Semi-trailers for Popular Makes
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Brief Particulars of the Artifiex Conversion Set which is Made in Two Sizes
WE are able to announce the introduction of a new conversion set, transforming a four-wheeler into an articulated six-wheeler. It is the product of Artifiex Six Wheelers, 12, The Crescent, King Street, Leicester.
The Artiflex semi-trailer is made in two sizes, each of which is available with a straight or a cranked and underslung chassis. The smaller model is intended for use in conjunction with Lich vehicles as the Bedford, Chevrolet„ Dodge Brothers, Ford, Manchester or Morris-Commercial; the price of the straight-framed type is £120, complete with a turntable for loads up to 4 tons. An additional £10 is charged for the underslung type.
The larger models cost £130 and £135 respectively, the load capacity in these eases being 4 to 5 tons. It is intended that these heavier trailers should be towed by 2-21-ton chassis. Various types of body can be supplied. In the construction of the trailer chassis itself, the most interesting point is the use, wherever possible, of components similar to those on the vehicle with which the semi-trailer is to operate. The hubs and brake drums, for example, as well as the wheels, are, in most cases, as supplied by the makers of tractor units.
Regarding the turntable, this is attached permanently to the frame of
the towing chassis. The load is taken on a 2-in, pin of high-tensile steel and this is provided with a spherical seating. Alternatively a S.K.F. selfaligning bearing is used for this purpose. In either case, ample allowance is made for exceptionally uneven ground and the king pin itself is relieved of all unnecessary stress.
By means of a hand-wheel at the front of the semi-trailer, the holding' down cleats can be withdrawn. In what is termed the " Quicpik " system an hydraulic jack is mounted on the tractor chassis, so that the forward end of the trailer can be lifted clear of the turntable. A pair of jockey wheels is then dropped and, after releasing the jack, the tractor can be driven away. It is a useful point that this detaching process cannot be carried out until the hand brake of the trailer has been applied.
The turntable and the hydraulic jack, being attached to the towing chassis, are not duplicated.
8o far as the brakes are concerned, in addition to the hand lever for parking purposes, there is an exceptionally heavy Bowden cable which is connected to the braking system of the tractor unit.