Answers to Queries.
Page 28
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Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any Points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is not specially made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks. Numerous requests reach us for lists of motorcab and commercial-vehicle owners; these we never supply. Our advertisemeill
columns are open to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the Purposes of trade.
Makers of Mechanical Water Sprinklers.
[2164] (Polinadie).—In our issue of the 26th December last, we published an answer to a query which gave the names of the following makers of mechanical water sprinklers, to whom we suggest you might apply :
Messrs. J, W. Glover and Sons, Warwick. Bristol Wagon and Carriage Works, Lawrence Hill, Bristol.
We have, now, to add:— Messrs. Smith and Co., Barnard Castle, Messrs. H. Wadsworth and Son, Halifax.
What is the Best Make of Four-ton Lorry?
[2165] (Cheshire).—There is no "best" make of four-ton lorry in the ordinary acceptation of the word, as vehicles of equal general merit are turned out by number of firms. At the same time you may find that one maker's terms or delivery date will suit you better than another's. You might refer to our advertisement pages for announcements in regard to the four-ton models that can be purchased.
Lists of Owners.
[2166] (Beeston).—We cannot supply you with a complete list of all commercial motor owners within any given area. Registration authorities generally decline to give the information for which you ask. We have a very full and complete list of owners on our lists in this office, but we are obliged to regard any such names in the strictest confidence, as they have only been acquired by many years search, constant revision, and much expense. We hold the list as any other trading house holds and treats its own list of customers.
Can I Claim Damages from the Local Council?
[21671 (Headingley).—Although, as you say, the wagon was running light and was not on a private road, we are convinced that you will have considerable difficulty in claiming damages from the local council for loss of custom while the machine was being repaired. If you decide to proceed with your claim against the Council, it will pay you to have documentary proof of your efforts to hire another Machine to take the place of the one which has been placed out of action by the accident. Claims against Road Authorities are very hard to support. You have no remedy if the road went down through nonfeasance by the local Council (failing to do anything to it), but you have a remedy if you can prove misfeasance (doing something to it, but in the wrong way). If the road is a secondary or an inferior one, and if it was known to be in a weak condition, you might have great difficulty in convincing a jury that you were entitled to use it except at your own risk. As you are insured it would probably be best to let the insurance company settle the matter for you.
What Ought I to Charge for Deliveries to Make a Reasonable Profit?
[2163] (Llanelly).—You ought, as a contractor, to charge at least 9d. per mile run with your two-ton machine. You should obtain as much more as you can get, but 9d. is the minimum figure. This is considerably in excess of the working cost, but as a contractor you require an ample margin. You are entitled to rebate of 1:1,c1. per gallon on the petrol used. The local Excise officer will tell you exactly how to proceed, and will supply you the necessary forms for filling up. When buying petrol you should obtain a
Elo certificate from the vendor to the effect that the fuel has paid the full duty of 3d., and you will subsequently have to certify as to its use in commercial vehicle. The rate which you mention of Is. 9d. per ton within a radius of mile in the town cannot fail to pay you, provided you have not a large number of small deliveries or any considerable delays, and also that the traffic is of a. nature that does not give rise to claims.
Who are the Makers of Locomotives Burning Crude Oil on the Diesel System?
[2169] (Fenchurch Street).—We quite understand that under the Australian conditions which you mention there is very likely no water in the near neighbourhood, and that therefore steam locomotives are out of the question, whilst petrol machines would-be too expensive to run. We think you might obtain a suitable engine for this purpose from Marshall, Sons and Co., Ltd., of Gainsborough, and possibly Leyland Motors, Ltd., of Leyland, would be able to supply you with some useful information. The first company does not build on the Diesel system, but its agrimotor experience tends in the direction of its being able to comply with your specification. The Gardner Engineering Co., Ltd., of Patricroft, Manchester, and Charles Price and Son, Ltd., of Broadheath, near Manchester, would also be of service to you,
Will One Van Do the Work of Three Horses ?
[2170] (Rochdale).—We do not feel justified in recommending the van which you mention for your work, for we know that a load of 8 or 9 cwt. in practice often means an imposed load of 15 cwt. on the chassis. For such a load we should not regard the machine which you mention suitable--especially on Lancashire roads.
We would recommend you to purchase a van of at least 16 h.p. and one which is rated for a net load
of not less tlian 12 cwt., preferably 15 cwt. You will undoubtedly add to your horse-drawn load when you get a motor. For that reason a good 15 cwt. van is much more likely to suit you. A list of the leading makers of a 15 cwt. van has already been sent to you. We think solid rubber tires should be used on a van of this size, unless on the front wheels. When one comes to substitute a single motorvan for three or four horse-drawn vehicles, a difficulty arises from the possibility of simultaneous deliveries being necessary in several directions. No motorvan can be in two places at once. The use of one such vehicle in place of several horse-drawn vehicles may necessitate a reasonable re-arrangement of delivery times with some customers. If this can be done, one van should easily do the 250 to 300 miles per week which you mention as your present delivery needs.Doing this work the motorva.n should have a margin of 30 per cent, in hand. In many trades it is customary to reckon three minutes per call and five minutes per mile of running. In our opinion, however, you should allow something like five minutes per call in the laundry trade. Allowing 60 calls per day this would take five hours, and if 60 miles of running were also to be included, another five hours would be taken up. With meal times added, the day's work would be something like 12 working hours. If you work out the oast for your horses, including driver's wages, rent, veterinary and farriers' services, insurances, repairs, painting and depreciation, etc., we think you will find that each horse-vehicle will cost 54d. per mile.