Half-million Miles by AEC. Mercury
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AN A.E.C. Mercury lorry which has now clocked up over half-a-million. miles is included among the vehicles operated by W. and J. Chatwin, Ltd., a haulage 'contracting concern of Smethwick, Birmingham. Purchased in 1932, the vehicle has since run at least 900 miles per week, and in the past six years has been making three round trips to London every seven days. In repairs, as distinct from maintenance, it has cost only .144d. per mile.
As a result of the good service given by this Mercury, W. and J. Chatwin, Ltd., purchased, in 1939, an A.E.C. Mammoth Major, which now runs regularly between Birmingham and Luton.
The company, which commenced operations 20 years ago, started with a single horse and cart, carrying as it does now, materials sach as coal, coke, anthracite, limestone, sand and ganister for a big Birmingham foundry. As many as 18 horse-drawn vehicles are still employed, being, in the opinion of Mr. J. 0. Chatwin, " the cheapest power unit for hauls of up to half-amile."
To-day, the motor fleet comprises 26 vehicles, and local and long-distance work is about equally divided between them. In one service or another, the fleet rarely travels less than 15,000 miles per week.
Maintenance policy is based on the axiom of " leaving, well alone," although this applies more to the small
than the large vehicles Nevertheless, service tasks such as greasing, steering, tyre, battery and brake inspections are carried out each week; particular attention is given to the last-mentioned.