Low-cost skip-loader for hard work
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by Paul Brockington • The ready availability of standard hydraulic components obtainable off the shelf, the use of hydraulic hoses of the same length and type throughout the circuit, and robust construction of the frame and boom members are basic necessities in the production of low-cost skip loaders that cater for the requirements of smaller operators of waste disposal vehicles, according to Keith Phillips, managing director of Plarside Ltd, 2 David Road, Poyle Trading Estate, Colnbrook, Bucks. Plarside started producing skip loaders in May of this year and build skips of all types for the industry with capacities of 5 cu yd to 22 Cu yd. The cost of equipment for a 16-ton chassis is £1750, the total vehicle/equipment cost in the case of a loader on a Bedford KM chassis being, for example, £4750.
Compared with lighter equipment made by bigger companies, the weight penalty is around 5cwt, but this is stated to be acceptable to oneand two-vehicle operators in the London area who are the company's main customers. A loader has also been built for Phil Enterprises Ltd, a contractor in the Seychelles, who will operate the vehicle based on a Bedford KMT chassis in conjunction with ten 6 cu yd bins. The loader has been exported in kit form, together with a special bin with drop-down doors at each end. Each of the standard 6 cu yd bins costs £55.
The loaders in the 16-ton range are designed for carrying skips up to 18 cu yd capacity and are known as the Skipper range, while Humph is the name that will be given to models for 22-ton-gross vehicles due for production in the near future at a new factory in the Maidenhead area. Plarside are co-operating with Cornwallis Transport Ltd in meeting the demand for good second-hand loaders by equipping 16-ton chassis, reconditioned by Cornwallis, with a new skip loader. Typically the overall cost of a loader based on a chassis with G registration is about £2700. The vehicles are guaranteed for three months.
A standard type of Bosch or Sperry Rand Vickers valve bank is employed (the two makes are interchangeable with minor modifications) while the pump is a Sperry Rand Vickers model of the vane type that operates at a pressure of 3000 psi and enables a bin to be loaded in 20 sec and unloaded in 25 sec, a short loading/unloading time being of special benefit to a short-haul operator. Keith Phillips points out that a quick getaway is of advantage to other drivers as well as the operator when there is a queue of vehicles.
Nylon hose is used in preference to the metal-braided rubber type because it has an equivalent "pulse life" and its cost is more competitive. It would not be suitable, however, for equipment exported to an area with very high ambient temperatures which would soften the nylon, or a very low temperature which would embrittle the material. It is noted by Plarside that the corrosion rate of metal braiding is accelerated by the salt-laden atmosphere in coastal areas. Plarside hoses are armour-protected physically with a high-density polymer material. While the use of hoses of the same length for 14 applications somewhat complicates the layout of the steel hydraulic lines, it affords easier maintenance and simplifies stocking. Other standard parts in the Plarside system include a tank and filter unit with a 30 micron paper element (in the return line) produced by Hydromechanics Ltd, rams by Hydrogear Ltd and an Edbro pto.
Structural rigidity is ensured by employing two 6in. by 3in. channel-section longitudinals, two main transverse members of 6in. box section and two 3in. by lfin. intermediate cross members of channelsection reinforced with +in. plate. The lifting arms are of +in. plate box section with a width of 5in. and are reinforced internally with 2in. by 2in. angle. All members are of welded construction.