Changing-over from Solids to Pneumatics.
Page 44
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IT is Most satisfactory to find such a greatly increased demand for vehicles equipped with pneumatic tyres,, this not only applying to the lighter' types but both• to four-wheeled and sixwheeled models capable of carrying very heavy loads.
We know of cases amongst chassis makers where it has been the practice to maintain a reserve Stock of vehicles, but the call for those with solid tyres has been so small that those in :stock are being provided with pneumatic equipment.
Amongst users, too, there is a distinct Increase in the demand for conversion to pneumatics, but here a certain amount of caution should be exercised and expert advice obtained. An example of the trouble which may occur was the recent prosecution of a municipality which, by fitting pneumatic tyres on its buses and altering the wings accordingly, found itself in the regrettable predicament of being prosecuted by its local police for exceeding the maximum width permitted by law, which for vehicles above two tons unladen weight is 7 ft. 6 ins., and the vehicles of the municipality in question had as a result of the changes attained a width of 7 ft. 9 ins.
In some cases the alteration may involve difficulty with the bodywork and necessitate the provision of larger wheel-arches. There is usually no trouble as regards the final-drive
ratio, because the larger tyres raise this what and SO compensate for the extra speed which it is possible to achieve. Tim movement is, however, all to the good and one • which receives the cordial approval of the Ministry of Transport and road authorities.
Co-ordinated Transport for Retail Delivery.
MUCH has been said on the matter of the co-ordination of• transport, and we must confess that we are surprised at the lack of this between tradesmen and others who would probably find many benefits accrue from the
joint operation of motor vehicles. Many a tradesmanin a small way of business has to rely upon cycle carriers or even delivery by • hand, when he could, by consulting with other tradesmen near by, be able to arrange for the purchase of a van or light lorry which could cater for the transport needs of several shops. Even those who are already running vehicles might well consider the possibility of a measure of co-operation.
It would not be a matter of any great difficulty to settle the question of the financial liability of each party,this depending upon the mileage run, or upon a figure computed upon
combination of mileage and of the individual proportion of load. By working to a time-table overlapping could be avoided, and there is no reason why such a service should not he developed to a high state of efficiency. .