THE "SUFFOLK PUNCH" STEAM TRACTOR.
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A Recent Development of the General Utility British Farm Tractor.
It is only natural, bearing in mind the. acuteness of the tractor situation at the present time, that increased attention should he centred on any new design of agrimotor produced, especially if it be an all-British machine. It is fairly widely known that a number of commercial vehicle manufacturers in this country are turning their thoughts to the design and manufacture of such an implement, and these developments are being keenly watched.
Some of these designs are in a more or less embryonic state, whilst others more matured are awaiting the halcyon days of peace to make their debut ; other manufacturers possessing less restricted facilities for construction are nble offer their product on the open market right away.
The established engineering concern, Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd., of Leis ton, figure in this latter class. Their name is, of course, not new to the tractor field, for they have long been associated with steam-driven implements for use on both road and farm. The concern have been actively experimenting for some time with a steam tractor, and they are obviously in a very favourable position to produce such a machine. The tests with the new tractor have now been completed, and it is offered on the market as the " Suffolk Punch," a most apt name. It fully, merits this appellation on account of its sound and robust construction, its hauling power and the ease with which it can he handled.
One -of the chief advantages claimed for this new steam-driven tractor, is that it can do duty all the year round. It can be employed for varying duties on both farm and road. It Is stated to he equally suitable for ploughing and threshing, drawing reapers and binders, 362 cultivators, harrows, etc., as well as for driving such machinery as a saw bench, grist mill or chaff cutter. On the road the machine will haul a, load of .10 tons. In this manner it can transport farm produce efficiently. A few construction details of the tractor will not now he out of niece.
The "Suffolk Punch" is geared to a fast speed of 5 miles per hour in addition to the ordinary ploughing speed, and is therefore more expeditious than an ordinary traction engine. It will be noted from our illustration that the driver's position at the front gives him a full and uninterrupted view of the road, and this is, obviously, -of equal advantage when ploughing. The steering gear is operated by a hand-wheel through a worm and wheel, and in general design is arranged on the principle of motorcar steerage. The various controlling levers are situated so as to be easily accessible from the driver's seat.
The boiler is of the well-known locomotive type, and is fitted with a specially large firebox suitable for any good hard steam coal, and, by slight adjustment, for coke fuel. A superheater is fitted in the sinokebox, thus increasing economy both in fuel and water consumption. The engine which is of the compound type, is mounted on the top of the boiler, and is carefully designed to give a maximum output consistent with light weight. It is fitted with piston valves both to the high and low-pressure cylinders, which. long experience by the manufacturers in . steam engineering has proved to be economically efficient and free from friction. The power is transmitted by means of accurately machine-cut cast steel pinions and spur wheels, the final drive to the hind axle being by silent roller chain. The hind axle is fitted with substantial differential compensating gear and winding drum the wheels being constructed of mild steel spokes which are bolted to the inside flange of the rim and also to the hub, which latter is made of cast steel to a strong and light desigu, Much attention has been paid to the matter of suspension, the hind laminated springs being of the locomotive type, while a centrally fixed spiral• spring is fitted to the front axle. The important question of lubrication has received its necessary share of consideration. The fittings and accessories embodied are of high class throughout, and include a Pickering-type, high speed governor, mechanical force feed lubricator to the cylinders, geared down feed pump and self-starting injector for supplying water to the boiler.
As may well be expected, the. cost of ploughing varies considerably with local conditions and with the season of the year, so that in a general descriptive article it is only possible to give an approximate figure. When hauling a fourfurrow plough on an Essex farm, however, at ordinary ploughing speed, to a depth of 6 ins. to 7 ins, under normal conditions,' the average cost was found to be from 3s. 6d. to 4s: 6d. per hour, the time taken being from 14. to 2 hours per acre. These figures include a liberal allowance for standing charges, repairs, driver's wages, coal and lubricants, and local charges for carriage of water, as well as ploughman's Wages.
The " Suffolk Punch " would appear to possess a wide field of application.It should be of considerable value to the farmer in a big way who has more often than not to transport his produce many miles to market. Railway rolling stock will, in this manner, be released for other duties.