ANEW 15-cwt. WORKS ELECTRIC TRUCK.
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Most large commercial-vehicle manufacturers have in use at their works a number of little electric vehicles which are employed for transportiug-partially completed work from one shop to another. These handy little miniature motors are extremely popular with Works' administrative staffs, for they materially assist in increasing productive capacity, apart from being the means of saving much time and labour.
We have had occasion in thepast tq refer to the various, types of British works electric trucks, and in this respeet the activities of Br:tish Electric Vehicles, Ltd., of Churchtown Works, Southport, will be recalled. This company has done much to stimulate interest in this class of truck. They have recently introduced a new type of truck 'which is designed to carry 15 cwt. loads, a special feature being its manceuvring capabilities: The vehicle can be easily manipulated to turn in a 4 ft. circle after running off the straight at a top speed, without the slightest risk of overturning.
The platform is mounted upon a, fourwheeled chassis, thus affording absolute stability when travelling. The frame is built up of 3 in. by 11 tn. steel channels securely bolted and riveted together. Power is derived from a. battery of 14 cells of Chloride "Ironclad" pattern of 129 amp.-hour capacity, which are underslung beneath the chassis. These supply current to a pair of motors which, it is claimed, will stand a 300 per cent. overload. Transmission is by roller chains to one rear wheel, each
E44 wheel being driven independently so that no differential gearing is needed. Another new feature of the truck is that the controller is so positioned as to afford a. comparatively. comfortable seat for the driver. It 'affords three speeds
4.410 in ex
panding direction.
wer brake lined An ex ed with rteerriroadlo is fitted to one rear wheel and is operated by foot pedal. The switch is interlocked with the brake, cutting cif the current when the brake is on, and vice versa. Malleable iron wheels are used of 12 in. diameter, and they are shod with solid tyres. The rated speed of travel of the
We understand that the company have provisionally protected the truck, and that they are at present taking out the final patents both for England and abroad.