer frame assemblies for imposed bodywork are also produced.

Fabricated I-beams are used for the main frames, one of their features being that the webs are reinforced vertically between the top and bottom flanges by transversely mounted stiffening plates at intervals along thhe frame's length. Pressed steel channel crossbearers are used on the floored types, these being pierced through the main frames at 24in. centres and ranged so as to permit the floor boarding to sit level with the top flange of the main frame.

Skeletal trailers for use with ISO containers feature corner guides mounted on the twist locks to guide the ISO castings on to the lock pyre mids.

Several bogies are offered, among these being close-coupled and wide spread Rubery Owen M Series units and the Pitt Glideride NRMF non-reactive suspension which having been in production for some six years with very little alteration is now one of the very best of its type available.

An addition to the company's range during the last year has been the Performance models. In this range is included a model known as the tandem 4. It is a lightweight tandem-axle unit plated for operation at 26 tons g.v.w. and it employs single formation 10.00-20, 16-ply tyres mounted on centre nave wheels.

PRIMROSE

Primrose Group. Sales, Laver Works, Ewood, Blackburn, Lancs.

Primrose builds straight frame semi trailers ranging in payload capacity from 3 tons up to units plated for operation at 38 tons gross vehicle weight. Also produced is a range of low loaders and step frame units the largest of which caters for payloads of up to 35 tons, All the vehicles bear the same range name of Advance.

Main frame members are fabricated on the premises and used in all but the trailers equipped with automatic couplings. Rolled steel l-section crossbearers are threaded through the main frames at 24in. pitch as standard. Closer pitch spacing is available as an option. Alternate crossbearers are diagonally braced from their outer tips to the bottom flanges of the main frames. Among the heavier models produced are units with widespread tandem or three axle running gear and Primrose produce a self tracking axle which is made under licence. Decked container carriers with flush mounted retractable twist locks are produced and full skeletals are also made.

Recently added to the firm's range of vehicles is a lightweight tandem model designed for operation at 26 tons gvw. It features wide spaced spring centres and chassis frames and single formation wheel and tyre equipment. Alternative specifications allow the vehicle to be fitted with BMC hub and brake gear so that it is interchangeable with tractive units of that manufacture.

QUAY

Quay Trailers Ltd., Junction Works, Dawkins Road, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset.

A new factory is currently being equipped by this firm for the production of specialized trailer and semi-trailer equipment. Almost any type of vehicle can be built to customers specifications, extensive technical advice on transport problems being available.

TIR units are constructed and the elimination of side slats from the design has resulted in an 8ft clear internal width being achieved within the permitted maximum of 8ft 2.5in. Semiand full-drop frames are supplied for the mounting of specialized bodywork for machinery handling and the company also produces pole trailers of either articulated or drawbar types specially designed for the carriage of round timber, pipes and other cargoes suitable to bolster transportation.

RM

RM Trailers Ltd., Richard Maurice Equipment Co., New Farm Road, Alresford, Hants.

RM Trailers produce a wide range of draw bar trailers both two wheel and close coupled four wheel types from 10 cwt up to 7 tons capacity.

Units with standard flat platforms or with gravity tilted platforms and hydraulically tilted platforms suitable for the loading and carriage of wheeled plant.

Four wheeled drawbar units with capacities of 3 and 5 tons are produced as step-framed low loaders and special models designed for the handling and transporting of cable drums are also built. Car transporters with the capacity to carry up to two cars are made, one particular model of this type being designed as a rapid recovery unit for crashed cars. This embodies a travelling dolly on the tilting deck.•

REID

John Reid and Sons, Mill Lane Works, Mill Road, Christchurch, Hants.

Two and close coupled four-wheeled car transporting trailers form the bulk of the Reid output. Features of the two-wheeled vehicles are that the axle is adjustable to accommodate varying centres of gravity of the cargoes carried and that the unladen weight is extremely low.

Single-axle units have capacities of 10 cwt. to 1 ton: there is a second 1-ton unit but this is equipped with close coupled mini-sized wheels and tyres enabling the deck height to be lowered by 3in.

RICE

Rice Trailers Ltd., Portland Works, Cosby, Leics.

Various types of animal transporters are the Rice speciality and vehicles from 10 cwt to 3 tons are manufactured. All the models are drawbar units with singleor close-coupled axles.

RIPPON

H. C. and R. J. Rippon, 16 Wood Road, Haleniood, Liverpool 26.

Probably the most important functions of this company are the technical services it offers and the assistance it will provide in the development and proving of new ideas. The firm builds a number of special vehicles among which are dual-purpose machines capable of carrying liquid or dry cargoes. These vehicles comprise a flat semi-trailer beneath which are slung two or more small diameter tanks. The design of the tanks can vary according to the service for which they are required. Another special tanker bodied vehicle was devised which could carry various liquids without having to be cleaned out. Compartments in this tank were situated longitudinally and the machine had an overall capacity of 8,000 gal.

Skeletal container carriers are built suitable for all sizes of ISO boxes, and also built are standard general cargo flat semi-trailers.

STC

The Salop Trailer Co Ltd., Monckmoor Road, Shrewsbury, Salop.

Draw bar trailers of the two and four wheel types either close coupled or steering are made by Salop Trailers for industrial, plant transport, municipal services, and the public works and building trades. Among the Steerable drawbar types are models suitable for payloads of up to 5 tons. Many chassis are made to accept specialized bodywork, some being of the tipping type.

Semi-elliptic steel spring suspension is used and in most cases these are underslung. Small tippers with either 3 way tipping bodies or end tippers are produced, these being available with either pto powered hydraulic gear or hand powered units.

SCAMMELL

Scammell Lorries Ltd., Tolpits Lane, Watford, Herts.

Four new ranges of semi-trailer have recently been announced by Scammell. A lightweight automatic coupling skeletal called the AUTO-C is supplied in two lengths of21ft and 31ft and is suitable for use with 20ft or 30ft long unladen or partly laden containers. These units are plated for a gross tonnage of 14.5 tons, 5.5 tons on the coupling and 9 tons an the axle.

A new fifth-wheel skeletal trailer range ranging in lengths from 23ft up to 40ft includes vehicles suitable for 20, 30 and 40ft-long containers. The 40ft unit Is provided with alternative twist lock positions permitting various modules to be handled. Twist lock bearers on these vehicles are a full-width one-piece construction while the main frames are of fabricated l-beams.

The Mini Tandem, a new unit plated for 22 tons gross trailer weight has been introduced to meet a demand for a high payload lightweight operating at 26 tons g.v.w. It is a wide frame unit particularly suitable for carrying high unstable loads and is mounted upon 10.00-20, 16-ply tyres in single formation. It is plated for 10 tons at the kingpin and 12 tons on the bogie. Flat platform detachable drop sides or van bodies are optional. These last mentioned units are available in lengths from 22ft up to 40ft in increments of 1in. and are constructed from light alloy with numerous specification options tailored to individual requirements.

The well-established Challenger range of semi-trailers having both singleand tandemformation axles are supplied in lengths varying from 26ft up to 40ft with widely alternative specifications including leaf-spring, stacked rubber or air suspension.

SCOTTORN

Scottorn Ltd., Victor Works, Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey.

Small drawbar trailers suitable for use with the lighter types of commercial vehicles, LandRovers and the like are produced by this firm.

A number of special types are made for cross country duties among these being the only trailer included in this buyer's guide to have a powered axle. The vehicle so equipped is called the Bushmaster Mk11 and it has been developed for the War Office. A kit is provided for convening Land-Rovers to be used with the Bushmaster.

SEAWAY

Seaway Containers Ltd., Baker Street, Greenock, Scotland.

A newcomer to the semi-trailer field, Seaway produces 10 different models of four types. Skeletal container carriers, coil carriers, vans and tankers are made each with either singleor tandem-axle running gear. Skeletals are available up to 32 tons gross combination weight, the coil and van trailers for up to 28 tons g.c.w., while tankers are produced up to 30 tons g.c.w. All the tandem-axle models are equipped with single taper-leaf spring suspension.

TASKERS

Taskers Trailers Ltd., Anna Valley, Andover, Hants.

Ten different types of semi-trailers and bogie make up the Formula range built by Taskers. Flats, skeletals, step, deep-step and drop-frame types for distributed and concentrated loads form part of the range, one of the most comprehensive from any one maker. Low-loading machinery carriers with capacities up to 45 tons are classed as standard production units as are extensibles and tippers, both these last mentioned types being plated for a maximum gross trailer weight of 27 tons. The bolster dollies are made with either tandem or single axle running gear. Flat platform and skeletal models can be supplied with single, tandem or twin-oscillating-axle running gear.

The main feature of the Tasker Formula range of trailers is that common basic components are used in their construction. The main frames have been designed in sections that can be put together, Meccano style, to form all types of configuration. Landing gear and its fittings are common throughout as are running gears, lighting sets and braking equipment.

THOMPSON TRAILMOBILE

Thompson Trailmobile, Gloucester Trading Estate, Hucdecote, Gloucester.

Part of the John Thompson Group, Trailmobile, manufactures American-based designs. Included in its range of semi-trailers are single-, tandemand three-axle units of flat platform, container carrying, coil carrying, van-bodied and tanker types. Running gear is supplied for mounting tanks and frameless vans of other makes and these can have optional air springing.

The Trailmobile vans are constructed in light alloy and have gross trailer weights of 12 to 28 tons. All its trailers are equipped with Trailmobile suspension and have 20,000 lb. axles. S-cam brake gear is fitted throughout the range.

A comprehensive range of ISO containers is available in standard lengths of 10, 20, 30 and 40ft. The container carrier is a perimeter framed unit and to date will accept boxes only up to 30ft. long.

TOLLBRIDGE

Toilbridge Trailers Ltd., Lymington, Hants.

The range of trailers built by Tollbridge covers vehicles for every conceivable purpose from about lOcvyt capacity up to 25/30 ton machinery carriers. Included in the range are units suitable for the carriage of motor cars heavy plant, containers, baggage and medium weight indivisible loads such as aircraft fuselages and the like.

Boat trailers for the commercial transport of craft up to about six tons are made and the firm also produces cable-drum carriers, tilting platform plant carriers and chassis of all kinds for the mounting of special bodywork.

WARRINGTON WHEEL

The Warrington Wheel Co. Ltd., Hawleys Lane, Longford, Warrington.

Custom-built vehicles are the mainstay of this company's production, drawbar and semitrailer types being made up to 35ft long to cater for the requirements of individual customers such as the War Office, GPO, Air Ministry and Atomic Energy Authority.

WEEKS

Weeks and Co (Engineers) Ltd., Bridge Works, Ferry Road, Hessle, Yorks.

Special trailers for handling stillages, as well as flat platforms and chassis suitable for the mounting of special bodywork are manufactured by Weeks. The stillage handling units incorporate hydraulically powered lifting frames which permit special stillages laden up to 10 tons gross to be easily handled. These units are particularly suited to local dock traffic or other short haul movements. Known as the Translift, this range includes drawbar and articulated models.

The straight frame range of semi-trailers made by Weeks is called the Motorway Master range and includes models of both tandem and single axle types. One of the features of the vehicles is a specially designed main frame-rail which is fabricated Tee section and special pressings to form an extremely light but rigid beam. Rearwards from a point adjacent to the landing gear the pressings are interposed between the upper and lower flanges at 1.5ft spacings picking up on the pressed steel crossbearers also set at these centres.

WELFORD

Welford Engineering (Oldbury) Ltd., Hainge Road, Tividale, Tipton, Staffs.

Tipping semi-trailers are the speciality of this organization. Models complying with C and U Regulations for use at up to 30 tons gross combination weight and which offer payloads of up to 19 tons are produced. Welford considers that this is the highest payload that should be carried in tippers in the interests of safety and stability. A feature of this company's products is the use of tipping rams of its own manufacture and specially designed robust hinge assemblies.

WHEATLEY

F. W. Wheatley (Trailers) Ltd., Wheatley Ave., Peterborough, Northants.

Tipping trailers of a single-axle drawbar type and other varieties produced specifically for the transport of crawler tractors and other plant are manufactured by Wheatley. The tippers are offered with capacities of from 4 to 8 tons while those in other categories have capacities up to 7 tons.

One model with a platform length of 12ft can be used to carry crawler tractors—it can be equipped with a 6ft extension at the rear whicri permits its use as a general-purpose farm trailer. Wheatley specializes in custom building of all types of trailer equipment.

WILLETS

S. Willets (Fabrications) Ltd., Stella Works, Phoenix St., West Bromwich, Staffs.

A 250gal tanker trailer and a 4 ton close

coupled road roller carrying-unit are produced by Willets which also makes light two-wheel trailers for use behind private cars. A single axle car-carrying trailer designed to be tilted for loading by a twin-screw-type jacking system at the front end is manufactured, the object of this system being to dispense with the need for loading ramps.

WOOD HALL

W. Woodhall, King Edward Street, Cowley Bridge Road, Exeter, Devon.

No flat platform ranges of semi-trailers are produced by this firm. Law loaders and machinery carriers with capacities of from 10 to 60 tons are produced to order, the basic construction following closely the pattern of other vehicles of the type. Four main-frame beams make up the foundation of the lower deck which is covered with timber and faced with chequerplate to enhance the wearing properties. Cross-members are of 6in. RSJ and the whole assembly is welded throughout.

YORK

York Trailer Co. Ltd.„ St. Mark's Road, Corby, Northants.

Units of all types other than machinery carrying models are produced in a wide range of payload capacities but all being of the fifthwheel coupling type.

At the lowest end of the range, single-axle flat and box van semi-trailers suitable for operation at up to 16 tons include the Dock Walloper, a unit basically comprised of an ISO 20ft container.

The Big Chief range of tipping trailers of which there are five models with plated trailer weights of from 19.75 to 27 tons employ bodywork of either steel or aluminium and have five-stage front end single rams with a capacity of 75,0001b.

A coil carrier recently introduced is specially designed for the carriage of coils of up to 3.5ft in diameter. This model designated ST3OD is 34ft overall and has a coil well of 22.5ft long. It is plated for 30 tons g.v.w. and offers an approximate payload of 22 tons.

At the last commercial vehicle exhibition in 1968 York introduced a new Ito the UK) method of transporting containers. Known as the 2—x-20, this comprises a pair of sliding bogies which can be run as either single axle or widespread tandem axle units. A light connecting frame which parts at a central point and carries two kingpins supports the bogies through rollers upon which they can be traversed, The well-known Freightmaster range of frameless vans is produced and this can be provided with either steel spring or air sprung bogies and with either single-, tandemor twin-oscillating running gears.

Extensible semi-trailers in two basic lengths of 28ft and 33ft which extend to 32 and 39ft, and 39 and 45ft respectively. Again springloaded locking devices are provided and the vehicles feature full-width self-positioning cross-members through the length of the extended portion of the frame.

Skeletal container carriers are manufactured and the range contains eight models varying in plated weights of 19.75 tons to 31 tons gross trailer weight. They are made with a variety of container-lock positions providing for any combination of container sizes to be transported.

Running gears suitable for mounting beneath bulk liquid tankers and other frameless body constructions are produced.