A Mechanical-handling Van
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WEIGHING only 4 tons 2 cwt., a VV Jensen 960-cubic-ft. van incorporating many innovations has recently been put into service by Siemens Brothers, Ltd., for the carriage of electrical equipment. Designed by Associated Coachbuilders, Ltd., Sunderland, in co-operation with the Road Haulage Executive and Siemens, the body is fitted with a telescopic section to permit overhead loading and a trolley which can be used to move heavy loads from the tailboard into the interior.
The telescopic section can be operated by one man. Towards the rear the top is cut• away and the sides are downswept. Inside the front of the body is the telescopic section, which can be wound out to cover the rear. Not only is ease of loading assured, but complete protection from moisture or contamination is ensured for costly loads.
The normal loading procedure is to open the rear roller shutter and slide it up into the roof of the moving section of the body. Two pins are then removed and tir moving section is moved forward to the front of the body by winding handles at the rear. This leaves the rear of the floor completely open.
Mounted on rails inside the body is a trolley covering half the interior length. This is drawn to the rear for loading by crane or other means. It may be winched forward when the load is particularly heavy. When the trolley is locked into its normal position at the front, the rear of the van is then loaded and the telescopic section of the van is wound back into position and pinned.