Design of Dennis Paxit Changed
Page 47
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WHILST the Dennis Paxit refuse-collection vehicle is VT generally similar to the Oschner model, a number of modifications has now been made from experience gained in tests and demonstrations throughout this country.
Conditions of discharge in the United Kingdom are frequently different from those for which the Oschner body was primarily designed. Thus, in the Paxit, the rear overhang has been increased, so that there is less tendency for the wheels to sink when discharging on a soft surface. The greater overhang is also beneficial when unloading into a barge or railway truck, and the load can be discharged into the centre of the receptacle.
There are occasions when only part of the load of refuse is required to fill a truck. In such a circumstance con trolled discharge is needed, and is provided for in the design of the Paxit body and hopper. The hopper is footless and pivoted at the forward end of the body; it is opened independently of the tipping of the load-carrying section.
The body is elevated by a power-driven hydraulic ram at the forward end of the body. The ram fits into a recess at the front of the, body, an arrangement which gives the maximum loading length. With the ram at the fore end of the body, the stress on the chassis frame is reduced and enables the standard Dennis Pax chassis to be used.
A simple hydraulic system is employed, the pump power take-off being bolted to and driven from the side of the gearbox. This single pump unit operates all three rams, the oil being distributed to any particular unit through a distribution box inside the chassis frame.
A valve is fitted in the system for a connection to be made to a second vehicle should the mechanism fail. This would then enabled the hopper to be raised, the body elevated and load discharged,
A stabilizer, fitted to the under side of the body, also acts as a safety strut to prevent over-tipping. , The body is constructed of Kynal fully heat-treated panels, and all extruded sections are made of similar material. Kynal is used to reduce weight and dispense with the need for painting All rivets are made of Kynal and where steel bolts are employed, they are Sheradized. As a measure of hygiene and to give clean emptying, the interior of the body is smooth and free from working parts.
The cab, which is panelled with Kynal sheeting, has seating accommodation for six loaders in addition to the driver As the unladen weight is under 41 tons, the Paxit is subject to an annual tax of £60. It is built throughout by Dennis Bros.. Ltd., in its Woodbridge Works, Guildford.