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ROAD AND WORKSHOP by HANDYMAN

25th December 1964
Page 27
Page 27, 25th December 1964 — ROAD AND WORKSHOP by HANDYMAN
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Articulation : Tail-swing Dangers

WWHILST there is no criticism levelled at the vacuum-braked semi-trailer, situations sometimes arise that tend to upset other road users and they can constitute a danger. I refer to the method of loading long-length material.

Large quantities of steel in rod form are now on the move and this increase in traffic of bundled steel rod can only mean that this is the handiest shape for the manufacturer or the builder. It is from the overhang of such loads that trouble can be expected—tail swing on descending hills under light braking effort, where the brake application is by foot only and the danger from a pendulum action brought about by the swing of the load.

This action on the part of the over hang can cause the trailer to move in sympathy from side to side—and ':ar enough at times to come very near to lamp posts or other traffic. Only if it is possible to accelerate can the driver stop the movement. With the ante on air brakes and equipped with the emergency handbrake working on the trailer wheels only, the swing can he checked at once and held under control.

However, it should be understood that the motion described is not a peculiarity of the lighter semi-trailer. hut is caused by a lack of thought when loading these overlength bundles. A recent incident with a nearly new 10-ton semi-trailer brought the problem right into focus. Although the only damage was the removal of strips of bark from kerb-side trees, a look at the load found room both for criticism and improvement.

Two slightly concave bolsters supported the nine one-ton bundles of steel rod. and the rearmost bolster was positioned four feet from the rear of the body. From this point to the end of the bundles

the distance was eight feet. In fact. a bundle could be gripped by hand and with little effort set into a wide, swinging motion—quite enough to lake charge if ever the trailer moved in sympathy.

Before permitting the vehicle to proceed. a third bolster was made un and positoned over the rearnmst crossmember, thus reducing the free length to four feet. To resist swing of the remaining overhang, the ends of ;.11-e bundles were wrapped in sticking and diagonal lashings secured from the ends to the trailer.

Even with the Ladjustments described, the free ends still sagged and looked untidy and it was very clear that the wrong trailer had been used. A cheek up proved this to be the case. No 26-it. trailer was available, and there was no wish to use a I6-ton maximum for a 10-ton load—consequently a 22-ft., 10-ton trailer was slipped in, as the weight was right.

Prizewinner from Ayr

nUR prizewinner this week is Mr. A. S.

Campbell, from Ayr. Scotland. 1-k has charge of a fleet of Thames 15-cwt. vans and Minibuses and says that he was constantly plagued with water in the fuel system.

After checking all connections and sealing tank float wells, he decided that water was entering the tank through the overflow p.pe. This pipe terminates on a level with the outside diameter. of the offside rear wheel, so pieces of small bore plastics tubing were made up to extend the overflow to the centre of the chassis. This cured all fuel trouble completely.

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People: A. S. Campbell

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