Ground-level Loading in New Trailers
Page 38
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PRODUCTION of new types of trailer incorporating retractable wheels, whereby the loading platform may be lowered to ground level, has been commenced by the Ibbett Engineering Co., Ltd., Kempston Hardwick, Bedford. A description of a forerunner of this type of vehicle, a mobile kiosk, was published exclusively
The Commercial Motor" dated March 31, 1950.
Three models, known as Ryte Hyte Eezion, are available with payload capacities of 15 cwt., 30 cwt. and 3 tons. priced respectively at £173 5s., £278 55. and £393 15s. 'Standard floor dimensions are 8 ft. by 4 ft.. 10 ft. by 5 ft. 71 ins., and 10 ft. 9 ins. by 5 ft. 7L ins., the two latter models having overall widths of 7 ft. 6 ins. The largest model weighs 18 cwt. unladen, the 30-cwt. model weighs 15 cwt. and the smallest model 6 cwt.
Retraction is by means of hydraulic units actuating on almost vertical quarter-elliptic springs mounted in front of the wheels. A mechanical lock relieves the jacks of all load when the platform is raised, and the jacks are extended by means of a manual pump. The hydraulic equipment is manufactured by Power Jacks, Ltd., Acton, London, W.3.
Rotating Springs
When the pressure in the jacks is released and the mechanical locks are disengaged, the springs are allowed to rotate slowly about their axes until the platform is on the ground: To raise the trailer, the jacks exert pressure against the top of the springs, and thus raise the vehicle to the travelling position. The wheels themselves are mounted on a crank system, one arm of which is the spring itself.
A hydraulic towing coupling. manufactured by Messrs. -Brunswick Foundries. Maidstone, is fitted, which actuates the overrun brakes after the -initial hydraulic pressure is •overcome. In this coupling brake-snatch is : thus completely obviated.
A channel-seetion frame, cross-braced by tubular members, forms the basis of the Ryte-Hyte trailer. Flooring may be of timber or sheet steel, and the steel body sides are formed into a box section at the top. A tapered tailboard is fitted,which spans the 3.1-in, drop
• from the floorboards tome ground. The tailboard hinges are of a type which enables it to be rapidly removed.
Applications of this type of trailer to a number of further transport uses are
n4 • under developme4t. These i elude operation as stillage carriers, the
advantage of which would the ability of the conventional works truck to drive o: reverse on to the lo ered trailer and deposit the stillage, a d for farm and building works transpo t. A further suggested development s the retractable semi-trailefor artic lated vehicles, the benefits of which wo ld be obvious.
FIXTURES
UTURE meetings of the Insti ute of Road Transport Engineers nciude the following:—
April 9, Scoitith centre, Lecture h F. C. Lynam on sandwich materials in vehtcl bodies. Institution of Shipbuilders and Engine
bank Crescent, Glasitmn% 7.30 p.m. . Elm
April 10. East Midlands Centre. Ic-ture on sparking-plug maintenance, Engineers, Institute. Nottingham. 7.30 p.m.
April 16. Midlands Centre. Mr. Lynam • lecture. Crown Inn. Birmingham. 7.30 P.m. April 18, North-West Centre. annul general meeting and payer by G. Mackenzie I nncr on welding. Manchester. 7 p.m.
April 19, London Centre. lecture by . M. A. = arns. a‘rae.s2i.gn trends. Royal Society of Arts, April 24, Western Group, Mr. homas's lecture, Grand Hotel, Bristol. 7.30 p.m • The Institute's annual tour w II take place from 'April 22-29 in Par s.
•RAILWAY ROAD STAFFS' PAY DETAILS have been released of the new weekly rates of pay fir railwaymen. They include the fob ° Mg:—
Traffic staff, motor drivers an parcel vanmen, vehicles up to 1 ton 1065.; 1-5 tons. 109s.; 5-8 tons, 113s.
Goods and cartage staff, tractor 'shunter driver, 110s.; road mots. attendant, 105s.; motor driver, veh les up' to 1ton, 106s.; 1-5 tons, 109s.; 8 tons, 113s.; 8-12. tons, 116s.;' over 2 tons. I20s.; motor vansetter, I 13s.; tractor driver, 109s.
These are provincial rates. ondon rates are 3s. higher.