AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

The Growing Popularity of the Tractor-lorry.

25th October 1922
Page 36
Page 36, 25th October 1922 — The Growing Popularity of the Tractor-lorry.
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ONE OF the most important developments which have occurred in the commercial vehicle industry during the past few years is the development of the tractor-lorry. We have always looked upon this type of vehicle as a. step in the direction of the multi-wheeled unit which we have for long advocated, although it has not been developed so much with the idea. of decreasing the load per axle as of carrying an increased load whilst utilizing a standard power unit and taking advantage of the highest permissible axle weights. In this connection it is certainly achieving success, and permits the normal vehicle to double its loading capacity.

The ,original tractor-lorry was the Knox. This was followed by the improved Scammell, a type which has won much approval and is being used to an

increasing extent, The Scammell embodied a special tractor unit, and for some time reigned supreme; but clever minds were at work, and coon successful efforts were made to convert standard vehicles into tractor-lorries—in some cases _without altering the vehicle at all, except by the addition of a suitable turntable arrangement carrying the king pin by which the trailer portion is drawn. One company, in particular, must be congratulated upon their efforts in this direction. They are Carrosserie Latymer {1915), Ltd., who have devoted much time to the matter and are constantly turning plit new types. One very interesting machine was developed a few months ago by Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., and consisted of one of their steam wagons provided with a special two-wheeled trailer connected to the tractor by a drawbar. The body is mounted on two turntables—one on the wagon and one on the framework of the two-wheeled trailer, the rear turntable being permitted to slide so that the drive is not through the king pins; by this arrangement the trader wheels automatically track with those of the wagon, and the whole machine is certainly remarkably flexible.

The latest vehicle of the tractor-lorry type has been developed by Carrosserie Latymer (1915), Ltd. It, also, is of the self-tracking type, utilizing two turn

tables for the body. .

The tractor portion, which in the first model made is a light Ford chassis, is provided with a strong framework supporting the forward turntable_ This framework is extended slightly towards the rear, and to it is pivotally fastened a long tube, which acts as a steering tiller for the two trailer wheels, on the framework of which is supported a tubular shroud, through which the tiller passes_ Thus the tiller does no work, except that of steering the trailer wheels, and, when necessary, it can be discon

nected for hand manoeuvring of the trailer with the tractor stationary.

This arrangement of rear steering is also being constructed with Ackerman type steering heads to the rear or trailer wheels, and there is no possibility of damaging these joints, as, until the steering tiller reaches a certain angle in respect of the tractor, it merely slides through its shroud,

We have not the space at, our disposalto deal to the extent we would wish with the developments of the tractorlorry in other countries. It is sufficient to say that its importance is fully recognized, as is proved by the fact that several well-known French makers are building vehicles of this type, whilst a fleet of Belgian-made machines is in daily service between Brussels and the

chief towns in Belgium. •

There is no doubt that further developments will occur., and at the moment of writing there are several new types being developed by other British manufacturers to whom we have not referred by name.

Another very interesting trailer attachment is the Watson, which is being built by James Bartle and Co., Ltd. The first model is fitted to a Burford chassis, but it can be adapted for any other. The main features are that the body is supported at three points and the pull taken throngh a flexible joint between trailer portion and tractor.


comments powered by Disqus