A Lightweight, Eiulk Wheat Carrier
Page 37

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ATYPICAL example of the class of light-alloy bodywork in which the Duramin Engineering Co., Ltd., Hythe Road, Willesden, London, N.W.10, specializes, is to be seen in the accom panying illustration. which shows a Crane eight-wheeled trailer with a capacious Duramin body, coupled up tO a Latil Traulier fitted with Westinghouse air brakes.
This particular body has been built for the bulk conveyance of wheat and is divided into two compartments by a central cross partition, each division being provided with a hopper discharge. A ladder is provided at the forward end of the body, so that the roof can be readily reached, and it gives access to the hinged hatchways through which the grain is loaded. The angle of slope to the floor is such that the complete body can be entirely emptied in a matter of a few minutes.
The body is 22 ft. long, 7 It 6 ins. wide and has an overall height from ground level of 11 ft. 6 ins.; it provides 850 cubic ft. of loading pace. The body is framed up in duraMmin, the side panelling and the floor plating being constructed of similar material.
The Crane trailer chassis, which is also equipped with Westinghouse brakes, weighs three tons, and the body portion complete with the threepanel truss attached to the chassis frame weighs 1 ton 2 cwt., so that the total unladen weight of the trailer is 4 tons 2 cwt.
The Duramin concern stresses the
point that a body of similar strength built in steel would weigh two tons more. It is this equivalent weight in increased pay-load that offsets the extra initial outlay on the cost of a light-alloy body of this type. Furthermore, it is claimed that the absence of rust is also a useful asset, whilst the paintwork lasts longer and upkeep costs are low.
The total unladen weight of the outfit, as illustrated, is 6 tons 12 cwt., so that a pay-load of approximately 15 tons 8 cwt. can be carried, allowance, of course, being made for water, fuel, loose tool; etc.