Shorter Cabs on the Latest U.S. International Tractors
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THE importance of semi-trailer body length to hauliers in the United States is emphasized by the latest International design of tractor. Known as the Sightliner range, the new tractors are available for gross train weight ratings of from 221tons to 291 tons and are available with five wheelbases ranging from 8 ft. 2 in. to 11 ft. 8 in. All are powered by V-8 petrol engines.
The important feature of these new models is that the bumper-to-back-of-cab dimension is only 4 ft.; this is some 21t. 6 in. less than current American forward-control designs. Thus, unless a sleeper cab extension is fitted, an extra 2 ft. or so of body space can be provided on a semi-trailer without exceeding the State maximum-length restrictions.
Another feature of the new cab is the use of two tinted glass windows beneath the normal windscreen, at floor level, giving excellent forward visibility. These auxiliary windows each have windscreen wipers. The main windscreen area is 1,076 sq. in. and the auxiliary windows total 632 sq. in.
• Close attention has been paid to driving comfort and the pedestal driving seat is completely adjustable, with foamrubber upholstery. Two under-seat heaters are fitted as standard, and. in common with current American trends, the cab can be tilted electro-hydraulically to give ready access to the engine for maintenance' purposes.
NEW POWER UNITS FOR INDUSTRIAL TRACTORS lUTORE powerful engines, which were IVI originally designed for use with David Brown agricultural tractors, are now being fitted to the latest range of industrial tractors built by David Brown Construction Equipment, Ltd. 'Available in oil or petrol form, the new power units develop 40 b.h.p. at 2,200 r.p.m. Another change in design is the fitting of a six-speed gearbox as standard equipment on all models. These alterations in specification have led to the renaming of the industrial wheeled tractors in current production. The new names are the 900 Industrial, 900 Taskmaster, 900 Turbo Taskmaster, 900 Shunter and 900 Turbo Shunter.
£225 AWARDED TO SMALL COACH OPERATOR
AFTER agreeing to give £250 for the goodwill of a small Kendal coach business last year, Nigel Lionel Holt, Ambleside, paid £25 deposit and failed to complete the deal. This was stated at Windermere County Court, when the remainder of the money was claimed by Mr. Eric Charles Baines, Great Harwood (Lanes).
Mr. Baines told Judge A. Forbes that he owned a small coach business in Bolton. There were no vehicles involved in the purchase at Kendal, but he understood Holt was carrying on business there now. Judgment for £225, with costs, was awarded against Holt. •