This heading covers a group of self-propelled vehicles of the types used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for the short distance transport of various loads (goods or containers) or, on railway station platforms, to haul small trailers.
Such vehicles are of many types and sizes. They may be driven either by an electric motor with current supplied by accumulators or by an internal combustion piston engine or other engine. The main features common to the vehicles of this heading which generally distinguish them from the vehicles of heading 87.01, 87.03 or 87.04 may be summarised as follows :(1) Their construction and, as a rule, their special design features, make them unsuitable for the transport of passengers or for the transport of goods by road or other public ways. (2) Their top speed when laden is generally not more than 30 to 35 km/h. (3) Their turning radius is approximately equal to the length of the vehicle itself. Vehicles of this heading do not usually have a closed driving cab, the accommodation for the driver often being no more than a platform on which he stands to steer the vehicle. Certain types may be equipped with a protective frame, metal screen, etc., over the driver's seat. The vehicles of this heading may be pedestrian controlled. Works trucks are self-propelled trucks for the transport of goods which are fitted with, for example, a platform or container on which the goods are loaded. Small tank trucks of a kind generally used in railway stations, whether or not fitted with subsidiary pumps, are also classified here. Tractorsof the type used on railway station platforms are designed primarily to tow or push other vehicles, e.g., small trailers. They do not themselves carry goods, and are generally lighter and less powerful than the tractors of heading 87.01. Tractors of this type may also be used on wharfs, in warehouses, etc. PARTS This heading also covers parts of the vehicles specified in the heading, provided the parts fulfil both the following conditions : (¥¡) They must be identifiable as being suitable for use solely or principally with such vehicles; and (¥¢) They must not be excluded from this heading by the provisions of the Notes to Section XVII (see the corresponding General Explanatory Note). Parts of this heading include : (1) Chassis. (2) Bodies, platforms, detachable sides, tipping bodies. (3) Wheels, whether or not fitted with tyres. (4) Clutches. (5) Gear boxes (transmissions), differentials. (6) Axles. (7) Steering wheels or bars. (8) Braking systems and parts thereof. (9) Clutch cables, brake cables, accelerator cables and similar cables, consisting of a flexible outer casing and a moveable inner cable. They are presented cut to length and equipped with end fittings. The heading excludes : (a) Straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane (heading 84.26). (b) Fork-lift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment (heading 84.27). (c) Dumpers (heading 87.04).
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