A New 5-ton Tip-top Tipper T HE latest addition to the
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comprehensive range of tipping models produced by Commer Cars, Ltd., Luton, is a 5-ton end-tipper, which, complete with a detachable-sided body 10 ft. 6 ins, lOng and 34-in. by 7-in. tyres, scales under 50 cwt., thus coming within the 30 m.p.h., £30 taxation class. It is available with either Spenborough or Weston hydraulic tipping gear, the price of the vehicle with the former being £463 and with the latter £455.
The basis of the new model is the LN5 10-ft. 6-in wheelbase chassis and,apart from the shortened frame, it is a standard product, embodying an 80 b.h.p six-cylinderecl side-valve engine, a fully floating bevel-driven rear axle and heavy-duty springs.
The composite body, which weighs only ,9 cwt., is 10 ft. 6 ins. long and 6 ft. 8 ins. wide. The 1-ft. 9-in, hinged sides are detachable, so that, if desired, the vehicle may be used as a platform lorry. For the drop sides, 11-in, wood, reinforced with steel hinge plates, is used, whilst the tailboard is similarly constructed, but is hinged at the top by a heavy pin located in iron standards.
The floor is lined with 16-gauge steel and mounted on a sturdy underframe made up of seven ash cross-bearers, added .strength being given by two steel longitudinal bearers of deep channel section.
At the rear, the body is pivoted on a large-diameter shaft carried in fulcrum brackets. The driver's all-weather cal) is well appointed, its weight, fully equipped, being 3 cwt.
n44 Features of the two types of tipping gear that are available are their simplicity and compactness. In the case of the Spenborough, power from the gearbox take-off is transmitted to a four-ram pump by a two-ball universal coupling. A maximum angle of tip is ,obtained by a three-section single ram.
The importance of correct alignment at all times has not been overlooked and the ram is designed to give a universal movement, whilst further to assist it is attached to the body by means of a swivel plate.
The Weston gear has a high-speed pump, secured directly to the gearbox, and it delivers oil under pressure to a telescopic ram, designed to give a dashpot action around the inner tubing, so that the sudden shifting of the load cannot extend the ram.
A further safety idea is found in the valve at the base of the ram, whereby, should the pressure fail during the period of lift, the body Cannot crash to its foundation, but descends slowly. A universal body trunnion and base mounting eliminate the possibility of the ram sticking in a raised position when tipping is being carried out on uneven ground.
Another interesting feature is that which prevents body bounce when the vehicle is travelling empty; it comprises an automatic lock which. fits over the ram casing.