Combined-op fills a gap
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• Because he could not find a suitable vehicle to fit into the 3-4-ton range of the 400-strong International Distillers and Vintners' fleet, group transport executive Bill Overington decided to set out the specification and design a body to suit his needs.
To assist him he called on IDV's group fleet engineer L. Claxton, John Reynolds, truck sales manager, Arlington Motor Co Ltd at Harlow, and the expertise of Vauxhall Motor Co.
The end product of these endeavours is a smart-looking vehicle with good manoeuvrability and handling characteristics. Basically it is a Bedford KC with a I 15in. wheelbase, built at IDV's request. Arlington built the 475 cu ft body which can accommodate four standard-size pallets for fork-lift loading and has full-access sliding doors at the sides, with a security lock, plus a full-depth shutter at the rear. Body construction is designed to prevent "lozenging".
With plated axles weights of 2.3 at front and 5 tons at rear, the gvw is 7.10 tons but the unladen weight is only 2.95 tons.
IDV did a similar exercise some time ago on vehicles in the 5-6-ton range, and have settled on a Bedford KEL 151in. wheelbase chassis with a body of similar design but taking six standard size pallets. It is understood that an 18-pallet model is currently being "looked at".