St Michael doubles up
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• DSL Distribution has added one of Don-Bur's latest Volumax high-volume double-deckers to its Marks & Spencer contract distribution fleet.
The all-aluminium semitrailer, which tares out at 9.5 tonnes, features a new tail-lift system developed with Rateliff; its integral chassis incorporates SAF low-height stub axles which are mounted through the chassis beam to give a deck height of just 330mm at its shallowest
setting and 1,500mm between wheelboxes.
Air suspension is standard for tri, tandem or even single-axled versions. The fixed aluminium second deck is served by the dedicated tail-lift, which is part of the rear frame and acts as the closure for the top half of the body. Double doors are used for the lower section.
Using its CAD system DonBur can build a customer's requirements into the design. For
example, a 13m version with 104m3 capacity offers 59m2 of floor space, to accommodate up to 49 (698x813mm) roll cages on top and 31 below deck, or 63 garment rails above and 39 below.
A clear working height of 1.9m over each deck simplifies loading. To ensure that the swan neck area is fully utilised an extra 500kg lift is located ahead of the lower deck.
This can also be used as an enclosed compartment for highvalue goods.
The hydraulic power pack is housed over the inner wheelarch but the rear platform is kept clear of obstructions by having the safety gates located on the column runners. Spring-loaded catches on the platform's outer edges hold the gates in place during use. Lift movements are controlled by wanderleads.