A Roll-on Body
Page 66
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THIS Commer. 7-tonner (left) with 1 bodywork designed to carry empty drums of standard size on pallets has recently been supplied to Metal Containers Ltd. Basically, the Commer is a 13-ft. 6-in.-wheelbase model but the chassis has been modified to accept a 45-in, extension by Holmes Engineering Ltd., Halesowen, to bring the wheelbase to 17 ft. 3 in. and the length to 30 ft.
Consultation between the bodybuilders, A. W. Holmes Ltd., of Mold, Flint, the suppliers, Anchor Motors Ltd., of Chester, and the operators resulted in the provision of a skeleton framework running the length of the chassis from the low front board. The framework incorporates three fixed roller sections and guides to accept the 24-ft. body. Suitable devices have been installed to secure the body to the front board and to prevent side movement and upward thrust. To prevent the vehicle being moved before the locking pins are in position, warning lights, operated by micro-switches, have been provided in the cab.
The operator's loading dock has two roller sections and guides corresponding with those on the vehicle, One section houses a loaded body, whilst the other receives the empty body from the vehicle. To allow for spring deflection there is a levelling tapered, wedge at the rear of the chassis, fitting into a matching frame. at the end of the dock.
.The body has a 5-ft. extension above the .cab and is S ft. 2 in. wide. Fully laden, the overall height is 13 ft. 6 in. and the patleted load weighs 4+ tons.