From Ford Van to Articulated Six-wheeler
Page 32
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Interesting Conversion Which Has Given Satisfactory Service Over an Extended Period
AN interesting conversion of a Ford van to a six-wheeled articulated machine, is shown in an accompanying illustration. The unladen weight comes out at 17 cwt. and it can be loaded to
carry 1 ton. Experience has shown, however, that a load of 30 cwt, can be dealt with without any evidence of trouble:
We understand from the firm which carried out the conversion, Messrs. B. A. Home and Son, St, Anthony, 131ackbrook Farm Road, Fareharn, Hants, that 30 m.p.g. is obtained unladen and 25 m.p.g. under load, Taxation on the outfit is 415. per annum,
This vehicle has been on the road for • four years, during which time, we learn, it has covered 30,000 miles without a single breakdown. The only expense incurred for replacement parts has been the cost of one set of brake facings.
The tractor part of the machine utilizes the standard Ford braking system, but additional brakes, leveroperated, are fitted to the rearmost wheels.
In order to facilitate starting, an electrically operated petrol pump has been fitted, in addition to the existing mechanical one. When running, petrol delivery is dependent upon the latter, 4.s the electrical component is switched off.
In a second illustration is shown the winch gear, which is used in conjunction with a small trolley-2 ft. square by 4 ins, deep—running on two girders from the back of the vehicle to form a gantry. By this arrangement a load of 5 cwt. can easily be lifted from the ground.
For the haulage of light, bulky material, such an outfit as this should have a distinct field of usefulness, in that its unladen weight is low and that it comes within the LIZ tax category. The fact that it has covered such an extensive mileage without any form of failure being experienced bears ample testimony to the practicability of the idea.
In the case of new vehicles it is always a wise policy to see that the maker's guarantee is not invalidated by any form of conversion work, as there are cases where the vehicle manufacturer has shown a decided disapproval of his products being adapted in any extensive manner.