A GREAT INVENTION.
THE WOOLDRIDGE MECHANICAL HOIST. Of the many latest improvements in machinery exhibited at' the Stratford showgrounds yesterday none attracted more attention than the Wooldridge Mechanical Hoist, an ingenious invention by Mr. E. S. Wooldridge, the wellknown engineer of New Plymouth. Being firmly convinced that hydraulic hoists were inferior to the drum and wire-rope method of unloading, Mr. Wooldridge set himself to perfect an invention for unloading trucks by the latter means, and the result of his experiments has given to the world the Wooldridge Mechanical hoist, which has revolutionised unloading methods. Hydraulic hoists in buildings and on cargo steamers have been discarded years ago, and the drum and wire rope method of unloading may be observed on the latest cargo steamers trading to these shores. A great advantage of the Wooldridge hoist is that it can be fitted to any make or size of truck. It is a better proposition to lit the Wooldridge hoist to an ordinary truck, than buy a selfdumping truck from t'le maker. The many engineers and practical men who closely examined this hoist yesterday and watched its operation were struck by its low first cost and economy in upkeep and attention. Other features which were favorably commented on were that no parts were running when the hoist is not in .ise, less space is required on the chassis, and the design is mechanically superior to those hitherto used. The idle load is less, the hoist is foolproof, and it can be operated without the driver leaving his seat. For public bodies the Wooldriflge Mechanical Hoist has proved a big saving in road construction and maintenance. More loads are carried. Less spreading labor is required, as the hoist can be operated in conjunction with a forward movement of the load. The dumping time is thirty seconds Over twenty trucks fitted with the Mechanical Hoist are working for public bodies in the North Island, many being repeat orders, and in preference to hydraulic. Contractors and general carriers know the cost of time, and though every load may not re.iui'e the use of a Mechanical Hoist, it is there wheu needed. The variety V work one has demands a~ complete equipment. It does not take many hours' labor in unloading to run up a good bill. The Wooldridge Mechanical Hoist will dump bricks, gravel, earth, timber, heavy cases, manure, etc. The Wooldridge Mechanical Hoist tips the body to an angle of 45 degrees, or sufficient to allow the load to slide out of the back of the truck. This is accomplished by utilising power from the main engine through tooth and worm gearing, winding drum, and two r:teel wire ropes. The ropes pass over a "hinged gantry and are attached to two points on the body, to ensure an equal lift. The winding drum is grooved to take the ropes, thus reducing wear to a minimum. The body can be lifted to any angle required within its range while the truck is in motion or stationary, and can be held in that position, or lowered by means of a brake operated by a hand lever situated in a convenient position for the driver to operate without leaving his seat. The lifting gear k engaged by releasing the main clutch, sliding the gear into mesh, and allowing the clutch to take up the drive. The whole operation in raising and lowering the body is controlled by the truck 'driver without havSng to }eave his se#t. The load is dumped in thirty seconds. Only a half-horse power is resdiretj to dump the load. Another big advantage about the Wooldridge Hoist is that it requires only seven inches rtf room on the chassis. Mr. Len Burke, driver for the Eltham County Council's Leyland tractor, which was exhibited by Wilson's Motors, Ltd., on the showgrounds (yesterday, ]is a strong supporter of the Wooldridge Mechanical Hoist. Mr. Burke has had two and a half years' experience with White dumps, and' can go back to the days of the old band dumps. Speaking to a News reporter on the showgrounds yesterday, Mr. Burke emphatically declared that he can to-day dump a load in half the time with the Wooldridge Mechanical Hoist. As showing the high favor in which Mr. R. S. Wooldridgc's ingenious invention is held by pubiic bodies throughout ..the North Island, it need only be mentioned that the following tractors are all fitted with the Wooldridge Mechanical Hoist: Stratford County Council—Two Benz aird one Leyland. Wellington City Council—One Thornevcroft, Mnnakau County Council—Three Thorneycrofts. Rangitikei County Council—Four Leylands. F.ltha-m County Council—One Leyland. Hawera County Council—One Leyland. Waimate West County Council—One Levlmid.Oroua County Council—One Leyland. Wanganui Countv Council—One Republic. Hawke's Bay County Council—One 1 Albion. The following well-known New Zealand business-men bnye also had the Wooldridge hoist, fitted to their trucks: Murphy Bros., briokmakers, Wejlington —One Thorneycroft.'v Kyngdon and Co., New Plymouth—One Tiiorneycroft. •1. Rodley, Te Pohui, Napier—tine Pii-ockwav. .T. ,T. Craig, Auckland—One Leyland. Mr. R. S. Wooldr!rlge's engineering business in Gill Street. New Plymouth, lias developed to large proportions as a result of his invention, and his staff of mechanics U turning out mechanical hoists at the rate of six a month. Twenty orders are already in for AVooldridge Mechanical Hoi'-fs for various makes of trucks. Bodies and cabs are also linilt at the factory fo any (tesign. —Published bv Arrangement.
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Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1920, Page 6
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891A GREAT INVENTION. Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1920, Page 6
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