Converting Tractors for Dual Purposes
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A T a cost of approximately £150,
dependent upon the make of chassis, a prime mover with hook-type coupling gear can be arranged to be able also to operate with S.A.E./S.141.MT. turntable equipment. Such conversions, which add
about 5 cwt. to the unladen weight of the tractor, are being undertaken by Fox Trailers, Ltd., Speke, Liverpool, 19. The design is that of Messrs. Ripport Bros., also of Speke, and is essentially the addition of an S.A.E./S.M.M.T. turntable to a hook-type tractor, so attached that the •turntable may be folded away in the reverse position when the hook gear is required.
The designers point out that whereas the turntable enables the majority of S.A.E./S.M.M.T. types of'coupling to be connected, use of the hook equipment is restricted because of the difference between Scammell and other patterns. With Scammell gear, hooks are positioned to engage with the centre of the forecarriage, but with the forecarriage rollers on other outfits.
Any one operator, however, is likely to b e standardized upon either of these patterns, and no additional limitation of use is imposed in this respect by the conversion. The height of the turntable coupling when in use is 3 ft. 8 in. It can be folded into position manually or by hydraulic actuation.
The component is pivoted on a lateral bar positioned approximately midway between the back of the cab and the end of the chassis. When not in use, the turntable lies upside down immediately behind the cab and the hook equipment is free for connections. It is necessary only to turn the coupling over and rest it above the hook gear to permit the employment of S.A.E./S.IVI.M.T. semi• trailers. No means for hooking appear to be specified.
A further development by Messrs. Rippon is an adapter which may be clamped on to the king-pin of a heavyduty type of coupling which permits the use of hook semi-trailers. The mechanical brake linkage is not employed, and a vacuum hose must be plugged into the tractor. This equipment is also available through Fox Trailers, Ltd.