LOADING BY MECHANICAL MEANS.
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AUSEFUL type of portable loading conveyor suitable for use with motor vehicles is constructed by Messrs. Richard Sutcliffe, of Universal Works, Iforbury, Wakefield, who specialize in conveying devices.
This loading machine is substantially built of mild-steel angles and plates and is in the form of an inclined boom, in which is built a track of small rollers, with large rollers at each end, these carrying an endless conveyor belt made of rubber.
The boom is carried on a strong tubular framework, on which is also mounted the power unit, which may consist of an electric motor or an internal-combustion engine for burning petrol or oil. The main rollers are driven through the
• medium of chains, and provision is made for taking up any slack which may de. yelop in the belt, whilst the delivery . height is adjustable within limits of abopt,3 ft by turning the axle on which the road wheels are mounted. The conveyor is made in various sizes with widths of from 12 ins. to 30 ins., lengths of 20 ft. to 36 ft., and heights of 8 ft. to 12 ft.
Machines of this description effect a great saving in labour costs, apart from relieving loaders from exhaustive work, as, in some cases, material, particu• 'arty where it i. loose, has to be thrown to a considerable height.
These conveyors have a capacity of 60 tons per hour, and any material, such as coal, limestone, bricks or general rubbish, can be handled.
We have consistently pointed ant the need for the employment of mechanical means for
loading, whenever the materials which have to be handled lend thernselves to the use of such appliances. The saving thus effected is not restricted to loading cos% alone; even more important is the shortening of the terminal delays, which often occupy much of the working day.