Tandem-axle " Artics" the Answer?
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WITH the introduction of fuel rationVV ing and the need for greater efficiency in the haulage industry because of continued rising costs, the trend towards the heavy type of articulated vehicle has become more apparent.
For many years North American operators have used tractors and tandem-axle semi-trailers for high-speed long-distance work. Experience gained in this field has been embodied in the York range of semi-trailers. The tandem-axle model has heavy-duly tubular axles located by ,adjustable radius rods, 6-in.-wide brakes and an all-pressed-steel frame for light weight.
A British operator who has adopted the use of such trailers is J. and E. Kenny, Ltd., Peterborough. A Leyland Beaver which was originally a standard long-wheelbase machine operated in conjunction with a drawbar trailer has been modified to tractor wheelbase. By employing a tandem-axle semi-trailer in place of the former drawbar trailer, the same payload is carried and there is no need to provide a driver's mate.
An A.E.C. tractor which was previously operated with a single-axle 12-ton semi-trailer has now been coupled to a 17-ton York tandem outfit. In the first case the saving of the mate's wages, and in the other the extra payload that can be carried, are calculated more than to compensate for the outlay.
The semi-trailers were supplied by the Peterborough Engineering Co.. 44 Eye Road, Newark, Peterborough.