Improvements in Dennis Paxit
Page 33
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ANUMBER of new features, tending towards greater efficiency, has been introduced into the Dennis Paxit Major refuse collector, previously known as the Dennis Paxit II. Its capacity is now 25 cubic yds. and the loading height, unladen, is 4 ft. 2 ins.
The improved Paxit Major follows closely the general principles embodied in previous models, but the loading plate is now powered from both sides instead of from only the centre. A compensating device has been adopted, consisting of a rack on each side, interconnected by means of a torsion bar carrying pinions on each end. The Object of this device is to equalize the pressure on the loading plate should the load tend to become uneven. The loading space, too, remains clear of obstruction for the full width of the body.
For compressing the load, the plate travels up the rear slipway, the refuse entering the body proper through an opening the same size as the plate face, the space above being sealed from the atmosphere by a hinged bulkhead. The plate guides are pivoted at their forward ends at a point roughly above the centre of the back axle, and when the load is being discharged the plate gear is winched clear of the exit by two hydraulic motors mounted in the roof of the body. At the same time, the hinged bulkhead, located at its lower edges by guides mounted on the plate gear, folds into the, roof clear of the exit.
As the exit slipway has a fixed angle of 26 degrees, when the body is tipped to its angle of 48 degrees the slipway attains an almost perpendicular line, making for quick and clean discharge.
The hydraulic controls, are mounted in the vehicle cab, and a multi-way valve, operated by a single lever, gives immediate and independent selection of any required motion.
The Dennis Paxit Major is powered by a six-cylindered oil engine, the hydraulic pump being driven from a gearbox power-take-off. Accommodation for the driver and five loaders is provided in the cab, and with a wheelbase of 13 ft. 6 ins, the length of the vehicle is 24 ft.