New Bulk Transporters for Tunnel Cement
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AEC-BONALLACK ARTICS WITH CRANE FRUEHAUF TRAILER RUNNING GEAR
DEMONSTRATIONS were given on Wednesday at the Kew, Surrey, depot of Tunnel Portland Cement Ltd., of two new articulated outfits. forerunners of a number which are to be introduced into this operator's fleet. One vehicle is a 28-ton-gross pneumatic-discharge cement tanker and the other has hopper-type bodywork and is designed for use at 30 tons gross.
Both bodies were built by Bonallack and Sons Ltd. on Crane Fruehauf running gear. Frameless construction is used and for the demonstrations the units were coupled to AEC Mandator tractive units.
The cement tanker is a non-tipping design, pneumatic discharge being employed. No landing gear is fitted, which gives an increase in payload of about 9 cwt.; up to 18.5 tons can be carried within the 28 tons gross weight limit.
Operation of the pneumatic-discharge system is by two controls, one for material
supply the other for the air supply. When set, these require no further adjustment and effective discharge is said to be possible to a vertical height of 100 ft. at a rate of 60 to 70 tons an hour.
The tank is made from light alloy and is of cylindrical shape, coned at the front to reduce overall height. Internal length is 25 ft. 3 in. and the main diameter is 6 ft. which gives a net capacity of 605 Cu. ft. A working pressure of 28 p.s.i. is possible, and the tank is mounted with an 8° slope from front to rear. Pressure is supplied by a compressor driven by a power take-off and discharge is through a 4 in. outlet at the rear.
The hopper vehicle has been developed to replace tippers working between a limestone quarry and the Tunnel Cement plant at Padeswood, North Wales. A payload of 21 tons is possible and the load is discharged through two sliding traps under the hopper.
The slides are actuated by air pressure. The forward end of the body is extended to house the rubbing plate, kingpin, compressed-air equipment and a Hope anti-jack-knifing device which is incorporated on the semi-trailer. Complete discharge of the 21-ton payload can be achieved in 30 sec.
The two units demonstrated, and future similar semi-trailers, will be operated by Tunnel Portland Cement in conjunction with AEC Mandator tractive units. The cement tanker was coupled to one of the latest models with Ergomatic tilt cab, whilst the other had a Mandator Mk. V tractive unit.
The later model was fitted with the 205 b.h.p. AV691 engine but future chassis will be powered by the 226 b.h.p. AV760.
The specification included also a six-speed overdrive gearbox and power-assisted steering.