;C : space, grace and savings
Page 14
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by Bob Tuck
n-Bur and Silvertip Design ve staged an on-road demonation of their Steering Irrection Mechanism (SCM) mi-trailer, which claims to mbine the outstanding moeuvrabillty of an artic with 3 capacity of a full-length awbar combination. it also omises significant reductions tyre wear, fuel consumption, tiler stresses, road repairs d environmental pollution.
To see the new trailer per-m we went to Richmond, }nth Yorkshire. At first glance 3 vehicle looks surprisingly v. A16rn semi-trailer equates the 18.7m overall maximum igth of a drawbar outfit, but
artic's size seems to be aggerated by having its bogie right at the rear. A conventional artic of that size would be a handful in most places—never mind one so confining as ancient Richmond. But with demo driver Tony Bradley at the wheel, the SCM took the tightest of manoeuvres in its stride, handling incredibly well.
Reversing, we're told, requires special know-how, although the steering axles can be locked straight if needs be. The outfit appears to be far more stable than a conventional artic or drawbar, especially when negotiating awkward obstacles such as mini-roundabouts.
Mounting the bogie so close to the rear of the trailer eliminates rearward swing and allows it to steer far better than if it was further up the trailer chassis.
Although self-tracking trailer axles are becoming more common on new trailers, unlike the automatic steering on heavy haulage trailers, the SCM has no hydraulics and is intended purely for general haulage outfits.
The brainchild of freelance engineer Carl Henderson, who worked closely with Don-Bur to produce the outfit, it has positive steer on its second and third axles combined with a turntable above the entire airsuspended bogie. Development of any angle between trailer chassis and bogie induces push and pull on drag links connected to the steering arms of kingpinmounted hubs. A system of small gates (so-called flappers) eliminate any outside forces.
For operators the SCM promises savings on tyre (and road) wear by virtually eliminating tyre scrub and the 16m-long semi-trailer gives a potentially profitable 30-pallet capacity, although we have yet to be convinced about the claimed 20% fuel saving.
The excessive size of the concept outfit was a deliberate ploy to emphasise its potential. However, two months of trials with Christian Salvesen revealed no hidden drawbacks.
The next target for Don-Bur engineering director Andy Richardson is changing the law. If the legislators could see the trailer in action they may well be tempted to make it a standard fitment for any artic—it is that impressive.