An Ingenious New
Page 46
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Vehicle loading Device
A Movable Platform, Working on the Parallel-ruler Principle, which Safely Handles Live or Dead Loads
ADEMONSTRATION was given recently of a new loading device, which has been produced in accordance with the designs of Mr. A. C. Stewart, of Crianlarich. Perthshire, who was responsible for the patent body with the lifting floor, which also bears his name.
The object of this invention is to enable live or dead loads to be raised from ground level to that of the vehicle platform. In the case of cattle it avoids the employment of a sloping ramp which is apt to give rise to difficulty in loading and danger to the animals. In the case of dead loads it overcomes the difficulty of raising heavy weights through about 3 ft., without the erection of a temporary ramp or the employment of a large number of men.
The new Stewart loader is attached to pivot bolts at the tailboard line of the lorry, and its vertical framework is sup ported by two diagonal struts. The moving part of the loader consists of an angle-section framework which, when loading, rests on the ground, and the travelling floor; the general principle is that of the well-known parallel ruler.
When loading, the first operation is to lower two jacks at the rear of the
vehicle. These raise the platform of the lorry by two or three inches, bringing it exactly to the level which the floor of the loader will assume when the two are in line. Next, a brake ad two chains, which hold the loader in its folded position, are released and the cable is wound out from the drum on each side. The loader drops, unfolding as it goes, and locks itself in the fully raised position. For loading, it is, of course, next lowered to the ground.
For dead loads no sides are required, but for cattle side and end doors are put into position and the animals driven in. By rotating the winding gear the floor of the loader is drawn upwards and forwards until it forms a continuation of the lorry platform. The front gates of the loader are then opened and the cattle driven into the vehicle.
This device will be shown at the Highland and Agricultural Show, at which it is entered for the 11,000 prize for the beat new implement. Mr. Stewart is desirous of making manufacturing plans with an engineering concern.