The Experience of a Light Van User.
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In several recent issues of this journal we have included references as to the utility of the light van for the small trader. We have pointed out, and our remarks have been fully endorsed by the experiences as expressed by users we have interviewed, that This class of machine is particularly suitable for the tradesman who is in business in a small way.
The usefulness of the light van is, however, by no means confined to work of this sort ; in fact, many large undertakings which employ big fleets of commercial vehicles, such as gas companies and other public bodies, find that this class of vehicle is able to carry out subsidiary duties, but nevertheless important work, which could not be economically performed by heavier machines.
This latter remark is certainly applicable to the Tottenham District Light, Heat and Power Co., who employ a large fleet comprising about 20 steam and petrol machines, amongst which are five light vans ; three Globe machines and two Fords. It is with the Globe vans that we are chiefly concerned in this article, and particular reference is made to the running of one of the machines of this make. . In the course of conversation with an official of the company we gathered the following interesting information concerning the running .of the van in question. . On several points raised in an opening question we received the following remarks in reply. "The van has been in use for three years, and the real reason for its purchase was to replace a horse van. The substitution was brought about because more speedy and economical means of transport were needed."
'Do you use horses at all now ? " "No, and I don't think that it will be necessary for us to return to them. Future developments can be catered for by the commercial vehicle, of that I am sure." We were informed that the work of the Globe van is in running to and from the works, head offices and showrooms of the company with gas stoves, mantles and other fittings of a like nature. The company supplies light and heat for a large area extending so far north as Waltham Cross, and, in the other direction from the office, to Stamford Hill. A large number of showrooms is situated throughout the districts supplied, and their requirements are met by the use of the van.
"When carrying globes and other fragile articles do you find that you get many breakages ? " we inquired.
" The percentage of such occurrences is very low. We get less breakagest than we did with the horse van, although the same precautions were taken to avoid such happenings. "What mileage does the van cover a day ? " we asked. "On an average something between 45 and 50 on five days a week. On Saturday the mileage covered is small.
" Do you use petrol for the Globe and what mileage —" "No, we do not," was the reply to our interrupted question. "We had been doing so until a few
months ago, but as the price spirit was steadily rising, and, k a consequence, • it was becomir less economical to operate oi machines, we turned our though. to the discovery of a substitute." "Then, are you using a sul stitute which is at present on th market?"
" No ; we are making our ow fueL It is a distilled product ( coal-tar. At the present time a are producing about 20 gallons day—we expect to augment cm siderably this supply shortly—an this amount is hardly sufficient le the needs of our fleet. It costs t about 6d. per gallon to produce, s that we are much better off than i pro-war, days. I do not knce whether the conipany will explo] this fuel on the market."
• "Do you use petrol at all fc starting up ? "
• "-Not always ; sometimes it i necessary to use a petrol injectio for starting, but that is all. Th Globe vans run very well on th new fuel, but we cannot get th Fords to run on it at all satisfac torily. We use petrol for them."
"Do you find the engine pull just as well? Do you get much caa bonization in the cylinders ? "
"Just as well, perhaps better a times. The engine pulls very we] on steep gradients with plenty o power. We have had no mon trouble than would be experience( in the ordinary way as regard carbon deposit in the cylinders We are very satisfied in all way with the runnieg of our machine on this fuel of 'ours. The mileag( we get to the gallon of spirit con sinned on the Globe van varies be tween 40 and 45; of course, on ow heavier machines it is much less." "Tires I" ." CIA the Globe var with which you are concerned via have Avon and Goodyear plain tread pneumatic tires fitted, and ir each case we find that they •weal very well and outlive the guarantee given by the makers.'
" Do you attach an advertising value to the Globe?"
"Well. . . . I suppose there is an advertising value, but it is not a. great asset to us. It would undoubtedly be of use to the small trader, of that I have not the slightest doubt. We employ a woman driver, incidentally I think she does her work better than the man who was previously driving the van, and this lea ;-re may increase the attractiveness and popularity of the van, but r911, even women drivers are beco. Ling so ordinary that we take but little notice of a van driven by a member of the fair sex nowadays."
"So you are perfectly satisfied with the service you obtain from the Globe," we concluded.
"Quite. The van does its work
successfully and economically, and tile facilities afforded could not be obtained by any other means than the use of the light van. The 'usefulness of this class of machine is perhaps more apparent when in the hands of the small local tradesman —for whom I might add I think it is a splendid investment and fully repays capital expended—but it has distinct advantages when used by a large undertaking in co-operation with heavier machines. We would not dispense with our Globe van under any consideration. The light van, in my opinion, bridges the gap between the horse van and the heavy industrial machine, at least our experience has proved that this is the case." A few particulars concerning the constructional details of the Globe van would perhaps not be out of place. The machine is fitted with a single-cylinder slow-running Aster engine of 8 h.p., with a bore and stroke of 105 mm. and 120 mm. respectively. Ignition is by high-tension magneto, and• an automatic gravity-fed CIaudel-Hobson carburetter is fitted. Circulation of the cooling water is effected on the therm. o-syphonic system. Drip and splash lubrication is provided, a special feature being that when the current is earthed the oil feed is shut off, while switching on the current automatically restarts it.
A broad leather belt takes the drive from the engine to an epicyclic gearbox, which is fitted with dog clutches, and which is contained in a rear pulley. Two speeds forward and one reverse are provided. A patent tensioning arrangement keeps the pulleys for the belt at the proper distance apart. The final drive is by means of a single chain from the countershaft to one rear wheel.
A powerful brake is incorporated with the clutch pedal ; when this is depressed the tension on the belt is removed and the cradle holding the second pulley is brought forward, so bringing the crown of the rear pulley against a wooden block. Internal-expanding brakes acting on the rear wheels are operated by a side lever. The change-speed lever works in a gate form of quad
rant. • Tuke and Bell, Ltd., Carlton Engineering Works, High Road, Tottenham, London, N., are the manufacturers of the Globe van.