Four for the road for Courage
Page 10
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COURAGE BREWERIES has ordered four prototype tri-axle trailers suitable for operation at 38 tonnes. Three of these have been designed and constructed by transport technologists Don-Dun (Bodies and Trailers) Ltd, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.
The first Don-Bur tri-axle has just been completed. Like the other two prototypes currently being built, it has air suspension, the first trailer has SAF suspension and axles. Neway suspension will be used on the second and Dunlop suspension is specified for the third. Both these trailers will have Rubery Owen axles. Courage is to evaluate the various axle/suspension combinations in service.
The choice of suspension results from the recommendation in paragraph 322 of the Armitage Report, that dynamic axle loading should be minimised by legislation demanding the best of today's suspension systems. Since dynamic axle loading is directly related to suspension/ tyre stiffness, it was decided to opt for air suspension with 15x22.5 Michelin single tyres.
The engineers also opted for a brake system capable of meeting the EEC requirements, and the components used are all Wabco Westinghouse with the exception of Anchorlok brake chambers and Rockwell automatic slack adjusters. Although the body work and steel chassis are said to be engineered to high standards and a heavy duty specification, the unladen trailer weight is 6.25 tonnes and it can hold 22 pallets. Don-Bur-designed curtain sides are used.
A dual position Kingpin has been provided to allow the triaxle trailer to operate legally at the current overall length limitation of 15 metres. If legislation changes to allow 15.5 metres overall length, the Kingpin can be repositioned at 0.85 metres.