DOUBLING THE LOAD CAPACITY.
Page 48
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A Semi-trailer which Increases Its Capacity from 1.1 to 3 Tons, and which is Coupled and Uncoupled Automatically.
A LTHOUGH the semi-trailer attachment for ti. changing a four-wheeled chassis into a flexible type six-wheeler has hitherto been chiefly marketed for employment with heavy vehicles, there is not the slightest doubt that there is ample scope for the employment of such units in spheres of transport where relatively light loads have to be dealt with.
For this reason we feel that many of our readers will be interested in the unit of this description
which has recently been designed and placed on the market by Mr. R. Culls, the commercial sales manager of the Grosvenor Garage (Bournemouth), Ltd., Poole Hill, Bournemouth.
In one of our illustrations the semi-trailer is shown connected to a 30-ewt. Morris chassis, and it is interesting to learn that the carrying unit can quickly be coupled up or released from the prime mover ; in fact, we are told that the operation of uncoupling an empty trailer and picking up one fully laden takes less than three minutes.
Fitted to the rear end of the chassis is a ramp upon which the front portion of the semi-trailer slides when the tractor Portion is backed on to it. Actually, only one turntable is required, and this is bolted directly to the lorry chassis, and there are two square casings on top which swivel, incorporated in these casings being two large buffer springs with a square slipper block actuating against them, both ends being closed. Through this square block is passed a 1-in, pin which passes through a hole on a bracket riveted to the side members of the trailing portion, the pin forming a direct union between the bracket on the trailer chassis and the slipper block on the tractor chassis. The spring buffers and the slippei block relieve the chassis of any undue stress.
The design and the method of construction of the trailer, which is carried on the top of these spring buffers, prevent the pin from binding, and the pin can readily be withdrawn by the driver by a mere twist, whatever may be the pressure on top of the spring buffers.
It will be seen from our illustrations that the ramp is not actually fitted, but quite an ordinary type is employed c26 whereby when the machine is backed on to the front portion of the trailer it is automatically lifted.
The members which support the forward end of the trailer when the tractor is removed comprise two standards, each with a small road wheel to permit a certain mobility, the lower part of the legs being arranged to swing upwards when not in use and to lock in either position.
The total carrying capacity of this outfit is 3 tons.
The trailer has been put to severe tests, in one ease having carried a three-ton load from Bournemouth to South Hatrow. in Middlesex, in excellent time.