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Selfloader unit demonstrated
Page 51
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NOW named the Selfloader, the fork-lift adaptation for tractive units was demonstrated to COMMERCIAL MOTOR last week in prototype form on a Bedford TK. As reported last year, production of this fork-lift outfit is being undertaken by HBR Metal Industries Ltd., Windmill Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex. Demonstrated with a Pitt semi-trailer at the Chertsey works of steel stockists Bridle and Cross Ltd., this 10 cwt.-capacity prototype indicated a solution to the problem of vehicles waiting for mechanical handling equipment to discharge their (increasingly palletized) loads.
The device is virtually a normal fork-lift shortened and simplified to permit mounting on a unit front end without too great a weight penally (4.5 cwt. as demonstrated). It is capable of being fitted to almost any prime mover. The height of the windscreen base from the road governs the frame side-member length, which in turn limits the height of lift.
To enable them to be folded away in transit, the fabricated steel forks are mounted on a cross-member in a manner enabling them to be hinged and also moved laterally to accommodate different load widths.
Maximum height of lift envisaged by the makers is 8.5 ft., which gives ample free travel for single stacking on the highest semi-trailers in regular use. The unit makes the artic into a self-contained transport and handling outfit, capable of working on rougher ground than is normally possible with a fork-lift truck.
The retail price for the Selfloader, fitted to a TK Bedford, is quoted as £480 ex works.
Hydraulic power is supplied from a p.t.o.-mounted Smiths swashplate pump, which lifted a load (12 cwt. steel plate) to the full extension of the ram in less than one minute. Total reach on the demonstrator's forks was 36 inches.
The prototype will enable any bugs (almost inevitable with a new invention) to be ironed out before full production starts. The way in which the demonstration unit was raised and lowered suggested that the control valves may need revising, to give finer control over operation. Raising and lowering is achieved by a Vickers sandwich type valve controlling the lifting gear with a separate valve for the tilting gear.
The device should have its greatest potential with auto-coupled artics, avoiding the time and effort involved in landing and uncoupling a fifth-wheel unit.
Michelin Moves: The Newcastle depot of the Michelin Tyre Co. Ltd. has moved to Benton Square Industrial Estate, Benton Square, Newcastle upon Tyne 12 (tel: Newcastle 666266). The headquarters of the company's Midlands division has moved to Charter Avenue, Tile Hill, Coventry (tel: Tile Hill 64150/64161/64448).