That Phil Sampson knows how to catch my attention. Ordinarily Biglorryblog wouldn't go overboard about a press release on fith wheels... OK they're important but hardly sexy. Well there's an exception to every rule - especially when said Jost fifth wheels and associated kit are fitted to BLB's favourite go - anywhere machine the magnificent Mercedes Unimog. And via Phil I learn that Mercedes-Benz has specced Jost fifth-wheels for an order of six Unimog U500 shortwheelbase specialist winter maintenance vehicles being supplied to the British Airports Authority. This takes to 23 the total number of Jost-equipped Moggies delivered to UK airports since 2003. Now click through here for an exciting picture of a new fifth wheel with fresh grease on it! (Admit it... Only Biglorryblog can cater to such strange perversions...)
Oooohhhhhh... Meanwhile, each of the six Moggies will be fitted with a JOST JSK 36D pressed steel fifth wheel to allow the towing of runway sweeping brushes, used in conjunction with front-mounted snowploughs. In addition to the fifth wheels, JOST-GB Limited has also supplied subframes, bases, a-frames, catwalk gantries and steps, all custom-built to the operator's required specification.
Some of the earlier snowbroom tractors were Ford D series trucks converted to 4x4 by Newton Abbott Motors, then following the closure of NAM, BAA used Leyland Roadtrains again converted to 4x4 but I do not know who did the conversion. Both these types were of very long wheelbase for an artic. BAA Heathrow also had a Bedford TM 4x4 with short wheelbase as a tractor for emergency trailers.
Do people really still use grease on their turntables (fifth wheels) in the UK??? I thought tht idea had gone out of fashion at about the same time as Atkinsons with Preston cabs!
My dad has a ford d series nam special vehicle.It came from Aberdeen airport.It was in mint condition when we bought it many years ago.We fitted a timber crane with log grab to it for loading trailers in the woods.It is now in need for care and attention.