Stillage Doubles Vehicle Work Capacity .
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AWOODEN platform stillage is being employed by the transport department of C. Bryant and Son, Ltd., 65 Whitmore Road, Birmingham, 10, for preloading joinery sections in readiness for delivery by a Commer 7-ton dropsided vehicle `to destinations in the Midland counties and occasional runs to more distant centres. It is about 18 ft.' 6 in. long and 7 ft. 9 in. wide, and is
based on a main frame of two langitudinals and seven cross-bearers.
In preparation for loading or unloading, two reinforced channel-se:ction members are placed "transversely under the main longitudinals and the ends arc attached to four screw jacks. A clearance of 1 ft. 3 in. is provided on both sides between thc stillage and the jacks, and when thc'. stillage is elevated
for loading 'there is ample room for the
Loading is performed by lowering the stillagc until it is supported by the vehicle platform: The jacks can be manipulated by two men who raise each IransVerse member .alternately. a few inches.
Normally carried by the same vehicle, the stillage may, if necessary, be transported by a second lorry of the same type or by an Albion. Vehible with a shorter platfortii. In this case the" stillage extends a few inches beyond the end of the lorry.
Loading the stillage with joinery at the depot occupies about three hours, which exceeds the total time taken by the vehicle for the outward and return journeyi on many of the shorter runs. Introduction of the stillage system has enabled the mileage covered by the vehicle to be doubled. It is also of advantage to the loaders in the deficit. .
Because the stillage lacks mobility the sections forming the load have to be carried from the workshops to the depot ard. but it is hoped that this problem will later be overcome by using a wheeled [he economics of light-alloy construction are being investigated. A stillage of this type should provide a substantial saving in weight, as well as more rigid support for the load when the structure is mounted on the jacks.
Specially constructed for this application. the wooden stillage cost £25. The [awl cost of the jacking. equipment was £241.