A NEW ELECTRIC LORRY CRANE.
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THE TYPE of motor vehicle on which a crane is fitted possesses many outstanding uses, primarily on account of the fact that it enables goods to be loaded or discharged with expedition, and, what is not of lesser import, because it enables heavy and bulky articles to be handledin a manner which entirely overcomes the inconvenient, and often costly, methods hitherto employed.
The illustration which we reproduce on this page shows a new type of electric lorry crane which has bedn specially designed for the rapid handling of general merchaitdise and similar work.
The lorry is of Messrs. Ransomes. Sims and &Aeries' well-known Orwell type of 3i-ton capacity, the motive power being provided by Ironclad Exide batteries contained in two boxes underslung from the main frame midway between the wheels. The two motors are bolted to the frame, and each is connected by gearing and roller chains to its respective rear wheel. This arrangement avoids the necessity for providing a differential gear.
The controller is situated under the driver's seat, and provides for three speeds forward, one regenerative speed and one reverse. The regenerative speed serves as an effective third brake, which, in a hilly district, is a great asset, for the reason that the energy of retardation is conserved by being charged back into the battery. Regeneration commences when the speed is approximately 7 m.p.h.
The crane, which is manufactured by Cowans, Sheldon and Co., Ltd., Carlisle, is provided with electrically operated motions for lifting, revolving and varying the radius of the jib. It is capable of dealing with loads of 1 ton at 9 ft. radius and 15 cwt. at 12 ft. radius. The jib can be lowered into a horizontal position to enable the vehicle to pass through the usual warehouse doors, etc.
Special attention has been given to the arrangement of the control gear so as to enable the crane to be operated with rapidity by the average motor driver, and the driver's position in the front of the crane gives him a clear view of the work.