Fodens Standardize Crane Chassis
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.UTOBILE cranes and excavators . have .13(1. on many occasions. been based on used Foden chassis. A development is the announcement that a range of special sixwheeled chassis for this purpose is now in Production by Flo-dens, Ltd., Sandbach.
Three models are being produced to accommodate cranes with lifting capacities from 4-20 tons. They are known as the FC.14, the FC.16 and the FC.20 having welded chassis-frames with side members 14 in 16 in and 20 in. deep respectively.
Shared by all the new models is an articulated solid-beam rear-bogie suspension attached td the frame at six points to reduce local loadings. Cast-steel beams of 1 section replace the normal road springs. They are rubber-mounted at their outer ends, whilst their inner ends are connected to a central balance-beam through knuckle-joints. The bogie gives good articulation, but remains stable when the crane is in operation.
A front-axle-locking device is a production option for the new chassis. It enables the axle to be locked to the chassis frame, thus using its additional unsprung weight to increase stability. Outrigger beams and stabilizing jacks can be supplied on all models at extra cost.
The two-man steel -cab fitted as standard has a central well to accommodate the crane jib. A half-cab is also offered.
The specification of the new models is flexible and includes a choice of power units and transmission components. It can be altered to suit any crane manufacturer's requirements.
NEW CAMPAIGN -AGAINST EYE ACCIDENTS AN intensive campaign to cut down the 200,000 eye accidents which occur in industry every year has been started by the British Safety Council_ Among the material to be distributed throughout the country will be leaflets, captioned in imitation Braille, depicting a blind man and his guide-dog.
The Braille reads: "The man this guide dog is leading is the British worker who did not wear eye protectors."
The man is Mr. William Butler, Alton, Hants, who lost his sight when a bag of lime he was loading on to a lorry burst Into his eyes. Russia's industrial safety organization arc to reprint the leaflet.