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Building for tomorrow's world

. and that means lower weights, more capacity and quicker turnrounds. There's a wide range to choose from, says Bill Brock

1ubery Owen-Rockwell Ltd's ries III brake will become sten-d equipment on all axles and s been developed to provide ie and speed of maintenance. frailer conversion kits are ailable to the latest specifican.

rhe Anchorlok ES diaphragm ring brake combines simplicand safety, providing a foolDot parking system which avents damage to the landing js and trailers upon recoung.

special vacuum tanker built • Redland Purle is being exhied by Buckingham Vehicles 1. Two separate tanks, to carry compatible loads are )unted on a purpose built mi-trailer. Each is lined to give otection against corrosion and :lude full underside and roll er protection.

Ingimex Ltd, the Shropshire immercial vehicle body kit Jilder, has a new lightweight in body system, the Talon. It in be fitted to any make of lassis cab up to 7.5 tonnes tw.

A Ford Transit 190 long wheel)se petrol chassis cab fitted ith a Luton body will qualify for le under-30cwt taxation class. 7

A newcomer to the Commeral Motor Show is Wadham tringer (Victory) Ltd, a bodyfork manufacturer from ortsmouth. Its exhibit has been hosen from its Victory III range f bodies for refrigerated retail elivery constructed for the cariage of palletised dairy foods nd based on a Bedford TL 1000 hassis cab. The vehicle incorpoates an interior sealed box of Fp-faced plywood framed and .kinned with aluminium resultng in a strong lightweight body. 'oamed polyurethane insulation s completed in situ to a depth of 1.26cm (3in) throughout.

98 Charles Roberts Engineering Ltd's 12,000-litre (2640 gal) fivecompartment mild-steel road tanker is suitable for the carrying of fuel oils. Each compartment is fitted with an Emco F337/8 manhole-cover assembly.

A shaft-driven Drum FP65AD pump is used for cargo discharge and a hosereel mounted at the front of the tank has an electrical rewind facility. Also shown is a general-purpose single compartment tank of 25,000 litre (5,500-gal) capacity made in stainless steel with 1/2-in ends and baffles, suitable for a working pressure of 30psi. 98 For operation at 32 tons gross within current Petroleum Regulations, Murfitts 30,000-litre (6,500-gal) aluminium alloy semi-trailer road tanker with front taper is divided into seven compartments for the transport of white oils.

A full-length aluminium walkway is complete with overturn protection. Emco open-fill manholes incorporate fulllength flameproof dips while 4in mild steel tinned pipelines and 4in aluminium faucets are included.

The tank is mounted on Norde running gear and a Drum Pluto 3 pump takes its drive from the tractive unit.

A 400-Series bulk-tipping pressure tank measuring 2.1m (7ft) in diameter is enclosed by a front dish and rear cone giving a capacity of 24cum (859 cuft) and an estimated granulated sugar payload of 20 tons.

A multi-purpose open-top fixed side body of welded singleskin aluminium construction measuring 7.1m (23ft 6in) long, 1.9m (6ft 4in) deep and 2.3m (7ft Sin) interior width has been built to suit the Leyland Constructor chassis for operation with animal foodstuff giving an estimated payload of 19 tons. Three partitions allow batch loads to be carried and a tilt fully encloses the top part of the body. 99 The Primrose Group is exhibiting a ten-ton capacity trailer fitted with a semi-elliptic spring suspension balanced tow frame with 750x15 twin wheels and tyres giving a low platform height. An example of tandem axle running gear assembly using the new Primrose rubber suspension is fitted with a new load transfer lift axle for light load operation.

101 AHP Trailers of Wolverhampton has widened its horizons since the last Show, adding a range of step-frame chassis for tanker application to its regular range coil carriers, step frames and tipper chassis as well as subframes and running gear for tanker manufacturers. This year, it is showing a dual-purpose skeletal trailer with a tandem axle which can be used either for standard application or for tipping operation in conjunction with a tipping container. This dual purpose skeletal coil carrier is said to bE lighter than a conventional type 102

Both tankers shown by Uni. versal Bulk-Handling Equipmen Ltd of Burscough, Lancashire continued overIea

constructed from 5mm 316 S16 quality stainless steel, are for the transport of hazardous liquids. The 25,000-Jitre (5,500-gal) model with tilvo equal compartments is ,insulated with 76mm (3in) fibreglass encased externally with 22swg polished stainless steel sheets and complies with 4044C01, TIR and ATW

regulations. r•tt

A Simaller 22,048'-litre (4,850gal) ISO tank cOtainer allows for a,ri extra three per cent ullage an is rated for i_o)eration at 24

tonn weight. The cylindric I section is insulated in situ with polyurethane foam and reinforced self-coloured plastic.

106A

A Dunnspencer Bulkflo 1120 cuft-capacity Rigid Bulk B Body in single-skinned alloy is shown mounted on a Leyland T45 Constructor for operation at 30 ton gvw on an eight wheel chassis complete with power take-off. The body design features radiused corners, flow plate, fixed rear end with top and bottom swinging tailboard and discharge port.

Specification includes alloy wing flaps; one hose rack containing four delivery hoses; a nylon sheet; two double-skinned alloy bulkheads; three cam locking mechanisms; catwalk; rubber buffer rails; and front end type tipping gear.

The specification is completed with Dunnspencer pneumatic and hydraulic discharge equipment manufactured for rapid discharge of animal foodstuffs, embodying a special vibrating hopper for the even flow feeding of the rotary discharge valve.

107

To accommodate different sizes of load and different loading methods, Lawrence David Ltd St Peter's House, Peterborough, has devised a quick-release roof support called the Bendi Pillar that can be positioned either on the centre line or at the TracCess curtainsided body's outer edges.

It is captive to the roof — able to slide side-to-side on a tube — but incorporates a lockable knee-joint and a base which locates in a floor slot.

Once positioned, the pillar is locked rigid by a simple catch at the middle.

Transfers of pillar position are very quick and effortless, since the pillar does not have to be lifted, just pushed across. Being captive, it cannot be lost.

The curtain-lifting mechanism on the Show roller-sider is now operated by an electric rriotor.

Controls can be positioned on the front bulkhead or under the side rave, according to preference.

In common with manually operated roller-siders, the electric version has curtains which lift up clear of the cant rail, allowing full-height side access for high-stacked pallets. Yet when small articles need to be unloaded, the curtain need only be partly lifted.

Stronger door catches and more rigid door panels are features of the Max-Cess hingeddoor van body on display, while improved neoprene weathersealing has been introduced around the doors.

112

Marsden's new-styled integral cab for pantechnicon van bodywork claims its small radius corners, panels and new roof section will help to reduce wind drag and subsequently improve overall running costs. A moulded grp cab fairing, incorporating a spoiler, is fitted to further the streamlining.

Inside the integral cab has been extended to provide two full-width sleeper bunks, and the completed vehicle is plated at 12.35 tons gvw.

113,117

Neville Charrold Limited, and Dormobile Limited have combined their efforts for the Motor Show appearing under the banner Coalite Group Vehicle Building Division.

Neville Charrold is showing its Ultralite tipping bodywork in standard and insulated form, plus two trailers from its extensive BIG N trailer range.

A non-tipper, is the first of its kind to be manufactured and is aimed at operators who transport bulky commodities.

Having a 50cum (65cuyd) bulk-capacity steel body shell with internal dimensions of 10.6m (35ft) long x 2.1m (711) high, the load can be dispersed in a matter of three minutes by a "live floor".

An enormous chain conveyor is driven by means of a hydraulic motor and an epicyclic gearbox, and its non-tipping characteristics is said to provide many advantages over a standard tipping semi-trailer.

For extra payload an aluminium alloy body shell can easily be fitted.

The second trailer from the BIG N range is an aluminium alloy Nimrod "frameless" tipping semi-trailer, This frameless de

sign eliminates the main frame, and so; during tipping, pivots on the rearmost axle, reducing the distance between the fifth wheel and trailer axles.

A radial arm attachment links the upper fifth wheel to the body shell to provide extra stability during tipping operations.

Almost all the trailers are tailored to suit the customer's individual operations.

114

Dyson's exhibits this year have an emphasis on light weight engineering with a view to promote increased payload capacity coupled to increased stability and safety.

The Dyson super lightweight curtainsided semi-trailer was as deveoped in conjunction with Whitbread, providing a claimed high roll resistance and constant platform height of 1.38m (411 6in) with a lightweight specification incorporating a 2m (611 63/41n) wide-track axle, and super single tyres. Three line braking with an Anchorlok park brake and load sensing is standard.

The RR8O-Series tandem axle and patented rubber suspension is manufactured for fitment to tankers, vans and semi-trailers. Suspension geometry gives an increased resistance to roll. Plated for 19.31 tonnes, the running gear has a weight of 1.85 tonnes.

Dunlop Pneuride air suspension is used and double-lobe nylon reinforced rubber air bellows carry the load while the axles are located by Panhard rod providing a non-reactive system. A bump stop incorporated within the air spring is capable of

supporting the full load in event of air failure. Rul bushes throughout eliminat, brication.

116

A new model unveiled at show by Coachwork Con sions Ltd of Colne, Lancashir the Maxibox which supercE its former Freightbox b, range, suitable for chassis u 7.5 tonne gvw.

Z-section aluminium extru: is used for the chassis longit nal runners with cross-memt attached to them at differen' tervals dependent upon the fl materials.

Deep rub-rails contribute the robust specification an new bolted galvanised steel frame gives greater resistanc lozenging. Construction facili allow for body lengths up 7.3m (2411).

In June Coachworks in duced its steel tipper range up to 3.5 tonne gvw and on( these is presented at the Sh mounted on a MAN-VW LT: chassis with Telehoist FR12 ping gear.

118

All three of the rapid-acc commercial-vehicle body c signs developed by Boalloy I are shown and include the Ta liner, complete with new refil ments for 1981; an example the Localiner — no straps, fE access curtainsider for local liveries; and two examples the Linkliner, the van with sl ing side doors positively local between top and bottom rol tracks so that they contribute

strength and eliminate

,w over ten years old, the liner features an arrangeof load-bearing sidecurin which the vertical tenng straps run inside sleeves curtains, rather than being :hed to them. Stress raisers le curtains themselves are afore claimed to be avoided. le side curtains of the 'liner, a Tautliner derivative, 9 vertical strengthening s enclosed within them suspended from the curtain (s. The curtain is attached at 3r end to short sliding doors. straps or buckles are used. only securing points are centre catches each end. Localiner offers rapid access closure.

elford Truck Bodies have rned to the Show this year

9 a selection of bodies, lers and hydraulic truck ler& The steel framed box y mounted on a TL Bedford 3SiS cab, produced for BulmCider with a sliding door, is interior dimensions of n x 2.2m x 2.1m (18ft x 7.5ft x

n aluminium tipping trailer aluminium chassis and a

d tipping body equipped Edbro SD16 tipping gear an unladen weight of 4 3 and a capacity of 29cum iuyd).

he Welford Winner, an 11.9m curtainsided tandem axle ui-trailer, has been built to the operation of Allied vveries and is rated at 29.5 S gtw.

drop frame alloy semi-trailer igned for ISO liquid tanks 1 an unladen weight of 2.9 S provides a 1.5 ton payload • antage over conventional designs. New to the show he Welford-Pesci P1000 hy draulic truck loader rated 8000kg at 2m (6.56ft) radius with a fully hydraulic jib which extends to 6m (19.7ft.) 120 As with the TIR bodywork, curtainsiders from Cooks Road Transport Engineers Ltd are custom-built to suit the individual requirements of each operator. This approach is illustrated by the Dodge 1611, specially designed and built for Initial Services Ltd, for efficient load security.

The second vehicle is a 12.2m straight-frame semi-trailer, built for Eurolease, York, with TIR bodywork incorporating a sliding roof system for which Cooks are sole importers and distribu tors within the UK. , This roof system is included in the third exhibit, a step frame TIR vehicle designed specifically for Standard Telephones and Cables. Roof access assembly allows quick loading through the roof.

121 An example of the Euro-wall sliding side design by Besco Bodies Ltd, is mounted on a Dodge G08 136in wheelbase chassis/cab, mounted on a steel underframe the floor is constructed of 21mm Enso silver deck. The body is steel framed also with a 14.5mm Fibreply grp bulkhead and three Euro-wall 30mm sandwich Fibreply grp side sliding doors. A CVR grp translucent roof is fitted, and the new Whiting lightweight III wide panel shutter is used for the rear closure.

The display unit, built for Manchester Valve & Fitting Co Ltd., is based on a Mercedes-Benz 5080 4100 van with nearside loading and single rear entrance doors. The interior has been fitted with purpose-made cabinets and display panels in teak to the customer's specification. Based on a MAN-VW LT 35cwt swb chassis/cab, a traditionally built dropside body has a steel underframe carrying a tongue and grooved softwood floor.

It is mounted on a Bedford TK 115in wheelbase chassis/cab and has a 12swg steel floor and folded section underframe. The 0.4m (1ft 4in) high single dropsides and tailboard are formed out of the same gauge steel but the headboard is constructed of 10 swg. The tailboard is swung top and bottom.

The wheelbase of a Leyland Sherpa has been extended to 3.65m (126in) to accept a body which has a steel underframe with one inch tongued and grooved timber floor, 18swg aluminium alloy interlocked side panels, and a grp roof.

Demand for the "all aluminium alloy" body continues. In spite of the many new alternative materials, Besco has used this type of construction to make a platform-body mounted on a Mercedes-Benz 1213/48 4800 mm wheelbase chassis/cab.

Aluminium alloy channel section crossbearers and longitudinals carry one-inch deep extruded plank sections interlocked to form a light but substantial floor which is reinforced on its long edges by aluminium side raves.

A cab height headboard is provided. The body is 6.85m (22ft 6in) long and 2.4m (8ft) wide and is shown in aluminium self colour finish.

For the glass industry, Besco produces an A-frame which supports the interior and exterior glass carrying racks constructed of rectangular hollow sections integrated into the mainframes of the van to form a light but strong body foundation. The whole is skinned with 18swg aluminium alloy sheets and a translucent grp roof is used. 122 A curtainsided 12.2m (40ft) close-coupled tandem-axled semi-trailer has been designed specifically for the soft drink and brewery trade by Southfields Coachworks Ltd of Loughborough.

A front-end air deflector has a 305mm (12in) curvature. Curtains with both horizontal and vertical welded polyester webbing straps, self-lubricating steel roller hangers, horizontal ratchet tensioners for front and rear end are all features claimed to be unique to Southfields.

For urban multi-drop delivery work on a rigid chassis a Southfields curtainsider has fastopening sides for versatility.

124 As the largest manufacturer in the trailer and bodywork Hall, Craven Tasker has produced a wider range of products than ever before including low loaders, insulated vans, tipping semi-trailers and bodies as well as special dual-purpose extendable trailers.

For the transport of heavy engineering plant and heavy machinery up to a capacity of 66 tons trailer gross weight, the Tasklift F6 L366 is designed with a low-profile detachable swanneck, a lower bed length of 11.58m (38ft), load-bearing bridge and beaver tail at rear. A triangular bogie configuration comprises 12-ton axles each fitted with twin 10.00 x 15 18 ply tyres.

A heavier multi-axle model of 100-ton capacity is produced in modular form allowing extra modules to be added to the front sides or rear to increase the overall capacity. Four pairs of axles on the example shown are pivoted into the frame with steering by mechanical linkage to the detachable steering assembly and drawbar.

Each axle has a hydraulic suspension arm capable of raising the transporter 600mm (2ft) to facilitate load compensation. Hydraulic rams also control the steering independent of the drawbar, by use of a detachable power pack which can be fitted at either end of the module operating more than one in a connected line.

Rated for a payload of 40 tons, the F5 extendible semi-low loader offers a deck height of 916mm (3ft) with a deck length from 12.2m (40ft) to 18.2m (60ft) at 600mm (2ft) increments. The rear axle of the tri-axle bogie is self steering. Side extensions increase the lower bed width to 2.9m (9ft 6in). Salient features of the coil carrier include code of practice lashing loops, a Vshaped flat bottom well, and a 12.2m (40ft) platform length.

The shallow 89mm (3.5in) neck of the TIR Tasklift increases the internal capacity within an. overall height of 4m (13.1ft). One-piece pillars for easy removal are a Craven Tasker patent and jail gates give a high degree of load retention.

On the tipper front are two aluminium Tasktip models each with a capacity of 34.4 cum (45 cuyd) but remaining under 3m (91t 10in) at the rear end. A rack and pinion type grain hatch is fitted as a special option for better control of load discharge.

In the reefer range the Taskold semi-trailer has 101nnm (4in) of foam insulation on all four sides and a minimum of 127mm (Sin) in the roof. The froth foaming technique gives good adhesion to inner and outer body panels separated by heat breaks. The inner lining is one-piece grp, the roof pre-painted aluminium, while the chequer plate floor allows the trailer to be steam cleaned. The Taskvan alongside is the dry freight version incorporating an all-welded steel under frame with bolt-on bogie.

125. Hall 4.

All types of Kinnegrip AB's body pillars, manufactured in Sweden are shown by Continental Vehicle Components. Most are exhibited individually, but a brewery vehicle based on a Dodge G15 chassis consisting of an Alusuisse aluminium platform fitted with 992mm (39.4in) MKIV pillars for retaining side

and rear gates shows a completed system.

Pillars are supplied as standard for 600, 800 and 1000mm (23.6in, 31.5in and 39.4in) high sides. Special side pillars for tilt vehicles have a built-in folding TIR ring to lock the handle release, making it impossible to unlock the dropside.

127 Two "Double extendible" semilowbed trailers from the Netherlands on Nooteboom (UK) Ltd's stand have a deck height of around 800mm (31.5in). One has a 54-tonne four-axled bogie with two non-steered and two selftracking axles and a kingpin rated at 20 tonnes.

The other unit, with an 18tonne king-pin rating, features a 40.5 tonne tri-axle bogie on which only the rearmost axle is self-tracking.

Both models are equipped with the Trenkamp and Gehle Gigant interconnected fluid suspension, which eliminates the need for balance beams or other mechanical load compensation linkage. Each axle is located by a pair of quarter-elliptic trailingarm leaf springs, but the suspension medium proper consists of two-convolute bellows filled with rubber "balls" immersed in an alcohol-based liquid.

Bellows on each side of the bogie — are interconnected. The total bogie load and dynamic shockloads are shared between all axles, which the company says, minimises road interaction.

A telescopic box-section central spine allows the trailers to be extended from 12.2m (40ft to 23.2m (76ft).

128 Massey Internntional Coachbuilders are exhibiting several vehicles equipped with selected bodies from its range.

A medium-temperature multidelivery unit designed for the carriage of dairy produce within the temperature range 36°F-40°F, is based on a Ford 1210. Side walls are of high efficiency sandwich construction, consisting of 83mm (3.25in) Styrofoam insulation bonded between two plywood panels faced with white grp.

Front bulkhead is similar but with interior reinforcing frame to carry an externally mounted refrigeration compressor set.

The roof is unit construction with a one-piece outer panel in aluminium alloy and an int one-piece panel in white mented grp, and the floc double framed in light alloy tions with low conductance at intervals.

A rear steel and timber struction accommodates co nation doors for pedest access with an adjoining p loading to the nearside hin, through 2700 to body side. ing pallet loading both door; opened, and access to gc during delivery working is the centre (pedestrian) c only.

Refrigeration, by means Dole holdover plates mounted in a steel gantry on interior exposed face of f bulkhead and separated f the load carrying section body.

A Ross Foods Limited h temperature multi-delivery t for the distribution of deep zen products in the —5°F to temperature range on a Dot G1185 gives a body length 5.63m (18ft 6in) with a bc divided into three sections. forward 600mm (2ft 5ins) tenor length houses the refri ration compressor set, the rE gerated mid-section has interior length of 3.81m (' 6in), and the rear section is open ended annex to give proved access to the tempE ture-controlled region of bc and to enable the rear doors be opened and closed while vehicle is in contact with loading bank.

A low-temperature ser trailer unit for Unispeed Limit

is built on a normal IranOverlander semi-trailer, w

side walls integrated with tra perimeter frame. The front bL head has interior reinforcemi to withstand interior laden pa impacts and to provide for I fitting of a refrigeration u Side walls have a reduc thickness (80mm — 3.1' overall) for maximum Intel body width.

A medium-temperature mu delivery unit in Walls Meat ( livery for the temperature ran 36°F-40°F is shown on a Series Dodge with a wheelba of 3.65m (144in). Body constrt tion is the latest Unit Pan' sandwich form with the exc; tion of the floor, which is doub framed.

132 Two new products are shov by PEM Trailers Ltd. Modul construction methods using al minium interlocking panels ha been used in the PEMEDIC at nce. The body is detachable can be fitted to any standard to 6.5 tonnes chassis cab le, allowing interchange bean chassis cabs.

tted with an aluminium floor one-piece grp roof, it was aloped in co-operation with sh health authorities and the two are now in use with the iet ambulance service.

le low-slung profile, provide standing height, easy access, increased working and stoareas.

nother feature is the proviI of double side doors as well rear doors, giving greater ass and improved stretcher ey loading. There is a side1 stretcher station which can used alternatively for three ng patients and a second tcher station which allows all round access and enables 3rgency treatment to be ear1 out in transit. Full insulation a special air conditioning is fitted to provide a conIt temperature.

he PEMKIT knock-down box I Luton body range designed assembly and mounting by at dealers, agents and -.:kists covers most of the -dard makes of chassis cabs. iilable in compact kit form nplete with all screws, bolts I other fittings it can be asibled in about two hours by ni-skilled labour.

he kit includes aluminium inocking side panels, one-piece ided plywood floor with alu-lium underframe, aluminium iners, and bearers and a onece moulded grp roof, as well rear-roller shutter or double Drs.

kn example of the PEMKIT LuI body is shown mounted on a d Transit 175 LWB 35cwt van ing a capacity of 550cuft. 'EM Trailers' standard box dy is shown mounted on the rv Renault JK 75 3250mm ieelbase chassis, and a stenrd PEM Luton body is shown a Mercedes-Benz L307D 00mm wheelbase chassis, am n using the unique interlock] panel method of construe1. Both are shown with rear ler shutters and one-piece Dulded grp roofs.

2A

Three semi-trailer suspenNis made by Hutchens Indust:s of USA, demountable-body Moment and twist-locks by 3 rd Schulz and draw bar trailer luplings by Ringfeder of Gerany will be featured on Baxts Vehicle Components Ltd's and.

Both the H-7600 and H-7700 four-spring tandem trailer suspensions are to the same general design using slipper-ended springs and cast steel or fabricated hanger brackets for side or under frame mounting. The H-7600 is a premium design with more robust conical-shaped rubber bushes on nylon sleeves used at the mountings.

Normal axle spacing for the third exhibit, the H-900, is 1.22m to 1.45m (48 to 571n) having a capacity of 30 tons. Both preloaded rubber mounted trunnion hubs and rubber pads fitted to the axle mounted boxes ensure quiet running and ease of maintenance.

137 A South Wales exhibit from Cargo Van Equipment Ltd of Bridgend, Glamorgan, includes three vehicles and some construction examples.

Based on a Mercedez-Benz 1617 in Avis Rental livery, is a 700 refrigerated aluminium box van built to ATP standards using 100mm (4in) in situ polyurethane insulation, between interior NS4 alloy steel and exterior white acrylic alloy.

Mainly of riveted construction, the heavy duty rear frame is welded, incorporating full-width double doors with power brace locks. A Ratcliff 1524kg (30cwt) capacity tail lift is used to raise the load to the floor which is designed for load bearing and covered by ten gauge alloy tread plate.

A 500 frp laminated ply box van model is constructed from 14mm (1/2in) Glasonite panels which incorporated Anchor Fix load restraint equipment inside and Ray Smith Demountables tail lift at the rear for loading through the Whiting dry freight roll up door.

143 Rydewell Suspension Ltd's three-axle rubber suspension bogie has a ground rating of 24 tons, which, with three ten ton axles, is applicable to trailers used in five-and six-axle artic combinations for 40 tonne and 44 tonne gcw respectively.

Suspension is provided by pairs of inclined rubber-to-metal sandwich bolster springs, and there is even distribution of the load on the bogie. Axles are located by tie bars, a triangular torque arm above and torque rods below. Pairs of telescopic dampers are provided on all axles.

The new single-axle rubber suspension rated for ten tons will replace the two existing de

signs which cater for driven and trailing axles. The axle is carried on a pair of trailing arms on each side of the chassis. Transverse pairs of inclined rubber sandwich bolster springs are at the ends of the trailing arms. A central torque rod at the top of the axle gives positive location.

A full-size display model of the tandem driving axles is motorised to illustrate the flexibility of the rubber suspension system and the degree of longitudinal and transverse articulation provided and accompanied by a straight forward exhibit of the trailing axle tandem.

234 On view for the first time in the UK, a vehicle under-ride protection unit will be manufactured and marketed to the automotive industry by Rubery Owen (Pressings & Fabrications) Ltd, and will eventually meet the demands of commercial vehicles with gvws from 3.5 tonnes to 32 tonnes. It has been successfully tested in accordance with directive 79/490/EEC, and conforms to the EEC directive on dimensions and load requirements for ten-tonne applications (gvws of between 16 and 32 tonnes).

Designed as a maintenancefree assembly that is welded onto the rear sub-frame of a vehicle, it is essentially an under-run protection shield, which provides for energy absorbtion with controlled deflection by the use of torsion bar mechanisms.

In the event of a tail-end collision, the energy released upon impact is transferred from the under-run protection shield to the torsion bar mechanism, from which the shield is suspended.

The under-run shield deflects and, following impact, returns to its original position to give future protection.

334 Aeroquip, a pioneer in cargo control equipment, has a new range of ratchet buckles which meets the strength performance requirements of the 10,000 lb class of load retention strap. A cadmium-plated casting gives exterior use protection and a specially engineered long handle and ten tooth ratchet allows maximum tension to be exerted easily and efficiently.