Ground level loader for Electricity Board
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Board has recently completed experimental trials with an entirely new type of groundloading semi-trailer developed by B. DixonBate Ltd. It enables heavy electrical gear to be loaded and off-loaded on site without the aid of lifting equipment.
The trailer has a special deck which is raised and lowered to ground level by means of an electrically powered hydraulic system, which can be operated by one man. A manually operated hydraulic pump is available as an alternative. This system is so designed that the deck can be held in position to allow for loading to take place when the trailer is on a different ground level to the load, for example in loading from a pavement.
A two-speed winch fitted to the trailer foredeck enables the load to be positioned on skids without the need for lifting gear. In the lowered position the deck inclines at an angle of only 4dcg so heavy loads can be winched without difficulty. A full-length tailboard is fitted which also acts as a loading ramp to make a continuous slope to ground level. Similarly, off-loading can be controlled by a single-winch operator.
MANWEB is now planning to introduce the special Dixon-Bate trailers into regular service.