An Ingenious
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New Semi-trailer
A Design Which Permits Rapid Separation or Re-connection of the Tractor and Semi trailer by the Unaided Effort of the Driver
FOR many years developments In connection with semitrailers have been made by Carrimore Six-Wheelers. Ltd., Carrimore Works, Great North Road, North Finchley, London, N.12. Its latest product is one which will appeal strongly to vehicle operators because it permits the separation of the two units, or their re-connection, without the need for lengthy operations or employing men in addition to the driver.
The new model is known as the Carrimore Quickfit Carrier. The example which we illustrate and describe consists of one of these outfits in conjunction with a Chevrolet 30-cwt. chassis ; it can carry a pay-load of three tons. The principle can be applied to any chassis and suitable machines
can be built up to handle any desired load. ..
On the chassis frame of the tractor unit are trunnion brackets,-which carry the rocking beam, disposed laterally, and capable of partial rotation to counter road-surface inequalities. In the centre of the beam is an hydraulic ram, carrying at its upper end, in the extension of the barrel, a specially shaped socket. This contains a controllable lock ing fork to secure the bull-nosed projection which drops into it. This projection forms part of a plate attached to the framework of the ,semi-trailer and takes the strain of towing.Mounted on the tractor chassis is a Skyhi hydraulic pump for operation of the ram.
To separate the units, let down the trailer jack, which embodies either castor wheels or a pair of wheels on a plain axle, as shown in our illustrations. Release the safety catch of the turntable lock and withdraw from its supporting bridge the stop of the trailer-brake cable ; this, in turn, slackens the cable and permits the safety coupling to be undone without strain. Next, operate the hydraulic pump and the ram will raise the .trailer connection clear of the • socket. Pull forward the jack .member into the " action " • position and secure it by means of the pin, lower the ram and the tractor may. be driven away, To ensure the ram being pushed home again when coupled up, a spring-loaded plunger in the bull nose comes into operation.
. The whole" operation onlY takes." afew moments and reconnection` of the units can he accomplished' without need for any very .fine aligning of the two portions, because the radiused socket and 'the ball-headed ram mate easily, whilst any incline in the road surface is accounted for by rocking the carrier beam to a suitablt angle.
A. parking lever for the trailer brake Can be supplied ; normally, the internal-expanding shoes are controlled by a separate lever in the driver's cab. Semi-elliptic springs are used for the trailer and these are secured to the axle by means of four bolts, passing through plates with under-cut surfaces, thus ensuring that spring camber has no effect upon bolt tension.