Coupling Gear with Hydraulic Ram
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LIAVING a 3-ton hydraulic ram incorporated in the coupling gear, Commer -articulated vehicle of Messrs. G. Sinfield and Sons, 81 Abbey Wood Road, London, S.E.2, hauliers, may be uncoupled without need for the drivet to dismount and actuate a manual lever.
The coupling gear, which was fabricated from standard Scammell and Commer components, was designed and built by Messrs. Merryworth Maintenance Engineers, 118-128 Hythe Street, Dartford. The tractor is a 12-ton unit, although loads of up to only. 10 tons
are carried on the semi-trailer. The operators required a substantial prime mover because the outfit is used on runs to hilly parts of South Wales. An Eaton two-speed axle is fitted.
The coupling level is about 1 in. higher than normal, but this is no disadvantage as deflection of the Michelin X tyres fitted to the tractor afford levelness of the platform of the semitrailer. The Black Hawk ram is neatly fitted at the front of the pivoted hook component, and when a lever • to the
left of the driver's seat is operated the hitch is lowered to release the semitrailer. About a dozen strokes of the pump handle are _required.
Return of the ram is effected by a screw-valve release. A large warning light is fitted in the cab which illuminates when the ram is raised. It is largely a safeguard aaainst pressure build-up in the hydraulic system, but also acts as an indication to the driver when connecting with the semi-trailer that coupling has been made.
Cost of the complete coupling gear with. ram is £150, and it can be fitted within 14 days.