Low-approach slide bed system

17 August, 2016

C&C Hydraulics comments that this angle has been fine for the traditional type of vehicles, but over recent years many cars are being fit with front-end spoilers to make them handle better and improve fuel economy. These spoilers make the ground clearance very low, resulting in the spoilers become damaged when being loaded onto this type of vehicle.

The industry recognised the issue and developed a low-approach slide bed system using either rack and pinion drives with hydraulic motors, or cable and pulley systems.

C&C Hydraulics states that both of these methods are expensive, complex, heavy and need regular maintenance. The company adds that because of the weight they are limited to use on only larger chassis so making the overall cost of operation prohibitive for many operators.

Optimised weight and strength

Working closely with its long-standing customer Powertec, C&C Hydraulics helped to develop the concept through to final product. The complete system has been designed and tested using the latest Solid Works 3D CAD system, allowing the optimisation of weight and strength by carrying out a full structural analysis during the development process.

After this process, the system went through rigorous testing with actual loads to verify the product’s suitability for the marketplace. Once the whole system had been proven C&C Hydraulics then applied for a patent to ensure the technology used was protected.

According to C&C Hydraulics, the product differs from other similar offerings in that it uses very simple technology married to a new concept C&C Hydraulics calls SPA; the sliding pivotal alignment system that makes the product work so effectively. Benefits include:

• Lowest approach angle.

• Lowest weight.

• Simple to use.

• Low Maintenance.

• Low operational costs.

• Safer to operate.

Ladyroyd Garage of Bradford has just taken delivery of a So-Low fitted to an Iveco 72C17 chassis. A spokesperson for the garage commented: “It’s unbelievably simple to use with the specially designed safety features and can carry a 3000kg payload. It’s what the market needed.” Indeed, C&C Hydraulics reports that the customer is currently looking at ordering another So-Low.

The new design is available in 4000kg, 6000kg 8000kg and 10,000kg capacities.

www.cchydraulics.co.uk