• Bedford-based XAM Engineering has developed a hydraulically-operated demountable body
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system suitable for most light commercial chassis up to 7.5 tonnes GVW.
The demount system can • be tailored to suit a variety • of bodies including Luton vans and platforms.
Power for the hydraulics can be provided by either an electric pump powered by the vehicle's battery or, on heavier vehicles, by a gearbox driven power takeoff system.
Opposing pairs of legs on the demount frame are interlocked mechanically or hydraulically depending on the model, and those on each side are connected by a set of beams to form a parallelogram frame.
Hydraulic rams cause the legs to rotate and the wheels on the tips allow them to move on the ground during demount operations.
Once clear of their chassis the frames distort under the hydraulic control, lowering the body to the ground.
When mounted, the body is kicked into place. A Luton van conversion on a standard 3.5 tonne GVW chassis cab costs around £6,500; a 7.5 tonne model costs some £8,500.