A REAL GENERAL-PURPOSE VEHICLE.
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A Platform Lorry that Can be Adapted to Meet a Variety of Needs.
Tr[ERE ARE many haulage contractors who set themselves out to meet the transport requirements of those engaged in different classes of trade, whilst there are others who are prepared to undertake the transport of any kind ofload. In the former case the factors of operation are known within certain limits, and it is possible to employ specific types of vehicle to meet definite needs, but in the latter the nature of the load is often considered of secondary importance, the main object being to get the job and to carry it out in the best possible way with vehicles that may not be particularly suitable for the work. In a large measure the problem resolves itself into one of contract versus casual hire.
The haulier who elects to deal with varied as well as mixed loads must either use vehicles of various types or be in a position to adapt a flat platform or hinge-sided lorry to the needs of the moment. In the case of Messrs.
• W. Ray' and Sons, of Broughton, Hants, they are able to do the latter, for they own a 84-ton Barbet vehicle which, by the use of readily available fittings and equipment, can be employed in many different ways. Fundamentally the vehicle is a flat platform lorry, but by the use of detachable sides. extension pieces and special sectional parts it can be adapted in a few minutes to deal quite satisfactorily with many classes of load.
In the first place, the platform, which Is 14 ft. long and 7 ft. wide, is built to take a sling van body, thus enabling Messrs. Ray and Sons to use the vehicle for furniture removals. If builders' materials, such as sand, gravel or bricks, have to be transported fairly deep sides and a tailboard can be brought into use. As a platform lorry, or sided lorry, the uses for the vehicle on ordinary work are many, but it can he converted to meet the requirements
of small and large farmers.
Should it be desired to load sheep or pigs, two stout oak skids are simply hooked on to staples on the back bar of the body, a section being added to iihe tailboard, whiph is then lowered on to the skids. So that the ramp is given a comparatively easy slope a
further extension piece is fixed in position and, to prevent the• possibility of the animals meeting with mishap when being loaded or unloaded, suitable light fences are fixed at the sides at the points where the drop is greatest.
If calves, deer or hounds have to be transported, extensions to the body can be attached, suitable brackets for their reception being disposed at intervals along the sides. This gives a total depth of 4 ft. at the sides and, in &injunction with the two-piece tailboard, prevents any danger through attempts on the part of the occupants to leap from the interior. In addition, special provision is made for carrying heavy cattle and horses. Rings are provided in the floor for use when horned stock is being carried, whilst the rear of the driver's cab is protected by steel to prevent injury to those in the driving compartment from restive cattle.
This meets one side of the average farmer's activities, but another can also be met. For enabling untrussed straw, corn in the sheaf, loose hay andloads of a like nature to be carried, the tailboard can be removed and an attachment like the ordinary ladder used on farm carts fitted in its place. The load can then be shot into the lorry without the need for careful stacking and consequent waste. of labour. For dealing with trussed bay the sides can be taken off and the ladder left in position; the vehicle is shown in this guise in one of the accompanying illustrations.
In another of our pictures the vehicle is to be seen with a tilt-van top,
the cover being laced to hooks on the body sides. This gives headroom of 7 ft. inside the body and provides com
plete protection for the load. ,
We have given an indication of a number of uses to which the vehicle can be put, but, providing a hackney carriage licence be 'taken out, there is no reason why it should not be deed for school outings and picnic parties, for a few benches could easily be fitted in the interior. But this idea apart, its sphere of utility is certainly most comprehensive.
We should mention that most of the fittings and attachments required to convert the vehiele from one guise to another are carried (when not in use) below the body, the space between the longitudinal bearers .and the transverse supports for the platform being used for the purpose. The skids are carried on the outsides of the runners. With all• the equipment thus ready to band, different classes of outward and inward load can be transported efficiently and expeditiously.
Of the chassis we need say no more than that it. is a standard 3i-tonner built by Automobiles M. Berliet, Richmond Bridge Works, Twickenham. Its outstanding features comprise a 30 h.p. engine, a multiple dry-plate clutch, a four-speed-and-reverse gearbox and a full-floating overhead wormdriven rear axle. The sturdy construction of the chassis, the ample power of the engine and the twin rear wheels make it possible for a vehicle of the type we lave described to negotiate rough ground, such as is often encountered in the vicinity of farms.