MODIFIED DROPSIDE BODY AIDS PA LLET LOADING
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BUILT to the specification of the operators, Heaton Ward Ltd., Holdfast Works, Western Road, Birmingham, 18, by Brade-Leigh Products Ltd., Tipton, a drop-sided timber body incorporates special features that aid side loading of steel pallets by fork-lift truck and
reduce the likelihood of damage. The Heaton Ward company manufactures steel pallets, and also produces metal parts mainly for commercial-vehicle makers.
The lorry is a Bedford TK 7-1--tonner and is normally loaded from one side, which necessitates transferring pallets to the opposite side of the floor by " pushing with the end of the forks. Pallets of various types are used on the delivery runs and in most eases the concentrated weight of the pallet on the feet or runners creates high point loading on the floor. Heavy-duty double planking is, therefore, employed and the floor is flat to facilitate loading, the sides being reinforced with flush-fitting, full-depth angle iron, Further aids to loading include drop sides that hang vertically, or inwards from the vertical, to allow close approach of the truck without straining the sides, which are cushioned in the lowered position by rubber buffers. The modified rear wings are of the flush-fitting type. A reinforced headboard is fitted to obviate movement of the load under heavy braking and to withstand rough usage, whilst a platform over the cab can be used by the driver when lashing down the load and for the carriage of the lashing ropes. The fork truck employed is a Conveyancer and vehicle loading can be completed in less than half an hour,