container transport
Page 21
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
and freight handling
• A Douglas-built Mafi Tugmaster tractor is being used in conjunction with Mafi roll trailers as a high-speed pick-up and put-down transporter at the Victoria Deep Water Terminal, Greenwich.
Unitized loads are lifted off ships straight on to the roll trailers and coupled to the tractor in seconds by the driver alone. His seat and steering is reversible for a direct view of the automatic coupling by the patented gooseneck. The trailer, normally only 20ft above ground, is lifted clear and the Tugmaster drives away. To uncouple, the gooseneck is simply lowered out of the locking device hydraulically. Turnround time has been cut by nearly 50 per cent as a result of fast clearance of cargo from berths. The short-wheelbase tractor is highly manoeuvrable and its power is useful for acceleration and steep gradients.