Long Timber Easily Handled
Page 45
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QUILT specially to combat problems encountered in U. moving timber, in both woodlands and timber yards, a new type of crane vehicle has been designed for the firm's own use by Mr. D. Brown, of Messrs. M. Brown and Sons, the Knaresborough hauliers, and constructed by Pannal Garage (Harrogate), Ltd., Farm Implement Department, Follifoot, Yorkshire. The principal object of the machine is to overcome the difficulties which accompany the employment of slewing cranes and similar units on rough terrain.
The crane superstructure has been erected on an ex-W.D. short-wheelbase Canadian Ford tractor, which has a transfer box giving eight forward speeds and two reverse. Already fitted was a Gar-Wood winch of 25,000-lb. capacity, operating from the power take-off. Spuds are fitted for anchoring purposes when winching is in progress.
Planned for 2-ton Loads Having one lowering speed and four hoisting speeds, the crane, by means of a two-position block, is planned to lift loads up to 35-45 cwt., although much heavier weights were carripd during trials witnessed by a representative of "The Commercial Motor." Lifting height is 20 ft., but when travelling the jib is lowered and the cable is drawn in, so that sway is minimized and a low centre of gravity is maintained.
The chassis is strengthened by segments of diamondshaped steel plate. The jib spindle is carried on two main vertical members of 8-in. by 21-in, channel with diagonal supporting members at the rear. Channel of 4-in. by 2-in. section is used for the jib itself and a On, rope is employed.
For upping or lowering, the rope is operated from the winch, with drive from the main gearbox through the power take-off. Provision for the winch to be in or out of gear is made in the form of a dog. On being raised, the jib is held in position at predetermined intervals by an automatic ratchet-locking device, which has a release lever in the cab.