Purpose-built lining in fridge body
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• Refrigerated bodywork is now being offered for the first time by Barham Bodies Ltd, of Motspur Drive, Northampton, in addition to the range of insulated bodies already produced by the company.
Features of the body construction include: hygienic lining, resistant to impact from swinging meat carcases; aluminium frame; 4in. polystyrene insulation all round, for 10" F box temperatures; rear doors and perimeter frame to ISO container standards, steel H-frame built into front bulkhead supports refrigeration unit.
The first such body to be completed is for Rowlands (Food Providers) Ltd, the Stafford-based distribution division of the Towers meat-producing and importing group.
It is a 30ft long body built on to a York SL 32 tandem-axled semi-trailer frame. Interior height and width are both 7ft 4in. Refrigeration is by means of a petrol-engined Petter KL 20 unit with an alternative mains electric motor drive for plug-in operation at Rowlands' depots.
In order to meet the requirement for a washable and, at the same time, impact resistant interior lining, Barham investigated a number of different materials. Eventually blockboard 0.62in, thick and faced with Melamine was selected. Joints between adjacent panels are filled with Sealastic compound to withstand the effects of steam cleaning.
A distinctive external appearance is obtained by the use of rotary brush finished outer cladding. The 18 swg alloy sheet is polyurethane lacquered for added protection from scuffing and from atmospheric corrosion.
Rowlands haul the new fridge trailer, which weighs 6 tons 2cwt unladen, with an AEC Mandator tractive unit, running at a combination weight of 30 tons.