One for All
Page 31
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IT is sometimes claimed that progress in goods bodywork has lagged behind chassis development. If this is true, the indictment is more against the operator than against the manufacturer, for it is in the design of bodywork that the operator is able to give his ideas relatively free play.
Successive Commercial Motor Shows have, however, offered evidence of lively imagination on the part of both users and bodybuilders in evolving vehicles for specialized applications. Indeed, in some instances, the free expression of ideas in bodywork has been hampered entirely by chassis layout, notably in the case of vehicles for collection and delivery work.
That difficulty is gradually being overcome by placing the engine in a position in which it does not interfere with easy access to the cab and control platform height too rigidly, and by using smaller wheels. These changes in design go a long way towards meeting the basic needs of operators engaged on collection and delivery, sand facilitate the design of the ideal body. '
With each succeeding year there has been a growing tendency towards specialization in bodywork, with consequent limitations upon its use. There is, however, no reason why a vehicle should not be suitable for several highly specialized applications without loss of flexibility. The solution of the problem lies in interchangeable bodywork, of which the container is the traditional example.
Great Scope for Development Only the fringe of development in this sphere has so far been touched. Admittedly, it is already possible to interchange bodies for bulk liquid and powdered loads --probably the most specialized of all—with other types having more varied applications. Prime movers for articulated outfits can also be readily converted into short-wheelbase rigid tippers. The seeds of a great idea have been sown and a rich harvest may be expected in the years to come.
The first step is to eliminate the basic platform on which a container is normally carried, and to regard interchangeable bodies as stillages. An obvious advantage is a saving in weight, but it may be possible also to reduce cost. A wide range of operational benefits is also opened up—a theme developed in the centre-pages article published this week.
Here, again, the co-operation of the chassis manufacturer is desirable, for to exploit the system to the full the use of air suspension, to raise the chassis under loaded body stillages supported on legs, is envisaged. With this provision it should be possible to use one chassis with a number of varied bodies and to obviate the need for hoists.
The stillage could be loaded at a convenient time to await the arrival of the chassis and could be employed at a depot where no overhead tackle was available to lift a normal container. Moreover, in the case of breakdown on the road it could easily be transferred from one chassis to another. The advantages of flexibility in handling are obvious and have been proved by experience.
Two Bodies for Each Chassis As The Commercial Motor reported on December 19, 1958, a C-licensee has obtained material benefits from interchangeable bodies on a fleet of nine vehicles engaged on long-distance haulage. Two are provided for each prime mover. Empty and loaded bodies are placed on the chassis by overhead gear, and a depot shuttle tractor, converted from an old model purchased for a few pounds, undertakes the necessary internal movements.
The operators have been able to eliminate night work in loading and to avoid delay in departures of vehicles in the morning. It is estimated that it has been possible to reduce the fleet by at least one vehicle. Moreover, a driver can stay with a prime mover throughout its life. and, because he takes a pride in his permanent charge, the efficiency of fleet operation has been increased.
Apart from direct operational advantages, there are benefits in maintenance, for with the body removed the chassis is readily accessible for service. A vehicle of this kind, with also a tilt cab, would reduce maintenance time to a minimum.
It may be that interchangeable bodies will, in some instances, overcome the prohibition on the switching of vehicles between bases without permission from the Licensing Authorities. As Mr. W. P. James, West Midland Licensing Authority, made clear last week, even British Road Services are not excepted from this ban.