Simplified demountable body system
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simple swop-body system manufactured by Jack Reeks (Body Builders) Ltd, of Benfleet, Essex, was demonstrated recently.
Known as the Reehom system, it has one-man manual operation without complex hydraulics or the use of gantry lifting devices. Its claimed advantages are low initial cost, simplicity and speed of operation and no maintenance cost. The swop body can be loaded on any flat platform vehicle without modification.
A steel sub-frame with detachable legs is fitted with wheels on to which can be mounted any type of body. A simple clamp device secures the sub-frame to the vehicle and guides centralize the body on the platform.
To lift the body from the vehicle it is necessary only to drive the vehicle on to a ramp, or sleepers, giving about 4in. lift, slot the legs into position, securing each with a locking pin and then to drive the vehicle off the ramp leaving the body resting on the legs. Reloading follows the reverse procedure. On a demonstration run the driver fitted the legs and removed the body from the vehicle in about 21-min.
Once the body is removed from the vehicle it can be pushed to any required position for loading or unloading.
The sub-frame is manufactured to suit bodies from 711 6in. to 8ft wide and 12ft to 20ft long and will support a body weight of up to 12 tons. A sub-frame measuring 7ft 6in. by 16ft weighs approximately 450Th and can be supplied for an existing body or with a specified body as a complete unit. A 20ft unit complete with legs and wheels costs approximately £300.