ct he cits Tel 20 Chapter Combination or Solo Equipment ‘The functions of a four- or six-whee! solo unit often overlap the functions of a {tractor and semistractor, or other combinatin units. The type of equipment te be used depends entirely onthe operating conditions. Generally speaking for short hauls wherea full loadisnot always available and where speed and maneuverabil, ity must be considered, the solo unit is desirable. The semittailer and tractor ‘combination is advantageous for shutl serv ce, Here one tractor may accommer ate approximately six semitrailers. The tractor truck ean be in continual ‘operation inthis type of service. While the actor is working, some ofthe other semitrilers can be repaired or serviced without loss of lity. Greater payloads and superior maneuverability are possible with the truck and semitrailer combi nation in congested areas, The six-wheel solo units best used where heevy payloads must be conveyed over soft terain and where maximum traction ani flotation are required. For dump trucks, wreckers, and oil-ield trucks, six-wheel trucks canbe advantageous, The sixcwheel tuck offers great maneuverability, greater payloads with less equip. ment, and superior traction. The Advantages of Vehicle Combinations Public awareness of longer combination vehicles (LCV), has raised many {questions regarding safety and traffic congestionon thenation shighways, Splash and spray from LCVs in particular has angered many motorists, The railroads propaganda often malicious, continues to fight LCVs, Iti high time forthe railroads and the truckers to unite and serve the public in transporting thenations products ina safe and efficient marner compatible with other vehicles Using the public highways, The railroads “piggyback” program moves lage amounts of cargo efficiently ‘swiftly and safely, eliminating highway traffic problems and creating litie pollution. On the other side, the trucks must deliver the cargo tothe railroed and later deliver it final destination. LCVs reduce ton-mile cos per trip because they haul more cargo per trip with fewer breakdowns or accidents, With afew changes, like headlamps, bumper heights, and spash-control devices, the LCVs will be more compatible with other vehicles onthe highways