Driver's Comfort Studied in Guernsey's Latest Cesspool-emptier
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THE States of Guernsey have appreciated the advantages of the Dennis cesspool-emptier since 1929. when they commissioned an 800-gallon, solidtyred appliance of this type, which is still in service. Three years ago they took delivery of a second machine, and now a third has just been added.
It is a forward-control model and a feature of the machine is the steps that have been taken to ease the working conditions of the driver in the heat of the summer months. The cab is of a special pattern. There is a four-piece windscreen, of which the two upper sections open, leaving the lower parts to divert insects from the driver's face. Louvres, provided in the dash, also admit a cooling air-stream, but chief interest lies in the exit for heated air. Both the rear lights are made to slide, and the top is furnished with a sunshine-type of roof.
In order to cause a minimum of obstruction in the island's narrow lanes, the overall width has been restricted to 6 ft. 6 ins. The short .
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wheelbase (9 ft. 6 ins.), in conjunction with the good steering lock, provides a small turning circle.
Included in the equipment is 150 ft. of 4-in, suction hose, for it should be noted that the Dennis cesspool emptier works on the vacuum-principle, but, if required, the action of the air pump may be reversed.
Another valuable feature of this operating system is that, while a cesspool is being emptied, the whole of the hose, as well as the tank, is subject to negative pressure, so that even if a joint has been left untightened, the only possible leakage is at the pipe-line.