A simple 'material change'
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BOWATER SCOTT of Gravesend does not require a 32-ton gcw plate for the high-volume loads carried by its 10 new Seddon-Atkinson 301 tractive units.
The Department of Transport's controversial requirement for "material change" to allow downplating has been satisfied on these vehicles by modifications to the fifth wheel coupling mounting flitch. Some of its mounting holes have been simply covered over and that has allowed the vehicles to be plated at 28 tonnes gcw.
The fifth wheel installations, including wings and aluminium alloy catwalks were supplied by Jost (GB) of Heywood, Lancashire. The coupling is the SV36DR model, low profile slider, chosen by fleet engineer Tom Davies to give the flexibility required for coupling to a number of different semitrailers.
Bowater Scott's specification for the 301 also includes a Kysor radiator shutter, Econocruise road speed governor, Windfoil roof mounted air deflector and under bumper air dam, and Girling Skidchek anti-lock. Low profile tyres are used in the interest of low height and fuel economy.