A NEW HORSEBOX FOR TWO ANIMALS.
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A Well-known Chassis Maker and a Bodybuilder Co-operate in the Production of an Interesting Vehicle.
MIIE value of the motor horsebox is now well appreciated by all those who have to arrange for, or undertake, the transport of horses, and evidence of this fact is clearly reflected at the various agricultural shows which are held at this time of the year in many parts of the country. At the Royal Show, for example, there were several interesting horseboxes on view, and they attracted much notice. One of the latest vehicles of this kind to be placed on the market is the joint product of Garner Motors, Ltd., of Tyseley, Birmingham, and W. Wilson and Sons (Herta), Ltd., of Royston, Herts. In developing this particular box the main factor kept in mind has been the provision of a serviceable vehicle at a moderate price.
The chassis has been specially designed for horseboxes, although its main features indicate that it has been based on the Garner 30-35-cwt. chassis which has already given Proof of its merits and is a fast chassis having a low loadline. The wheelbase is 13 ft. 8 ins, and, apart from enabling a wide side ramp to be used, the straight frame provides a loading line which is only 2 ft. 3 ins, to the frame top, or 2 ft. 41 ins, to the floor level, thereby enabling an easy angle to be obtained for the ramp.
The long wheelbase necessitates the use of a longer propeller shaft, and so that any tendency for whipping shall be overcome the shaft is constructed in two sections. It has three Hardy fabric disc joints, the rear end of the front portion being supported in a self-aligning bearing. The silencer tail pipe is carried to the rear of the chassis frame, which is provided with a set of outrigger brackets of angle steel, these being bolted to the frame side members, and intermediate angles to which the floor of the body is bolted thus providing considerable strength. The arches for the rear wheels cause no imam venience to the animals as they are disposed at a point where the manger is located, the horses having a clear flat floor on which to stand.
The box is designed to carry two horses, each in a separate stall, or, if necessary, it can be used as a loose box. Leather padding is carried all the way around each stall, over the head division bale and over the roof of the box above the heads of the animals. This form of padding is claimed to improve not only the appearance of the box but to be more sanitary in use than canvas or cocoanut matting.
The interior of the box is finished with oak boards below the padding and mahogany panels above it. The attendant's compartment is also panelled with mahogany, and is fitted with a spring cushion seat and squab which may be used as a couch. Ample space is available for carrying harness and fodder, whilst extra storage space is provided under the roof and over the top of the cab ; the roof line is deeply curved and gives height at those points where it is chiefly needed.
The flooring of the cab and attendant's compartment is built of oak boards carried on ash bolsters, the latter being clipped to the frame without drilling. The floor of the stalls is of oak boards having grooves which are 1 in. apart. The boards are grooved on both sides so as to reduce the weight and to leave sufficient thickness (1i ins.) to afford a rigid platform for the horses. It is found that a rigid floor improves the riding qualities and instils greater confidence into tItu animals. .
The ramp, which is 6 ft. 6 ins, long and 6 ft. 9 ins, wide, hinges in the centre, thus reducing the work of raising and lowering it, apart from lowering the centre of gravity when it is raised for transit purposes. The hinges are of special inter-locking type. The ramp can be lifted by hand or by means of winch gear.
In order to avoid corrosion no metal panels are used in the body, except for the scuttle, which is partly of aluminium. The outside of the box is panelled with waterproofed plywood. The inside dimensions of each stall are as follow
Width, 2 ft. 9 ins.; length (to breast bar), 6 ft. 10 ins.; headroom, 7 ft. The overall length of the vehicle is 19 ft. 3 ins., its width being 6 ft. 9 ins, and its height 9 ft. 9 ins. The complete horsebox sells for £745.
We understand that the vehicle is being exhibited at many agricultural shows in the country, so that many of our readers should have an opportunity for inspecting it in detail.