OPERATORS in the Midlands have, "The Commercial Motor" learns, been
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warned to modify their meattransport vehicles to allow for the hanging of fresh meat. Apparently, there is a move on foot to make this a legal requirement.
To meet the demand for suitable vehicles, detachable containers are being manufactured by Silverdale Motor Bodies. Ltd., for the Ryland Garage, 112, Ryland Street, Birmingham, 16, to fit any type of normal platform body of 2-ton to 5-ton capacity in 12-ft., 13-ft. and 14-ft. sizes. The container body is being marketed under the name of Rydale."
The under framing and side framing are of hardwood, and the pillars are reinforced with steel inserts to take a 4-ton load suspended from the roof, which is constructed of channelsection Hiduminium strengthened. by timber members.
Light-alloy sheet is used for the inner and outer shells, between which there is a 5-in, air space. Although providing ample hdt insulation for short runs, this space can, if required, be filled with an insulating material such as Isoflex, Onazote or cork. The panels are overlapped and the inner panels are reinforced:With=6 mm l plywood. '-Brass screws are used for securing the panels and enable replacements to be made simply in case of damage. The floor is constructed of 3-in. tongued and grooved imported softwood and is covered with 20-gauge galvanized steel sheet to facilitate washing out.
The hanging gear consists of four rails running the full length of the container, each fitted with sliding double hooks, an important feature of which is their self-locking action if the load swings through more than a small angle. This is advantageous in preventing free movement during transit, but does not hinder normal transference along the rails when loading.
Doors and Tailboard
The double doors can be swung back and clipped to the body sides. Normally an 18-in, tailboard is fitted, but full-length doors can be provided.
Lifting plates and rings on each side provide for easy unloading of the container after removal of the holdingdown straps. If required, roller extensions can be attached to the rear end, so that the unit can be transferred to a ramp by lifting the forward end only.
The overall height is 7 ft. 5 .ins., which allows a 6-ft. clearance between the floor and the hooks. The 12-ft. contamer has 44 double hooks, the 13-ft. Model has 48,. and the 14-ft. body has 52. There are two sizes of the same Overall:height; Witha"choice of 'inside Widths of .5 ft. 6 idS..aild .6 ft.
Prices range from £250 for the 12-ft. container to £290 for the 14-ft. model, complete with harming gear.
OF special interest to those concerned with house-to-house deliveries, a new 25-cwt. vehicle has been produced by Locornotors, Ltd., Shrewsbury Road, Birkenhead. The chassis is a produLl of the Mercury Truck and Tractor Co., Ltd., and it powered by a Ford 10 h.p. engine. Robustly built it incorporates a fully floating rear axle and has a small wheelbase, giving great manceuvrability with a turning radius of only, 8 ft.
The body was designed in consultation with a dairy concern, S. Reece and Sons, Ltd., of Liverpool, with particular• regard to the requirements of a milk
delivery service and after careful examination of transatlantic types of houseto-house distribution • vehicles, An important feature is: the use of
sliding cab doors, which are 5 ft. high and 2 ft. 8 ins, wide to facilitate easy entrance and exit. The steering wheel is sliehtly offset from the driver, so that
he can get in and out witho.ut difficulty.
The maker claims • that on 'door-todoor work an. average_ of .80 calls per hour is easily possible. The cab should prove comfortably warm in winter and
• in'the-hOt Weather the doors can SiMply be Pushed back -and left fatly open.
Platform size is 9 ft. by 5 ft.. with a loading beight_of 2 ft. 3 ins., so that when carrying milk, even if it be stacked four crates high, the entire load should be accessible without climbing. The rigid and easily eleaned Dekaloy flooring is employed.
The vehicle has an obvious appeal for distribution of milk, bread, groceries and similar commodities and,. can be supplied ..either with an open platform or as a closed van. Vehicles tirnilar to that shown in the accompanying illustrations are quoted at about £650.
First announcement of the introduction of this new _vehicle appeared in last week's issue Of "The Commercial Motor."