Ogden Standard-Examiner | 1920-04-18 | Page 26 | Proper Truck Efficiency Aid

PROPER TRUCK EFFICIENCY I Choice of Vehicle Depends Mainly on Uses and Roads i Available Roads, loads and volume are three things that enter Into the selection of a motor truck. If capacity loads can be carried regularly, it is a fact that tho larger the truck the more economical it is to operate. Savings effected through observance of this rule greatly outstrip out-strip any savings that might be effected ef-fected through observance of this nils might be effected in the purchase of a smaller-sized unit, he says. For instance, coal companies havo proved to their own satisfaction that five-ton trucks deliver coal at nearly one-half the per ton cost of delivery by ono or two ton track. The reason for this is plain. The overhead cx-slightly cx-slightly more than that of a one or two ton truck, yet the volume of coal delivered is from four to five times ns rcnt. size determined, the question of chassis length must be considered. Lengthy material, such as pipe or lumber requires a long wheel-base truck. Bulky but light material, such as emptv barrels or furniture, likewise like-wise should be handled with a long wheel base truck. Some types of load can best be hauled with trailers or semi trailers which are discussed else where in this series. The question of bodv type Is a separate one. The "selection of the proper gear ratio Is most important. Good, hard roads with only normal grades require re-quire gearing which does not sacrifice speed for unnecessary power. Conditions Con-ditions which present short stretches of heavy going or an infrequent steep grade should have gearing which provides pro-vides a maximums high-gear speed with lower and reverse gears giving abnormal pulling power. Road conditions con-ditions which do not warrant a high speed, or a hilly country having good roads, require a gear ratio giving a lower high gear speed than normal. Special gearing should be specified where extreme conditions are encountered