UK solution for timbe
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• A new British solution for the safe loading and hauling of timber has been developed by a Northumberland-based forestry and agricultural engineer.
The launch comes as the debate over whether it is safe to cross-load logs is set to re-ignite with the Transport Research Laboratory due to release the findings of a three-month study at the end of this month.
Steve Farrell, MD of Farrell & Co, has spent six years developing the design with help from engineers at Newcastle University.
Known as the 011ie, his system improves on the rigid fixed bolsters used for longitudinal loading in which where logs are placed parallel to the road. With the Ottia logs are locked in place by a spring-loaded system which withstands vibration and avoids the risk of the timber being shunted into the back of the cab if the vehicle brakes hard. Farrell began developing the system after stantly being asked to mend the bolsters on ers operated by local hauliers.
Rob Davidson, a lecturer and engines Newcastle University, says the solution has I well tested: "It's a carefully engineered sy: and can certainly compete with the Scandinavian designs on cost and safety."
Ottia is already t used by Hexham-b firm AT Nicholson & Farrell & Co has rem orders from ant three hauliers.
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