Tradesman Industries Introduces First Rear-End System That Lowers Vans, Trucks, Cars and Trailers to a Horizontal Ground Level
4 September 1997
Tradesman Industries Introduces First Rear-End System That Lowers Vans, Trucks, Cars and Trailers to a Horizontal Ground Level
For the Physically Challenged to Piano Movers, New Lifting System Provides
Easy Loading and Unloading That Will Revolutionize the Care and Handling of
Products and People
CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 4 -- Tradesman Industries, Inc., a
subsidiary of Wincanton Corporation (OTC: WNCC), has announced that it is now
taking orders for its vehicle featuring the first minivan cargo bed rear-end
system that lowers flush to ground level for easy loading and unloading.
Tradesman has invested more than three years in the development of the
rear end system, which will soon be available nationally through select Dodge
and Plymouth dealerships for minivans and other vehicles for the disabled and
commercial uses. The company says that the system alone costs much less than
traditional loading systems purchased for injured or disabled persons.
"It's important to view the Tradesman cargo system as a unique product,
from product use and marketing," said Walter Doyle, president. "It's the most
advanced system to date to give personal and commercial truck and minivan
purchasers an easy way to load and unload. This is the first application that
can put the entire cargo bed in a horizontal position."
The system differs from other lightweight trucks and vans in that it is a
front-wheel drive vehicle built on a unibody chassis permitting the
elimination of the rear axle. The exhaust system is reconfigured to the side
of the vehicle. This configuration makes possible the use of an electric
system which lowers the entire cargo bed of the minivan or any truck to ground
level, thereby making it possible for one person to load and unload cargo or
to board a person in a wheelchair. The system can handle a payload up to the
manufacturer's recommended level. Speed, convenience, labor savings and
safety are primary benefits to purchasers, along with restoring dignity to the
wheelchair bound disabled, said Doyle.
In addition to minivans, Tradesman officials say that light trucks, cargo
vans, trailers, rental trucks and moving vans, for example, will also be able
to accommodate this revolutionary ground-level loading system. The company
expects to enter this market in late 1997.
In the vehicle, a Chrysler Caravan, a remote control or a console switch
can be used to lower or raise the car's bed flush to the ground in a
horizontal position. The cargo bed of the minivan cannot be operated unless
the engine is shut off and the cargo bed manually unlocked. For safety, users
can observe the cargo bed as it is in motion. The system also includes a back
up manual system, as well as a sensor if maximum load capacity is exceeded.
The company plans to target its vehicles to a variety of commercial and
personal markets. Because of its rear-end technology, truck rental companies,
health care transportation, buses and delivery vehicles can use the system to
provide greater ease for loading and unloading, which will reduce costs,
according to company officials.
"With this system, one person can handle loading and unloading, saving
thousands of dollars in labor costs each month," says Doyle. "In a short
time, it can pay for itself, in addition to its other benefits."
Trailers for horses, cars, and other specialized cargo can also have the
system installed.
For the personal market, 1992's American's With Disabilities Act has
fueled the growth of vehicles for the injured and physically challenged. "Our
easy-loading cargo system with remote control rear entry is a significant
improvement over current disabled van configurations that provide side entry
or rear entry with a van or lift," he said. "Until now, previously available
vehicles for the physically challenged had cumbersome mechanism inside the van
and limited space for equipment and more than one wheelchair."
Tradesman Industries is located in Carlsbad, California. The phone number
is (760) 633-4700.
SOURCE Tradesman Industries Inc.
