SKB LORRY CRANES FROM USI
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By John Darker
AN impressively wide range of mechanized handling equipment made or marketed by USI Engineering Ltd. was demonstrated at Welwyn Garden City last week.
A notable addition to the lorry-mounted cranes available in this country is the SKB Danish-designed range. Three main types are available, the 1500 with a capacity of 11 tons at 5 ft. 7 in. radius; the 3500, lifting a maximum of 3+ tons, and the 4500 lifting 4+ tons at 4 ft. 11 in. radius. This latter model was effectively demonstrated lifting a long case weighing 660 lb. at its extreme arm length of 31 ft. A maximum lift height of more than 38 ft. is possible at this arm extension.
All the SKB cranes are hydraulically operated with power from the vehicle gearbox. The articulated booms are in two parts—an outer boom with special extensions, and an inner boom. Slewing motion is normally through 300 degrees, though this can be increased if specified. Stability in operation is ensured by two hydraulically operated road jacks with double acting hydraulic rams. The cranes fold neatly and compactly for travelling.
The U-Fit tailboard loader, with a capacity of 15 cwt., is designed for installation by the operator without special tools or highly skilled fitters. USI claim this normally takes two to three hours but with all the parts conveniently to hand two experienced men installed a U-Fit on a demonstration Bedford vehicle in the remarkable time of 61 minutes. The tailboard can be readily removed and fitted to any appropriately dimensioned vehicle, and I was not surprised to hear that the U-Fit—which makes a very compact package—is doing well in export markets. Many have been airfreighted to Europe.
A 30 cwt. capacity side-loading lift installed on a York Freightmaster artic van looked a highly serviceable loading aid. The introduction by USI of the Canadian LoadLok cargo stowage equipment is a hint to road transport operators that traditional roping methods may have had their day..