MI NEWS VEHICLES
Page 14
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10 A new double-deck taillift enclosed within a van body's rear doors has been developed by Ross & Bonnyman.
The first examples have been fitted to Tidd Strongbox laminate-wall double-deck semi-trailers used on delivery work by Imperial Bakeries and Harvestime.
Unlike a conventional double-tier lift the new model has its hydraulic ram assembly installed just below floor level, making it easier to fit and maintain.
With no crossbeam at the top, full use of internal headroom allows a clearance of 1,854rrun on each deck. The 60mm-wide vertical columns are mounted forward of the van doors and enclose the lifting cables which loop over top rollers and return to the floor level cross beam, as in R & B's single-tier Slimline range.
Tidd fits top stays on the van doors to hold them open in line with the van sides and give protection. Mesh gates can be hung at upper deck level which lock in the open position behind the driver to give him security when he is working at upper deck height.
A Hesselman fan-cooled hydraulic power pack is used, to prevent overheating during prolonged use.
Harvestime's new semitrailers, which are contract hired from Ryder Truck Rental, have made one-man operation possible and, according to despatch manager Alan Mountford, have improved productivity and reduced costs.