Semi-trailer for 30-ft. Loads
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A SPECIAL semi-trailer designed for transporting sheets of concretereinforcing wire mesh 30 ft. long and 12 ft. wide, has been produced and patented by Carrimore Six-Wheelers, Ltd., Carrimore Works, North Finchley, London, N.12. The material is used particularly in building aircraft runways and the semi-trailer has been designed to handle 20 tons of if.
At the factory the sheets are loaded in bulk by crane, but it is desirable to unload them on site in batches of approximately 5 cwt. each at the point of use. .
The semi-trailer has a ,fully cranked frame with an unrestricted loading space in the well 30 ft. 6 in. long and 7 ft. 6 in. wide. There are six longitudinal rolled-steel channel members, of which the outer two employ 10-in. by 4-in. channel. Twin oscillating rear axles carry four wheels in line.
The load is carried on edge on each side of a detachable superstructure fitted to the centre of the vehicle and is secured to it during transit.
Consisting of two angle frames, one on each side of the vehicle, the unloading device is hinged at the bottom ends to the outer members of the main frame. These hinged frames are controlled by a power-operated winch at the front of the semi-trailer, operation being by a single lever.
When unloading, the required number of sheets is attached to the frame, which is moved outwards by pulleys fitted to outriggers on the superstructure. Then the load is lowered to the ground by
gravity, controlled by the brake on the winch. The wire ropes operating the unloading device are readily detachable and may be used on both sides of the vehicle.
The unloading frames are made to hinge on the centre, so that they can be folded to permit a crane to approach the semi-trailer for loading in bulk at the factory, but if the need arises, the unloading mechanism can be used for loading the semi-trailer piecemeal.
Coupled to the tractor by means of a Carrimore S.A.E.-type turntable, the semi-trailer has support legs at the front for use when it is detached.
To be operated by Twisted Reinforcements, Ltd., Alma Street, SmethWick, the semi-trailer is coupled to an Atkinson tractor unit. The outfit was supplied to the operators by Rootes, Ltd., from their depot at Lords Court, St John's Wood Road, N.W.8.