FERGUSON TRACTOR TESTED.
Page 37
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A convincing demonstration of the utility and simplicity of operation of the Ferguson tractor (described on pages 42 and 43) was given on Wednesday afternoon. Although many difficult hazards Were purposely included in the ploughing and cultivating itinerary, the tractor performed exactly according to the claims of the maker.
Of particular interest is the manner in which the hydraulic mechanism can be employed to lift the plough when an obstruction is encountered.
The tractor and plough were driven over hidden steel plates in the ground. The tractor was pulled to a standstill and, due to the parallel motion of the three connecting drawbars, the rear wheels .commenced to spin as the lifting action occurred. To reverse the machine a few feet and raise the plough occupied only a few seconds and the outfit commenced work again in the ordinary way immediately the obstruction was passed.
The extraordinary manceuvring powers were shown when a seven-tine cultivator was used in a fenced field half the size of a . tennis court. Although the whole surface was treated right into the corners there was hardly trace left of the wheel-marks.
Distinctive New Plugs. s A heavy duty sparking plug for cornmercial-vehicle engines is included in the range manufactured by E.R. Plugs, Ltd., 118-113, Charing CroSs Road, London, W.C.2. This three-point.plug is available in 18-mm. standard-reach. and 18-mm. long-reach types, each of
which is sold at 5s.
A distinctive feature is that the steel central 'electrode is heavily copperplated, instead of being covered by the more usual copper sheathing. . This, it is claimed, increases the :coefficient of heat transference and makes impossible any gas leakage between the copper and the electrode. The insulation is of black mica and is generously proportioned.
For oil engines, a heater plug of similar careful design is manufactured, and it sells at 7s. fkl. The single-coil heating element takes a current of 33 amps. at .1.2 volt, and this consumption is guaranteed within limits of plus or minus 1 amp. at the stated voltage.
Traffic Safety Papers at Association Meeting.
The British Association for the Advancement of Science is holding its annual meeting in Blackpool from September 9-16. Some interesting transport papers are to be read, these including one by Mr. E. H. Fryer, deputy secretary of the Automobile Association, dealing with " The Application of Science to the Solution of Road Users' Dangers and Difficulties," and another by Mr. Batson, of the Road Research Department, whilst Dr. H. M. Vernon will cover the controversial subject of " The Relation of Alcohol to Road Accidents."
Full particulars of the meeting, to
gether with details of membership, may be obtained from the secretary of the Association, Burlington House, London, W.I.
Heat-treated Elektron Castings.
Since Sterling Metals, Ltd., Coventry, issued its handbook on Elektron magnesium alloys, the development of heat-treated castings of this material has considerably increased, and a new data sheet has now been published. A NEW SMALL TRAILER. "
Built primarily for towing by private cars, and for carrying farm produce, luggage, etc., a new trailer, called the Beacon, has been introduced by Brown Brothers, Ltd., Great Eastern Street, London, E.C.2.
Equipped with automatic brakes and hinged tailboard ramp, the vehicle measures 3 ft. 4 ins. wide, 5 ft. long and 2 ft. 8 ins, high, and costs £13. A canvas cover is supplied at small extra cost.