Computer distributor chooses drawbar for Europe
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A DRAW-BAR outfit has been added to the Computer and Specialised Distribution division fleet of the Alltransport International group. Designed to improve operational flexibility, the outfit will be used mainly on European runs.
Transporting computers is a delicate and costly business, and a great deal of thought has been given to the specification of both vehicle and trailer. The touring vehicle is based on a Ford D 2817 chassis cab with a 5.74m (226in) wheelbase and is fitted with a Perkins 8.8-litre (52cu in) V-8 diesel, driving the rear wheels via a Ford eight-speed gearbox and Eaton rear axle.
Godfrey Davis (Wembley) Ltd supplied the vehicle which is designed for a gtw of 28.5 tonnes (20 tons) and has a Locomo tors on sleeping-cab conversions.
Bodywork on both the vehicle and trailer is by Hunter Vehicles Ltd and is constructed from aluminium extruded sections with alloy sheeting and tongue and grooved flooring, covered with plywood sheets. The bodies fully meet TIR requirements.
A Ratcliff hydraulic tail-lift with side access is fitted to the touring vehicle only, as the vehicle can be backed on to the trailer after uncoupling and the tail-lift used to unload the latter.
This gives a payload saving and obviates the need for an outside power source when the trailer is dropped for unloading. Internal load-restraint devices are fitted to the interior of both bodies to retain the cargo.
Alttransport intends to use the outfit as an installation as well as a delivery unit, sending three men on each run. Its maiden voyage will be from Paris to Nuremburg delivering an IBM 168 computer worth £2.5 million.