From Tipper to Tractor at Will
Page 22
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THERE must be many operators who I have to dupticate their tractive units because they need both tippers and semi-trailer outfits. If continuous work cannot be found for both types of vehicle, then one or the other must remain idle, with a consequent effect on the overall profits of the undertaking. A dual-purpose vehicle of the type which formed a recent delivery to William Old, Ltd., of North Harrow, Middlesex, is the obvious solution. Pilot Works, Ltd., Bolton, was responsible for building the tipping body and hydraulic lifting gear, and Carrimore Sixwheelers, Ltd., North Finchley, London, N.12, supplied and fitted the undercarriage to take one of its semitrailers.
The twin-ram tipping gear, which is the Pilot model V.G.7, is mounted close behind the cab, where it normally assumes a vertical position and is accommodated in a recess formed in the forward end of the body. By this arrangement, encroachment on body space is reduced to a minimum, whilst the ram is in a well-protected position.
Ram movement is communicated to
the body via the ram trunnion s, which are embraced by the usual form of cantilever lifting brackets. To provide for the quick • removal of the body, normal type of hinge bar at the rear has been replaced by two spring-loaded handoperated pin assemblies. Removal of the pins, which takes only a few seconds, leaves the rear end of the body free of the chassis.
At the forssord end, the tipping-gear maker has introduced a quick-release device incorporated with the lifting brackets. The locking plates which prevent the body from overtipping, drop to their working position under their own weight, and normally embrace the ram trunnions. To disconnect the ram gear froni the body, the locking plates are raised clear of the trunnions, which leaves the body free for lifting off the chassis. The Carrimore turntable is. of
course, left permanently in position. and it takes but a few minutes to run the tractive unit under the fore part ol the semi-trailer and to connect up.
The accompanying illustrations show that the outfit in either form gives tic indication of its being of a dual-purpost type. The ram gear, which remains ir position, is neatly accommodatec behind the cab,,,where it is retained ir a block by a steel clamp encircling tht ram assembly.
The tractive unit is a Seddon oiler and the complete outfit was suppliec to the operator by Halls (Finchley) Ltd., Odeon Parade, North Finchley London, N.12, distributor for Seddor machines in the London area.