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STRAP COMMENT • I refer to the recent article in
Page 28
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Commercial Motor (23-29 March) and would like to comment as follows:
El We test ratchet assemblies on a regular basis (1 per 300 from each batch) to destruction.
D Every assembly we manufacture is numbered and a record made of when manufactured and to which customer it is supplied. No mention is made of the number on the label mentioned in your report.
• On 19 November 12 assemblies were tested, the majority of which gave a reasonable break strain of 4.9 tonnes (not completely satisfactory) but on three assemblies stitching gave way below 4.5 tonnes.
O As a result we consulted the webbing, thread and machine manufacturers, who advised a slight change on the stitch pattern and a reduction in the length of stitch made by the machines (over a period of time this can vary).
El Following this advice we made three assemblies and had them tested on 18 February at the premises of Ropequip, Swanley, Kent. The results of
the testing were: 1) Assembly No 13901, stitching broke at 5.2 tonnes. 2) Assembly 13902, intact at 5.1 tonnes, 3) Assembly 13903, intact at 5.1 tonnes.
E As a result we drew up an amended stitch pattern and instituted a regular checking system on our sewing machines to ensure correct stitch length.
The assembly tested by Mike Smith was number 13981, manufactured in the first week of January 1989 for stock. On 9 February, an agent borrowed the assembly to show a client and returned it at the end of February. It was supplied to Mike Smith on 2 March 1989.
I have requested ALWREM to carry out independent tests on three assemblies from different batches and to let me have a report. I am very confident that the assemblies, which will be chosen at random, will more than meet the specification. The webbing used on our assemblies is of a high standard (6,300kg break strain). None of the hardware has broken under previous testing and it conforms to the specification laid down.
You will gather that I am very disappointed that one of our assemblies was failed under the tests carried out. As a responsible manufacturer we do have a regular system of testing, as a result of which we were alerted to a problem and took steps to deal with. It is perhaps very unfortunate from our point of view that Mike Smith was not supplied with an assembly from a later batch, but the point I would like to make clear is that we instituted standards some time ago to try and ensure equipment supplied meets the specification laid down.
C Ottley Managing director Davco Industrial Services London SE7.
NOT RECOMMENDED • Murdo Morrison's article on Domestic Rates (CM 13-19 April) mentions "RHA recommended rates". The Restrictive Trade Practices legislation generally proscribes RHA involvement in setting rates.
Those conducting the CM survey may have misunderstood some of their respondents, The RHA does monitor operating costs and makes the information available to members. We know they use the data in their rate negotiations with their customers but there are no "RHA recommended rates".
The RHA Commercial Committee has just updated its Costs Movements Survey and the latest details will be passed out to members in the very near future.
Sydney Balgarnie RHA, Weybridge, Surrey. BUY BRITISH • I read with interest in the latest edition of Commercial Motor that Trankfreight has ordered a large number of ERF Tractor Units for its contract with Texaco Petroleum.
I wrote to you when Tankfreight took over the Texaco contract, criticising the replacement of an almost exclusively British fleet with what appeared to be a fleet of almost entirely foreignmanufactured vehicles. I therefore think it only fair that I should write to show my pleasure at this change of heart.
I only hope that other haulage and leasing companies will show similar acts of faith in British products to the obvious benefit of the country and our balance of payment problems.
I fear, however, after reading various news items regarding purchasers of vehicles that my faith may not be entirely justified.
D R Price Thorner, Mr Leeds.