Q When the new regulations come into
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force on January 1 1968 what will be the effect on my 7-ton Commar with an unladen weight of 3 tons 15 cwt, when operating at a gross weight of 14 tons? Is it possible to convert the existing airassisted brake system to a full air system or will it be possible to improve the existing system to come up to the required standard?
Also what will be the effect of fitting 10 stud wheels and 10.00-20 tyres in place of the present 9.00-20?
This vehicle was first registered on July 1 1963.
AWithout knowing the chassis number of
your vehicle it is not possible to be precise about the effect of the new regulations. But it seems likely that this model will comply with the interim brake efficiency requirements of 45 per cent service and 20 per cent secondary (which can be handbrake) and also the final requirements of 50 per cent and 25 per cent respectively, providing the vehicle is operated at the maker's recommended maximum gross weight.
But it is probable that this will not be the case if you continue to operate at 14 tons gross. The main effect of the regulations, therefore, will be that you will have to reduce your payload because from January 1 1968 Ministry of Transport examiners will be testing brakes at roadside checks, etc., and if they happened to stop you when you were loaded at 14 tons you could be in trouble.
Annual tests for goods vehicles begin in 1968 and sometime between January 1 1968 and 1972 your vehicle will have to undergo its first test, at which time it will be plated for maximum gross weight. At best this will be the manufacturer's recommended figure so when it is plated you will have to stick to 7 tons or whatever the actual payload can be as derived from the difference between kerb weight and the gross weight Regarding tyre equipment there will be no point in fitting 10.00-20 because 9.00-20 can quite easily take the load you will be able to run at and even 8.25-20 should prove satisfactory if you run at the manufacturer's recommended weight.