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All-purpose Bodywork that saves the farmer's pocket
Page 82
Page 83
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Forethought in Design Enables Lorry Bodywork to be Produced that is Suitable for a Variety of Loads Ranging from Root Crops to Animals
IN view of the fact that agriculture, since time immemorial, has been in the position of being able to produce its own means for transport, it is not surprising that it should be one of the last industries to take full advantage of the undoubtedly superior facilities which the motor can provide. Probably, except for the marked changes which, in the past few years, have overtaken agriculture, it might still be content to jog along with the delivery of its produce in the same old picturesque way which was the delight of our grandfathers.
Special bodies built on the lighter types of chassis have played an important part in bringing to the notice of the farmer the great advantages to be gained by the adoption of mechanical transport. Most farmers are finding that the possession of a light lorry is indispensable, and this requirement has called for a body• which is cheap, light and easily convertible into one suitable for various purposes.
Easy Convertibility.
So that a fanner can secure the utmost use from a vehicle, the body should be easily convertible from one type to another, and each particular style should approach, as nearly as possible, the body built solely for the respective purpose. This may at first sight appear to be a tall order, but if the designer will remember, when designing the body for a specific purpose, the special features required for each of the other purposes for which it will be adapted, it is quite possible to produce a vehicle which will be satisfactory under most conditions.
The accompanying illustrations show a convertible body which will adequately fulfil most of the requirements common to the average farmer. In addition to carrying separate loads of various characters, it is readily adaptable for hauling composite loads and keeping c36 the different sections quite apart. This general-purpose body will be found to be suitable for accommodating produce of all kinds in sacks, as well as roots, cabbages, potatoes, hay, straw, or milk.
Starting with a platform body of standard type and size, to adapt the vehicle to carry hay and corn from the harvest field, we fit at the rear what are known to the farmers as " raves " and mount a platform above the cab (see Fig. 1). Assuming that the vehicle has a body length of 16 ft., the loading space is thereby increased to about 22 ft., and will comfortably accommodate a full load of straw, which is probably the lightest commodity produced by the farmer.
The " raves " fit into staples underneath the floor and are readily detachable. They should be made with about 4 ins, of lift to assist in binding the load.
It is recommended that the front or loading board be built slightly higher than the cab roof and that it be a permanent fixture. This practice is becoming increasingly common, but in this particular case it is necessary. The slatted platform over the cab is attached to the loading hoard by means of studs, which engage with staples on the rear of the front-board • pillars.
The front is carried on a bar attached to the frame dumbirons, with detachable tubular stays. A bracket to rein
force the anchorage and support the platform should be fitted to the front side of the loading board and to the underside of the platform. Its dimensions and position will be governed by the clearance necessary for the opening of the cab door. The front board should also be stoutly plated to the bottom side, and be provided with stout stays from the bottom side to the front pillars.
In Fig, 2 is shown the vehicle converted for milk carrying. To obtain capacity additional to the floor space, a detachable platform is constructed of light angle-iron welded framing, with a wood floor. The angle framing must be provided with efficient gusset plates in the corners.
It is hooked on to the front board, and the legs, which are also of angle iron, are fitted into slotted plates and staples in the bottom. The inside of the angle should face outwards, for another purpose to be dealt with later. Loose standards of conventional type are fitted into slots and carry the rubber-covered guard chains.
Carrying Loose Bulk Loads.
For carrying in bulk such merchandise as beetroot, wool or cabbages, deep hinged sides are required and for easy loading it is necessary that the Sides be divided. A frame, with spindles, fits on' the top of these sides and is made detachable, as shown in the rear portion of Fig. 3.
These frames should extend all round up to the front board. The hinged sides must be constructed in two lengths, and an angle-iron detachable pillar fitted into the staples and slots provided for the milk-platform legs. The rear pillars are also made detachable in the same way.
We now have a body with sides, the height of which corresponds with that of the front board. It is advisable to insert a hinged door in the front end' of the spindled frames in order to facilitate final loading at the front. By a combination of parts of the various types of body, a useful composite structure is obtained and is illustrated in Fig. 3. This is particularly valuable for taking a mixed load. For this purpose we have utilized the churn platform, the hinged sides and part of the spindled frames.
By fitting a detachable partition of match boarding between the rear legs of the platform and providing addi
tional detachable side boards, whi are hinged to the top of the main mu the front part of the lorry is convert into what is practically a van, in whit fragile or delicate goods can be trat ported safely and under cover. Wi adequate ventilation, this space et also be used for carrying small animal such as a few pigs, sheep or calves. The top of this compartment, whis is fitted with detachable spindle frames, can be utilized for a separa purpose, whilst the main portion retained for the major part of the load A body of this descriptic will be found to meet requirement which' is keen: felt by almost every farms The writer knows from pra tical experience how difficu it often is to take a con posite load to market witl out its suffering from Mad, quate protection or contact with othd goods carried in the same body. Fr this reason, goods have frequentl to be left until other means fc transport are available, with a cons( quent waste of time and money. QUADRANT.