A 4-5-ton Conversion in the 3-ton Class
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A NEW 4-5-ton articulated six wheeler conversion outfit, which falls within the £35 tax category, has been introduced by Taskers of Andover (1932), Ltd., Andover, Hants. The conversion set is suitable for attachment to Ford, Bedford, MorrisCommercial and Commer tractor units, and the unladen weight of a Ford outfit which we inspected last Tuesday was 2 tons 19 cwt. 2 qrs.
Although every effort has been made
to secure lightness, the chassis is sturdily constructed. The straight main frame members of 5-in. by 2i-in. channel are reinforced at the rear by a forged cruciform sub-frame, which is bolted to the underside of the Iongitudinals.
An important feature of the outfit is the speed with which the trailer can be disconnected from the tractor. A flanged slipper on the underside of the electrically welded steel turntable en
gages with a forked ramp on the tractor. When the slipper reaches the end of the fork it is locked in position by means of two clamps mounted on a transverse right-hand and left-handthreaded shaft.
The locking mechanism is operated by means of a conveniently placed hand wheel and exerts pressure upon the sides of the slipper, thus preventing chatter. A gauge shows the locked and unlocked positions.
The jockey wheels are hollow and are mounted upon tubular legs, being quickly raised and lowered and locked in position by means of levers carried under the body.
Clayton Dewandre vacuum brakes are employed and operate shoes in the 15-in, drums on the trailer wheels, as well as on the tractor unit. The vehicle that we inspected had a body 15 ft. 41 ins. long, 6 ft. 4 ins, wide and 1 ft. 5 ins. high.
The 4-5-Lon trailer chassis, with ramp attachment fitted to a suitable towing vehicle and equipped with 32-in. by 6-in, twin tyres, costs £144, whilst without the ramp the conversion set costs £136.