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w Stamp of approva
Page 149
Page 150
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by Brian Chalmers-Hunt
JNRAY CARRIERS have ten in business for five ;ars; they have learned at there's plenty of oney to be earned and at the Commando is a )od vehicle to use for eir parcels side.
They have three—the Corn inclo 100-Series G 7575 -long a fleet of otherwise ger vehicles but only one eigner for they operate a
British for preference "icy.
Their first Commando assis-cab was bought from larnwood Trucks in 1975, it after the new model range is announced. Whiteacres, Horley, Stoke-on-Trent, :ed a 1,400cu ft rolled seam oy body. The company ;kons that it will last at least o chassis changes.
The partners, Gordon Heap, maid Astle and Raymond encer, chose the Cornindo in the first place beuse they were looking for vehicle that employed wen major units including ;ix-cylinder Perkins engine, six-speed manual box and single-speed rear axle.
Also high on the list of the Ashby-de-la-Zouch company were a low-profile Gab and chassis—important for the driver, particularly when on multi-drop parcels work. The partners are critical of other manufacturers who, they believe, tend to forget that not all operators want to operate vehicles with a high floor and that drivers do not always want to be climbing up to a high cab. They appreciate, too, the usefulness of having a cab that can be safely tilted by one man, and with ease of access to all major units for servicing.
Initially, the first Commando lived up to expectations, but two unexpected problems arose during the second year of operation. First, the brake dust shields worked loose and became entangled in the brake drums ----a fault quickly rectified by Charnwood Trucks.
The second problem proved to be more expensive, but the vehicle was back on the road within hours. What happened was that the rear axle differential unit failed when the vehicle was outside the warranty period, and Charnwood Trucks did not have the parts or complete assembly in stock. However, arrangements were quickly made for Sunray to pick up a replacement unit from Chrysler in Birmingham.
With that sort of service at his command for a vehicle he likes, and one that has so many advantages for the driver, Gordon Heap soon went ahead and ordered two more of the same model option.
In fact he wonders why far more are not seen on the roads; its sound technical specification, he believes, warrant more sales.
Sunray would never be able to carry out the service that it offers to its customers without reliable vehicles, and consequently vehicle maintenance is of prime importance.
Before the driver takes a vehicle out onto the road it is given a quick check to ensure that the coolant and engine oil levels are correct and that the braking system and lights are fully operative.
Two full-time mechanics carry out a complete mechanical check and change the engine oil and filter every 4,000 miles. Silkolene oil has been used for all Sunray vehicles since the company started and Gordon is well satisfied with its qualities and performance.
All routine maintenance and repairs other than war
ranty work are carried out in Sunray's own workshops, which are equipped to carry out major unit removal and overhauls.
By standardising on the major units so far as possible it is Gordon's objective to have at least one major unit spare ready for fitting to a vehicle when the need arises. The company has no vehicle replacement programme, but when it becomes uneconomic to run a particular vehicle then it will be sold.
Each Commando covers approximately 250 miles every day. After the initial runningin period the engines return an average fuel consumption of 14mpg with a negligit oil consumption.
Although the vehicles a running laden for a conside able part of the time, ti loads are relatively light ; that although six-cylind engines are fitted they a never overworked.
Fuel is purchased in bi and stored outside the re of the warehouse in a 1,201 gallon tank—kept meti ulousiy clean.
Ashby -dela -Zouch handy for the motorway nE work and already Gordc Heap and his partners ha. foreseen the possibilities f setting up an even larg distribution network workir with other hauliers and ow account operators who a already trunking to this are To sum up, Sunray CarriE Commandos are good wor ing vehicles, and the drivE find them easy and comfoi able to drive. With the spar and after-sales services col tinuing to meet the comparn requirements then the partne will not hesitate to contini using the Commando as basis for their van fleet.