Time lag
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With reference to Mr. A. J. P. Wilding's report on the tests of the new V8-engined AEC Mandator, we were very perturbed to read his remarks regarding the braking figures obtained with the outfit. We fail to understand the alleged time lag involved in the application of the brakes and note that mechanics had to work on the braking system in order to obtain the best results possible. No doubt both tractor and trailer were production models and if this outfit had gone into a fleet, alterations to the braking systems could not have been made each time tractor and trailer were changed round with different units.
We note that the load-sensing, or light/ laden, valve had to be replaced on the semitrailer, but surely this piece of equipment does not function when the trailer is fully laden as shown in the tests. We at M and G are not very favourably inclined towards this load-sensing valve, as the setting of the valve to operate correctly is much too critical in view of the small amount of deflection that takes place on the articulated tractor and trailer springs fitted to most vehicles in this country, and we therefore trust that much more attention is paid by the manufacturers of this combination to the vitally important braking system in order that constant attention does not have to be paid to the extremely complicated mechanism fitted to most of our heavy goods vehicles today.
G. E. WOOLDRIDGE, Managing Director, M and G Trailers (Lye) Ltd , Worcs.