New equipment and publications
Page 49
Page 50
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I can't recall the number of times I have watched fitters struggling with poor equipment. This is particularly the case when a job entails the use of power tools, which are still looked upon as a luxury by many bosses.
Among the power tools on the market the types most often found in vehicle workshops are the ubiquitous electric drill, portable grinders, bench grinders and sanding machines. Usually the property of the company rather than that of the fitter, they are not always treated with the utmost respect. And neglect can lead to their sometimes becoming dangerous. Added to this, because they are relatively *Pensive, owners are often reluctant to have them replaced.
A scheme which may be useful here to many firms is that operated by Wolf Electric Tools Ltd. Old and worn-out electric tools of any make can be traded in for equivalent tools of Wolf make and savings in cost can be made—from £2 12s an the smaller to £11 19s on the largest of 52 items covered in the list.
Here's a typical example: a Sin. sander/ grinder, £41 1 Os retail, can be supplied at a trade-in cost of £33 4s. a saving of £8 6s.
The list of trade-in values can be obtained from any accredited Wolf dealer or 'depot. Ask for publication 20 of the Wolf Trade-In Scheme. The company's head office is at Pioneer Works, Hanger Lane, London, W5.
For light or heavy duty
Straight bladeand cranked tinsnips have been introduced by Stanley Works (GB) Ltd., the straight-blade model being intended for general-purpose light work and the "Universal", cranked type for heavy-duty work.
Both tools have the same features, they can be sharpened easily without dismantling; when the blades are open, the cutting edges are well clear of the joint. The hinge pin is recessed to give high resistance to wear and handle-stops prevent nipping in use. Wide contoured handles give a comfortable grip. Made by: Stanley Works (GB) Ltd., Woodside, Sheffield 3.
Price: Straight blade (No. 5731), 10in. 15s ficl: 12in. 19s fid. Cranked blade (No. 5741), 11in. £1 8s 6d; 14in. £2 1s 6d.
High-tipping trailer
Under the name of the Hi-Load a new design of trailer has been introduced by Weeks and Co. (Engineers) Ltd. This model is intended to allow easier tipping into high-sided containers, direct into lorry bodies, and over walls. It can be loaded at normal level hydraulically raised to over 6ft, then tipped.
Loading height is 3ft 1n., unloading height 6ft 3in, and the platform is 10ft by 6ft. Figures for the 4.5-tonner are 3ft 4in., 6ft 4in. and 10ft 10in. by 6ft Gin, respectively. Made by: Weeks and Co. (Engineers) Ltd., Ferry Road, Hessle, E. Yorks.
Price: E369, 3.5 ton: £395, 4.5 ton.
Pumps from America
Fill-Rite fuel dispensing pumps which have been introduced into the UK (from America) by Gunness Pump Services Ltd. are designea solely for commercial use. The design is simple and robust and prices, it is claimed, are at least 30 per cent lower than cdmpetitive commercial pumps on the market.
There are three Fill-Rite models that will be of interest to vehicle users, each rated for a delivery of 14gal per min. Pumping units, electric motors and meters are of the same basic type and all internal pump parts are interchangeable.
The Future is a pedestal pump of modern design which can be supplied for tank mounting also. Then there is the De Luxe Cabinet model and the Economy design, the latter being a stripped-down pump which can also be used for tank mounting.
A fourth Fill-Rite dispensing pump is one powered by a petrol engine and this is particularly designed for use where electric power is not available as on construction sites and in remote locations.
As well as fuel-dispensing pumps there are also Fill-Rite hand pumps suitable for use with fuels, oils, paints and so on.
Marketed by: Gunness Pump Services Ltd., Gunness Oil Wharf, Gunness, Nr. Scunthorpe, Lincs.
Prices: De Luxe Cabinet, £121. Future with pedestal, £103 2s 11 d; Economy with pedestal, £95 8s. 3d.
Hydraulic products
The hydraulics division of Danfoss (London) Ltd has new literature available on the company's range of hydraulic products. Basic details are provided of a wide range of hydraulic components, including the Orbit high-torque, slow-speed motor, Orbitrol full-fluid steering system, torque amplifiers, power steering pumps, rotary servo valves and hydraulic filters.
Published by: Danfoss (London) Ltd., Hydraulics Division, fi Wandsworth Road, Perivale, Greenford, Middx.
Transistor ballasts
An advanced design of transistor ballasts for vehicle-fluorescent lighting is now offered by Smart and Brown Lighting Ltd. Previously, germanium transistors were used exclusively in these circuits but Smart and Brown has developed a method of employing the advantages of high-voltage silicon transistors. This change results in an increase of over 30 per cent in both temperature and voltage ratings with a resultant increased service life.
The a.c. output is at a frequency of 20 k c/s, twice the normal for this type of equipment resulting in lower transformer stress, the elimination of operating noise and an increase in fluorescent-tube efficiency of nearly 20 per cent over normal mains operation.
The circuits, which contain up to eight semi-conductors including a diode to prevent damage by reversed supply polarity, are housed in robust die-cast cases. These have greater thermal conductivity than the usual types that are fabricated from a number of pieces of sheet metal and as there are virtually no hot spots the resulting transformer and semi-conductor operating temperatures are reduced.
The new range includes both 12 and 24V models for the operation of 2ft, 20W and 31t, 30W tubes.
Made by: Smart and Brown Lighting Ltd., Menin Works, Bond Road, Mitcham, CR4 3YX, Surrey,
New glazing method
A new and simpler method of glazing vehicle windscreens has resulted from the development of a polysulphide sealant by Dunlop Chemical Products Division.
The new system dispenses with the conventional rubber mouldings normally used for this purpose; the glass is simply bonded direct to the metalwork of the screen aperture. When compared with other systems at present in use the new method reduces material costs alone by about 30 per cent.
In operation, a bead of semi-liquid sealant is placed around the edge of the glass, which is then pushed into the metal frame. The sealant is self-vulcanizing and it cures to a tough rubber-like condition.
Made by: Dunlop Chemical Products Division, Erdington, Birmingham.
New braking chart
A new braking chart designed for commercial vehicle workshops and trade garages has been produced by the manufacturers of Don and Capasco brake linings. Graphs for the calculation of retardation, stopping distance, and distance travelled during time lag are shown.
A gradient table and a brake efficiency calculator enables the operator to determine what the efficiency of the brakes of a vehicle tested at a given gross weight would be at a different gross weight.
From: Small and Parkes Ltd. publicity department, Hendham Vale, Manchester 9, free of charge.