M ore Comfort for the Roundsman
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LUXUR1OUS enclosed cabs, easier access to the driving position and a riding platform for the driver of a pedestrian-controlled vehicle are among the features of battery-electric milk floats displayed at the Dairy Show. Olympia, London, which closes today. In general, more comfort is being given to operatives and aids to speedier working are being introduced
The Manulectric Standon 1-tanner has been developed from the four-wheeled pedestrian-controlled version of similar capacity, a platform being built at the front to provide standing space for the driver and to house the controls. The steering column and wheel are vertical and placed centrally at the front, and the fully automatic con troller is operated by a press switch on the floor. The contactor gear is mounted at the front of the platform and the speed is stepped up to 8 m.p.h. The vehicle is built of light alloy and has a licensing weight of about 10 cwt.
The Standon, with a range of 15 miles, is designed for dense round which are too strenuous for pedestrian vehicle operation, but do not justify the cost of a heavier float.
Another new model of this type is the Helecs Help-mate 18-cwt., which has a seat over the contactor panel• and a vertical steering wheel placed centrally at the front. It was fully described last week.
Safety Features
Accidents to children playing in front of a battery-electri, when it is moving off are not likely to happen with the Help-mate, which has a narrow cab and exceptionally deep windscreen. Another safeguard against such accidents is the panoramic/mirror fitted externally above the windscreen on Smiths-N.C.B. vehicles. A full-width mirror is used on the Morrison Electricar.
The Brush Pony is shown with an all-metal enclosed cab having folding doors at each side, which can be fastened back in fine weather or when working from door to door. The cab is well furnished with a deep cushion over the battery and comfortable back rest, and trays for books or bottles are placed along the sides adjacent to the steering head, which is fully enclosed by the side and front panels.
Traffic indicators are found on many battery-electrics. In some cases they are necessary because the central driving position does not permit a clear hand signal to be given, but the Smiths-N.C.E. vehicles are just ahead of the regulations by having wffiking indicators.
There have been minor alterations to the N.C.B. Percheron three-wheeler, which has rear-axle drive, the body now having a level platform and fully enclosed steering gear. It is understood that one of the Commutor stand-up-drive chassis, also made by Smiths -Electric Vehicles, Ltd., is being exported to Buffalo, U.S.A., where it is to be tried experimentally by a dairy.