Al wheels on your wagon
Page 14
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MANY tyre, wheel and trailer manufacturers are reported to be enjoying a boost to their business as operators prepare their equipment to take advantage of the imminent 38-tonnes limit.
One of the most popular conversions is proving to be from tandem to tri-axle semitrailer bogie, using wide single tyres in place of twins.
Al International Motor Engineering of Ma!don, Essex, for example, has begun converting a batch of curtain-sided 12.2m (40ft) tandem axle semi-trailers for the Beecham Group.
Thirty-six widespread tandem bogies are being cannibalised toi produce 24 tri-axle units fitted with Lemmerz, German wheels with 70mm (2.751n) negative nave offsets. The wheels were supplied by Cambria Wheels of IVECO has renamed its existing Daily Van models the Daily Plus Van to make room for an additional model in the range. Omitting the sliding side-load door and ladder bulk head, they assume the original designations of 35.8 or 35.9 Daily Van dependent of engine type.
A weight-saving of 35kg in kerb weight is accompanied by a price reduction of £200. Cardiff and will be fitted with Michelin 15R-22.5 tyres.
The 70mm wheels were chosen to help maintain roll stability by increasing the semi-trailer track by 140mm.
Each axle of the bogie is limited to a maximum loading of 7.5 tonnes under the amended C&U Regulations and will therefore be working well within its design rating of 10 tons.