Specialized Work by A Fleet of Multi-wheeled Vehicles
Page 53
Page 54
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CHIEFLY through making a speciality of cable transport and other long-distance work, a steady growth of traffic has been recorded by Standard Transport, Ltd. (until recently the Standard Haulage Co.), of Derby, one of the businesses that is joining in the Hiedley co-ordination scheme. Starting with an old A.E.C. in 1926, the fleet has gradually been increased to nine large-capacity vehicles. Two of these are Foden eightwheelers, which carry 14 tons, and the remainder comprises Leyland sixwheelers (carrying 11 tons) which have been converted in the company's garage to Gardner oil-engined vehicles. Despite the hard work which the machines undertake they have particularly good records for reliability.
Mr. W. Parnell, M.I.M.T., A.M.Inst.B.E., the managing director, is a staunch believer in the " stitch in time saves nine " proverb and, for that reason, the garage is exceptionally well mechanically equipped. During a period of just over 21 years, in which the Fodens have been operated, each has covered over 100,000 miles without major repair work of any kind being necessary. Altogether, the seven Leylands have travelled 1,000,000 miles since they were fitted with Gardner engines and, in that distance, enginerepair costs have been covered by a sum of about £40, since there have been no rebores and in fact nothing beyond the fitting of new rings.
To achieve the greatest possible reliability is to justify good rates, so that it is not really surprising to find that the company is kept busy, even to the extent of being compelled to refuse many loads, despite the fact that charges are kept at a properly remunerative level all round.
Experience has shown that easy maintenance is sound maintenance and with that in mind, ample and conveniently arranged equipment has been provided in the garage. In addition, there are roof, wall and inspection lights that leave no reason for any work to be shelved at any time through lack of illumination. An important feature in facilitating the task of the works staff is the provision of a 7-ton lift, taking the largest vehicles.
Where large vehicles are being operated, an amazing variation can take place in tyre costs, and great savings are possible where there is insistence upon the correct pressures being maintained. At the Standard Transport garage, Kismet air points are provided at regular intervals around the walls, so that no matter where the vehicle is standing, its driver has a line readily available for inflation. The same applies to greasing.
Before starting out on a journey the water, engine oil and fuel are checked, and on return, if the vehicle be not loaded, it is greased. On return from each day's full journey, or series of journeys, each driver must fill in details on a stock card which provides for particulars such as mileage, amount of fuel oil (if any) purchased, state of engine, steering, brakes, tyres and lights, or any other comments. This card is received at the works and on the reverse side are entered details of work performed on the engine, steering, tyres or lights, information as to when the brakes were adjusted or refaced, comments on tyres and details of any new covers fitted, information as to when engine oil, rear axle and gearbox oil were changed, and what new parts (if any) have been fitted.
For each machine there is a card index and the record cards are filed therein, whilst the details are transferred to a log book. In this manner, it is ensured that there is on record every possible detail regarding the machine's activities.
Additional equipment that is availB19
able enables operations to be carried on with little or no., resource to)outside assistance for inainteriance purposes. Provision is made for all blacksmith's work, acetylene welding and reboring (with Van Norman bar) to be done on the premises, whilst there are three lathes, •three drilling machines, a circular saw, power hacksaw, guillotine, valve refacer, connecting-rod aligner asd battery-charger available. Garage greasing is done by Tecalemit Lubritotver and Tecalemit lubrication bat
• tery. There is an hydraulic wash and , a neatly kept store of spares.
• • Engine oil is pumped direct from the bulk supply and :for this purpose—also for gearbox and back axle—the invariable choice is Dalton's . Silkolene.
Every vehicle receives a general insPe'ction..each month and'engine oil is 'changed de the =saine 'dine.. After two years' running the machines are . docked for a complete overhaul.• •
'In addition to the purely mechanical work, the garage is responsible for -all bodybuilding and body repairs, it being found not only economical but also advantageous from the aspect of eliminating •delays. Even when a complete body is required, the facilities are 'such that the necessary timber can be ordered ready cut, planed and drilled for assembly, the vehitle being brought in and the body being assembled and fitted to the chassis. It is then possible for this vehicle to return to work the same' ' In view of the special .nature of the cabk traffic, d riv&s receive lengthy training before being perinitted to take machines out on their own. Loading must 'be carehilly' done-and the drums wedged so that whatever toads are encountered no movement shall occur. For the purpose of unloading, special skids are usepl, ring bolts„for attachment. being provided at the ends and sides.
It has, been found that the average • driver likes to . take a pride in any machine specially allotted to him and, so far as is possible, each inan is attached to a specific vehicle.
The .men are allowed liberal breaks at Bank Holidays and each employee has a week's b,oliday on full pay.