Novel Ground-level Loader by Pitt
Page 43
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A DEVELOPMENT of the Pitt L35 Pl. hydraulic ground-level loader manufactured by Charles Pitt (Barton Stacey) Ltd., , coupled with the well-known R-type four-wheel-drive Bedford truck to form a front-wheel-drive rigid low-loader. was announced this week.
This vehicle is the result of a request by the Southern Electricity Board to ,United Services Garages of Portsmouth for a machine capable of transporting cable drums of medium size without the need .for complicated loading equipment. U.S.G. approached Pitt and together they have produced the R35, known as the Pitt/U.S:G. R35, and quite capable of -doing all that the customer asked for.
Consisting basically of an L35 Pitt trailer and the front half of an R-type Bedford cut off from a point just behind the cab, the R35 is constructed by joining these two halves together and represents a terrific advance on present-day handling of medium drums by the area boards in that the rear end of the vehicle can quickly be lowered to ground level and with the tail-ramp lowered forms a very easy gradient up which the drums can be winched. The same sort of treatment can be given to small transformers and other delicate electrical gear and the ability of the vehicle to get almost right on to the job (being reasonably small) means that time is saved all round, to say nothing of that very expensive item. labour.
Figures produced in a short brake test were 55 per cent on the foot brake, which would have been better had the wheels not locked. and 13 per cent on the handbrake. This unit is to be altered considerably, and it is likely that a T.K. transmission brake will be fitted.
The performance of this vehicle on and off the road is very good, the rear suspension being exceptionally smooth, both laden and unladen, whilst a low -centre of gravity produces a practically roll-free ride.
The suspension loads, when the vehicle is in the running condition, are taken by struts which are hydraulically retracted when the raising and lowering operations are taking place. A designed working pressure of 2.000 psi. takes care of the raising and lowering, and the controls are accommodated in the driver's cab, a
warning light showing when the lowering gear is unlocked. Taking only two or three minutes to complete both operations, it is claimed that loading and unloading times are cut bY at least 50 per cent as well as requiring half the amount of labour and being much less risky than the conventional ramps.
Known as the Pitt/1.).S.G.R,35 conversion, details can be obtained from either Pitt trailers Ltd. or from United Service Garages Ltd., the sole agents for the R35