Step-frame design yields payload bonus
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• Step-frame, tandem-axled TIR semitrailers, which provide a capacity of over 2600 cu ft (74 cu m) without resorting to the use of small wheels or special bogies, are now being made by Merriworth (Engineering) Ltd. Their design has been initiated by the shipping and transport concern Mann and Son (London) Ltd.
The first of 20 of the new Merriworth step-frame trailers went into service this week. They have ordinary widespread tandem-axle bogies on 9.00-20 tyres and a drop in the floor of lit The gain resulting from this low floor affords an extra 278 cu ft (7.86 cu m) capacity, and despite the extra interior height, Continental legal limits on overall height are still met.
Supercube is the name given to the new design, which incorporates the Merriworth Openspan features of collapsible-tilt sides, roof and back, with side pillars which can be rapidly removed to afford free access without disturbing any of the remaining structure.
The design of the frame enables standard Merriworth widespread running gear, with slipper-ended springs and radius rods, to be used. Merriworth says that the Supercube trailer will become a standard model in its range and will be available with the company's non-shrink pvc-impregnated polyester-fibre cloth tilt-covers. Other standard features are lightweight drop-sides with simple flip-over side catches and built-in lashing rings, and heavy-duty Intertruck landing legs.