Prototype 44-ton skeletal
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• Shown for the first time at the Scottish Motor Show this week is the prototype Crane Fruehauf platform skeletal 44-ton semi-trailer. Developed to operate within the proposed new regulations, the trailer is a dual-purpose vehicle capable of carrying general goods as well as containers of every size up to and including fully laden 40ft units.
Fabricated I-beam side-members with medium high-tensile flanges are used and I-beam cross-members positioned at 18in. centres embody a new type of blade nave. Torsional strength is achieved through tubular cross-members with stress-defusing brackets to the web of the main frame. Longitudinally laid hard-wood flooring 1.125in. thick is haftlapped.
Non-reactive leaf-spring suspension carries 5in. diameter tubular axles with a 7ft 1in. spread; 16.5 x 8.625in. S-cam brakes, operated through a three-line air-pressure system, are used.