Cobra strikes at tippermen
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• Bradford-based Drum Engineering has launched its USdesigned Cobra range of underbody tipping gear for 1432-tonne rigids.
This follows the recent withdrawal of legal action against Drum by Harsh for alleged infringement of a design patent.
The first four Cobra/Drum sets have been fitted to Wilcox-bodied ERF E10-325 8x4s for the Fenstone fleet, based in Beelby near York.
The system has been available in the US for 25 years. For 26/32tonne rigids it comprises twin three-stage rams operating within a folding fabricated frame.
Features include a low (190mm) mount-height to avoid recessing body cross-members and to allow the use of displacement-type rams for ease of seal replacement. Cylinders and centre pivots have smooth composite Tefloncoated bearings; they work on chromed, maintenance-free pivot shafts.
Systems are available for four and three-axled rigids: Drum is evaluating versions for 4x2s. A typical underfloor set-up for an 8x4 has a 34-litre swept volume and an oil tank supply of 55 litres, weighing in at around 500kg. Sixlegger versions with their shorter-stroke rams add 450kg; a 4x2 model weighs some 300kg. Drum imports the scissor frame and cylinders direct from the manufacturer Crysteel of Minnesota but fits its own PT-0, pump and hydraulic control system.
Once it has established a sufficiently strong market share the Bradford-based firm intends to manufacture the entire assembly under licence.
Prices start at around £3,800 for the 8x4 gears.