Big Chief choice
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A REVISED range of Big Chief tipping semi-trailers is being offered by York Trailer.
Production of 1985 models, available as 32cum (42cuyd) tandem axle straight frame, 40cum (52cuyd) tri-axle straight frame or 42cum (55cuyd) stepframe tri-axle, began last month on the new aluminium body production line at York's Northallerton factory.
New welding techniques have been used in the production of the monocoque bodies which incorporate folded sections in place of conventional extrusions allowing overall weight to be reduced.
The trailer bodies have a 6rrim plate floor, with edges pitched at 45 degrees to the side panels giving improved load discharge.
Belato pads are fitted on the floor crossmembers at mainrail locations which reduce noise when running empty and help reduce underbody wear. The bottom rail is an integrated pressed section of 5mm side panel, designed for greater strength. Special attention has been paid to the body rear assembly, and the top-hinged tailgate is fitted with a heavy-duty rubber seal to ensure tight closure. Swing-away locks prevent fouling and are safer to operate. The vertical lift central grain hatch has also been increased to 380mm(5in) square, and the five tab locking bar has a double handle. Access steps are provided on either side of the body both inside and outside.
Big Chief tipping trailers, based on York's Lo-Deck chassis and running gear, are available with a choice of suspensions. York quotes a kerbweight of 6.01 tonnes for a typical straight frame tri-axle model.