Futtfitet etuitate416
Page 60
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
To avoid any misconception among your readers over your feature showing the Primrose Hi-Lift load transfer device fitted to some of our 8 x 2 vehicles (CM, January 20), perhaps a few further comments would be appropriate.
Firstly, we run both Volvo 6 x 2s with the standard Volvo bogie lift mechanism, as well as the 8 x 2s described, but, whereas the Volvos are designed to run in the unladen condition with the trailing axle raised, there is insufficient articulation on the Foden balance beam suspensi-m to give adequate clearance under the trailing wheels with the axle raised, even if the bellows size were adequate to prevent trailing axle movement under dynamic loads on the road.
For this reason the use of the Hi-Lift in this application is confined to manoeuvring on slippery surfaces when the extra weight on the drive axle improves traction.
Secondly, we opted for single drive plus load transfer,
because ills lighter, cheaper and less costly to maintain than a double drive unit. This is not to say, of course, that we expect a single drive unit to
equal a double drive unit with third diff and cross axle diff locks for traction ability on soft surfaces like deep mud; we don't.
However, our vehicles need a hard flat surface when unloading the LBC Selfstak system, and should not get involved in off-road work to an appreciable extent, and we therefore regard the 8 x 2 Hi-Lifts as the right answer. C. H. PRICE, Transport engineer, London Brick Company Ltd, Bedford.