Pantechnicons for deep freezers
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• A fleet of eight Bedford vehicles operated by J. H. Hadfield and Sons Ltd of Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancs., has been equipped with special two-deck pantechnicon bodies by Marsden (Coachbuilders) Ltd, of Warrington, that are designed fo carry a mixed load of deep freezers and /or refrigerators but Can also be employed to carry loose cargo on the lower deck with the upper deck removed. Operation of the vehicles for Total Refrigeration Ltd of Hyde, Cheshire, inaugurates a new service provided by Hadfield which enables a manufacturer to specify a vehicle that is suited to his needs. Total Refrigeration is jointly owned by T. Walls and Son (ice
cream) Ltd and Lyons Maid Ltd, and design of the bodywork was a joint enterprise of the three companies.
The Pantechnicon has an internal length of 2311, a width of 7ft 6in. and a height of 9ft. It is based on a Bedford KS chassis and the vehicle has a gvw of 11.15 tons. A metal frame is bonded to one-piece glass-fibre sides and a one-piece roof of the same material. The upper deck, can be removed in sections, which allows one or more large deep free7ers to be carried on the lower deck, together with smaller models on both decks. A Ratcliffe 15cwt tail-lift provides for loading to both decks from ground level.
A small increase in lower-deck height has enabled a fiat floor to be fitted in the vehicle which facilitates loading and increases the useful load space. Hardwood slats afford protection of the load and can be used for lashing. The top deck extends to the front of the Luton, while the roller of the rear shutters folds back under the roof.'
It is anticipated that over 30,000 units a year will be carried by the fleet, which will include units being returned to the maker for reconditioning. The avoidance of stacking is essential to avoid damage during transit.
The wide variety of vehicles operated by Hadfield extends from Ford Transit vans to large semi-trailer outfits, and in many cases it will be possible to cater for a customer's needs with an existing vehicle in the fleet. Vehicles with special bodies will he acquired to meet special needs. Hadfield has established a marketing department to supervise the service.