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What the Doctor Ordered
Page 63
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Trailer Working Cures Many ills, but the Dose Must Not be Exceeded
THE development of articulated vehicles is one of the outstanding phenomena of )ost-war road transport. There ire now 175 British models of ractive unit for operation with semi-trailers or as )allasted tractors to haul drawbar trailers. Many of hem have been produced during the past year.
The rise to popularity of the articulated outfit has )een at the expense of the drawbar trailer, which the aw and economic conditions have tended to place at disadvantage. The need for amate and the restricion of drawbar-trailer outfits to 20 m.p.h., whereas rticulated -vehicles are allowed to travel at 30 m.p.h., re two of the discouragements placed on the operator f independent trailers.
Nevertheless, they still have a valuable function to ,erform, particularly where there is a regular flow of ,ulky traffic. They can also show themselves to good ccount under some conditions requiring multiple eliveries. Mr. Harold Elliott, chief traffic manager of kitish Road Services, one of the most experienced 'embers of the road haulage industry, sets out in some etail the appropriate sphere of the drawbar trailer in n article in this issue.
Selecting the Right Vehicle He also examines the conditions under which articutted vehicles may most profitably be used. He alphasizes the importance of reviewing all the circumances before committing oneself to heavy expenditure n the purchase of articulated outfits. "At all times," 5 says, "the vital need for any operator is to use the ght vehicle for the right work and to get the maximum )n-miles out of it at the lowest cost."
A heavy responsibility rests upon manufacturers to ivise operators wisely on the correct use of trailers ld semi-trailers. No reputable maker would seek to take a sale on any other terms. The articulated outfit not to be employed indiscriminately and an judicious experiment might prejudice completely an herwise excellent means for transport.
If it is correctly applied, the " attic " has many tractions. Its incredible manceuvrability in the hands ' a skilled driver has impressed many a spectator at the orry Driver of the Year Competition. Where a loaded mi-trailer can be made available at each end of a trunk run, its use enables journeys to be completed in the legal maximum working day, which would be impossible with a rigid vehicle. The result is a substantial financial saving in drivers' subsistence allowances and in other directions.
The " artic " also offers a high degree of flexibility in dealing with specialized traffics. Semi-trailers for loads such as powders and liquids are less costly than prime movers, and their use may make it possible for an operator to handle specialized traffics which, because of their seasonal or irregular nature, would otherwise be uneconomic.
Other benefits readily spring to mind. Among them is the practicability of giving the tractive unit into the charge of one driver, who will remain with it throughout its life. Another is the facility with which, in the case of breakdown, tractors may be exchanged instead of laboriously transhipping the load.
Shipping Costs Reduced The development of direct road services from Great Britain to Ireland and the Continent has stimulated the use of articulated outfits. These units show a marked saving in shipping costs, compared with rigid vehicles, but a greater measure of standardization of couplings and associated components is required.
Anyone who doubts the safety and stability of the modern articulated outfit should read the road-test report published in this issue. A partly loaded tanker with air suspension for both the tractor and semi-trailer was subjected to a savage test which, had the outfit not been properly designed, must have ended in disaster. Not only was it supremely stable, but the brakes were powerful and safe.
The vehicle has other merits, for the use of air suspension has reduced weight so substantially that a 4,000-gal. load can be carried on six wheels. It is a shining example of the results of close collaboration between the designers of a tractor, semi-trailer, tank and suspension system.
Nevertheless, the wise operator will not be dazzled by the apparent ubiquity of the " artic." He will assess its merits carefully in relation to his own circumstances. Only after having done so will he make the final decision to change from rigid to Articulated outfits.