Mechanical Shovel that Needs No Shunting

24th September 1954, Page 230

24th September 1954

Page 230

Page 230, 24th September 1954 — Mechanical Shovel that Needs No Shunting

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rtA MECHANICAL shovel which removes the need for shunting the chassis on which it is mounted was recently demonstrated in Birmingham. The hydraulically controlled bucket is mounted on a Roballo double ball-bearing turntable which allows the bucket and bucket arm to slew through an angle of 180° independently of the chassis.

All operations are performed hydraulically, the pump being mounted on an extension of the engine crankshaft. The power unit is a Deutz F.L. four-stroke air-cooled engine developing 45 b.h.p. at a governed speed of 1,600 r.p.m. Four forward speeds are provided by a crash-type gearbox, reverse ratios being provided by an independent box.

The basic structure is built of heavygauge steel plate. The front transmission assembly, including the gearboxes, forms a unit. The forward driving wheels are ballasted with water and the smaller rear wheels are mounted on a centrally pivoted axle.

There is a manually controlled differential lock on the driving axle. This not only prevents the wheels slipping under difficult conditions, but also provides for maximum penetration of the bucket.

Three models are available, the Al having a discharge height of 7ft. 6 in.; All 11 ft. 2 in. and A111 12 ft. 10 in. The agents in this country for the Swing Shovel, as it is called, are Abelson and Co. (Engineers), Ltd., Birmingham.