EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF A MUNICIPAL VEHICLE.
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A Platform Lorry Equipped with a Readily Detachable Air-compressor Plant.
WHERE are many instances in which 1.. a commercial motor vehicle designed for a specific use has had its sphere of activity extended by adapting it to tackle additional work in another direction. This remark particularly applies to certain types of vehicle in municipal service which does not always provide full-time employment for a vehicle in a single guise. Local authorities often find that more efficient and economical results can be obtained from a vehicle adapted to fulfil two distinct requirements, and for this purpose interchangeable bodies or additional fittings are often employed.
A somewhat unusual adaptation of an ordinary vehicle to fulfil a. distinct form of service is illustrated by the accompanying picture, which shows a standard 4-ton Halley lorry, in the service of the water department of the Corporation of Glasgow, carrying a special plant.
This vehicle was originally supplied as a standard lorry, but the outfit with which it is now equipped has extended its sphere of use, and, by 'being readily and quickly detachable, it enables the .vehicle to be used for two purposes. The actual plant which the machine is seen to be carrying consists of an air compressor complete with receiver, cooling tank and complete equipment in the way of .pneumatic drills, caulking tools, etc.. The compressor has a capacity of 96 cubic ft. per minute, and it is driven direct from the main propeller shaft at a speed of 450 r.p.m. The maximum working pressure of the plant is 100 lb.
c28
per sq. in., and it is capable of working three pneumatic drills, or their equivalent, efficiently, and continuously.
The only alteration to the standard lorry as originally in service is the addition of an auxiliary water supply, in order to maintain the engine-circulating water at a normal temperature when the compressor is working over long periods.
The water department of the Glasgow Corporation has found the machine most valuable as a time-saver in connection with the work of laying pipes under concrete, pavements and the like, and the outfit has proved particularly useful fel,
breaking up macadam roads, when special-shaped tools can be used in place of the standard drills.