SPECIAL BODIES FOR SPECIAL TRADES. •.
Page 49
Page 50
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Requirements to be Met in the Transport of Different Classes of Goods and the Type and Equipment of the Conveyance Therefor.
ALTHOUGH the box and tilted van, the lorry with fixed and movable sides, and the simple platform are suitable for the transportation of a wide range of commodities, yet there are trades and industries which each require a special kind of bodywork in order to simplify the task of loading and unloading and to ensure that the articles concerned shall be carried safely and shall arrive at their destination in good condition.
The following is a brief summary of the special requirements of the particular classes of load enumerated :- AxIataLs.--Their transport calls for a low floor and hind ramp. Skeleton sides, but boarded immediately above floor level to prevent-Animals getting their legs through. Valuable animals in special horse boxes with separate well-padded stalls, mangers and grooms' compartments. The livestock lorry is also provided with tilt hoops and sheet. Many advantages gained by the use of a trailer, particularly low floor level and front exit and ramp.
BEDSTEADS.-1/1 the wholesale trade the bedstead ends are carried on a platform lorry with a longitudinal skeleton partition protected with a canopy or loose sheet.
BEER.—If in crates it is carried on a single or double-platform lorry, sometimes in a tilted, van. If in casks the lorry has skeleton sides, a ladder for ,lowering to the ground and cleats fastened to the bottom framework for lowering with ropes to cellar. Brewers' lorries also have partly boarded sides and are arranged for side loading and have fixed canopy roofs. Platform . lorries, also, are used with side stanchions and chains. Beer in bulk is carried in porcelain-lined tanks.
BREAD.—Ventilation is essential, owing to the heat arising from the new bread. Louvres are provided at top of sides of body and above back doors, or in the upper part of them. A flush-sided interior so that it may be easily cleaned—a remark applying, by the way, to all bodywork which carries food unwrapped or unpacked.
BUILDING MATERIAL.—Hinged or movable sides to open lorry. Tipping gear always an advantage. A strong gantry behind cab for carrying poles and ladders.
CABLE Daums.—Special trailer with main portion cranked downwards for one or two drums.
CARDBOARD BOXEB.—Light framework and tilt, maximum overall dimensions, as an economical load is very bulky.
CASKS—When full, in any of the types of brewers' lorry ; when empty or being transported by the cooper, a platform lorry with iron skeleton framework, extended, if necessary, over the roof of the cab as well.
COAL.—In bulk, in a tipping wagon. In sacks, on a platform lorry with longitudinal skeleton division or sided lorry. Weight and scales must be carried for retail trade.
Coxu.—Lorry with the sides extended upwards by loose boards or battened framework, as here, again, economical' load is bulky. ,
CONFECTIONERY.—:Carried on sliding trays; the inside width of the body being either the length of a tray:pr the sum Of a length and a width. A large van may'save a side-loading front compartment for bread.
Faurr.—The typical market gardener's van has boarded Or skeleton sides to the waist and extended` upwards b means of battened frames or ladders. A similar ladder is used in front behind the cab and is even more useful than the side ones. FtraNirur.E.—New or recently acquired furniture is delivered usually in a van with loose sheet and hoops or a boarded tilt. Headroom (not less than 6 ft. 6 ins.) is important, so that mattresses may be stood on end or a large wardrobe accommodated. Furniture removals are effected by pantechnicons, a large boxvan having a hind well.Special cranked extensions of the chassis side members are required if the well Is to be a useful size. The trailer makes the best pantechnicon. The sling van is used for long journeys and saves unpacking when transferred to rail or sea. (A similar conveyance, but smaller, is called a container and is used for carrying tea and other commodities in bulk, printing paper and so on.)
GLASS.—May be carried either flat on top of a lorry provided with a framework resting on top of the body sides. More often it is carried vertically on a special lorry having very deep sides. The glass may lean against the sides or against a longitudinal partition a a platform lorry. Glass is also carried on the drop side or ledge added on the near side of an open lorry. A trailer makes the best conveyance, as the hind axle can be cranked and a low floor used.
ICE.—A lorry or boxvan with zinc lining and double panels is required. As the ice melts, the water should be allowed to escape easily. The double panelling shouldbe insulated by stuffing the space between with cork, silicate cotton or sawdust.
Isox AND STEEL.—Long lengths of bar iron pr piping should be accommodated by the, special construction of the cab. The iron may pass through the back of the tab by means of a hinged flap, or the cab is made narrower than usual, so that the load projects in front by the' side of the Cab. The gantry (see "building material ") may also be used.
LADDERS,—These are carried on the front gantry of the builders' lorry. Sometimes the billposters' van has the roof of the cab sloping upwards to the front, so as to provide more clearance for this part of the load.
LAUNDRY.—The vans are usually of the fixed boarded tilt variety. Inside dimensions should be directly related to the size of hampers used, so that no space is wasted. The hind curtains of the tilt should be large so as fully to protect any load carried on the tailboard.
MACHINERY.—A. special low platform trailer is best suited for this class of goods, unless the machinery is of comparatively light weight; then the tilted van is suitable.
MAILS.—Small mail vans differ but little from ordinary boxvans. Larger vans have drop windows in the double hind doors with wire netting guards. Inside is a seat for the postman; the body is well ventilated and provision is made for carrying a roof load.
MEAT.—Boxvans are used Tor retail delivery, whilst tilted vans are favoured for market work. Carcase vans are high-sided lorries with a superstructure having rails which form a runway for hooks. Chilled meat is carried in insulated boxvans, or trailers, having double sides, front, roof, floor and doors, all insulated as mentioned under the heading "Ice."
MILL—Open lorries are used for churns. 'A loose tilt should be used in warm weather. The length and width of the floor should be related to the size of the base of a standard churn. Wearing plates must be screwed to the floor. Side-loading lorries with halfhoarded sides and fixed roof, similar to those used In the brewing trades, are favoured in the wholesale milk trade.
MINERAL WATERS.—The platform lorry is particularly favoured for -this class of goods.
PETROL.—If in cans it is transported on skeletonsided lorry, usually made chiefly of angle iron. The back is closed by a swinging rod and two locking bars instead of the usual tailboard. . The floor slopes from each side to the centre. Larger, lorries, both of the tank and composite pattern, are fitted with a fire screen behind the cab and the silencer is disposed forward,
REFRESHMENTS.—The middle portion of the side binges down to form a counter not more than 4 ft from the ground ; the upper part of the side hinges upward to protect the customers at the counter as well as the interior. Entrance is at the back by a central or off-side doorway. Sufficient headroom (6 ft.) is provided so that the server may stand upright. A clerestory roof is an advantage. The body should be well ventilated, apart from the opening of
the near side. The cooking stove is usually placed across the body immediately behind the driver's cab. Behind the counter are arranged a sink, draining board and table top with shelves or lockers with fall or sliding fronts. The near side of the vehicle has further shelving and lockers and fittings for the -display of food, tobacco, and so on. A trailer makes the best travelling refreshment stall, because the floor can be lower and a cranked axle can be used.
SToNn.—Blocks of building stone are best carried on a low platform trailer.
STRAWBERRIES.—AS for "Fruit," except that a false floor consisting of spring mattress frame helps to ensure that the load shall arrive at the market in good condition.
THEATRICAL SCENERY.—The body must be some 15 ft. long with sides 4 ft. to 5 ft. high and is of a type which is best constructed as a trailer.,
VEGETABLES.—See "Fruit."