Representative Makers of Solid Rubber Tires.
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The Notices are Arranged Alphabetically. The Illustrations are of Noteworthy Tire Profiles.
The Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd. Head Office and Works: Melkshain, Wiltshire.
With every confidence in its productions the Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd., guarantees its solid band tires for a dis
tance of 10,000 miles, subject to very simple and straightforward running conditions being complied with. This company has had a long experience in the manufacture of solid tires for use on both light and heavy commercial vehicles at home and abroad. The knowledge thus acquired has been well used in the design, and the manufacturing methods employed in the making of Avon specialities. The steelband, which forms the base of the tire, has the rubber band built up and vulcanized on to it. This method of construction leaves the whole of the rubber free to deform, so giving the maximum amount of resiliency and durability. We are informed that, a new design of detachable solid tire will shortly be marketed. This will dispense with the use of a hydraulic press, and will be removable and replaceable after the manipulation of a few standard bolts.
Continental 'Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd.
Works : Hanover, Germany. London Office: Thurloe Place, S.W.
Some three or four years ago tires made by this company recorded a series of mileages averaging between 30,000 and 40;000. Several distances greater even than this latter were covered by tires in the service of individual users, and although it is obviously impossible to guarantee that every tire manufactured shall register similar lives, the general experience of users of these productions would seem to indicate that, given reasonable care, such mileages are not uncommon.
The most important manufacture of this company, so far as solid tires are concerned, is the type known as the " T " pattern. This has a section of unusual depth, which formation gives an exceptionally deep tread. A diagonally-grooved tire of similar section is in great favour for town use, where undesirable and often dangerous street conditions are at times encountered. Fire-engines, ambulances, etc., are obtaining good results from this particular pattern.
It must not be overlooked that Continental tires of the clinch pattern—both plain and grooved—are experiencing a big sale at home and abroad. These are favourably looked upon as s, suitable and well-proved production for the equipment of light vans and lorries. It would be difficult to hit upon tires for the equipment of a 20-qwt. to 25-cwt. van which possess greater advantages than do these, The company's detachable rim, in combination with Continental pneumatics, is well spoken of by drivers of taxicabs, and light quick delivery vehicles. These appliances have proved their value over a long period under many different service conditions.
The company supplies, for exceptional service in out-of-the ay places, a detacheble fitting for solid tires, but., owing to exceptional facilities for re-tiring at all its depots, this is not frequently specified. Whilst the celebrated T-pattern tire is in use to a remark able extent in Europe, we are advised that the Continental round section is recommended by the company for general Overseas use.
J.W. and T. Connolly, L4d.
Head Office and Works: 57-67, Wharfdale Road, Ring's Cross, London, N.
" Had roads do an engine a lot of harm, but bad tires do much :more," is an announcement made by J. W. and 1'. Connelly, Ltd., in many of its advertisements. When a tire.' mamfacturing firm grasps this truism, it is beginning to appreEate exactly the qualities demanded of all tires intended for use on mechanically-propelled vehicles. Some 90 years ago the Connolly concern was engaged in manufacturing various wheels and parts fur different vehicles. Since that period it has well-maintained its position through many different transport eras, as one of the foremost companies specializing in this branch of vehicle work. It is claimed for the special process'of maeufacture utilized, that the Connolly band tire possesses an unusual degree of resilience; all road tests go to support this claim. The round-section tire has been adopted as standard, but for special usage, fluted and grooved tires are also made. It is of interest to note that an equal weight of rub-e'er pro rata is+ used in the making of these last-mentioned types, the material displaced by the grooving and fluting being worked into the main body of the tire.
In order to meet the requirements of users operating fleets
in tropical or damp climates, a special pressed-steel wheel termed the Dreadnought has been designed, and this is now manufactured in large numbers. It is made in all standard sizes, and it dispenses, by reason of the material employed, with the warping and shrinking which are frequently evident in the artillery wheel. The Connolly detachable band tire is one of the most simple of its class. Its use enables the tires to be removed without dismounting the wheels. This is accomplished oy the use of wedge-shaped metal packing rings, which are held in position by side flanges, secured by simple bolts going through the fells*.
Rook-Swain Tyre and Rubber Co„ Ltd.
Works : Angle Street, Manchester. Head Office : 66, Oxford Road, Manchester.
The Dook-Swain Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., is prepared to guarantee its solid band tires for a distance of 10,000 miles, the only important stipulation; in addition to that of reasonable care being exercised, is that this distance must be covered within a period of e li ine months from e fitting of the tire. A large portion of this maker's business is transacted wth users of motor vehicles in the North of Engiland, where the loads, as a general rule, are apt to err on the heavy aide, while the roads are in places almost unfit. for motor vehicles to traverse. The "Clinch " tire made by this company is distinguished by its simplicity and practical utility. Users speak highly in its favour, and a large amount of testimony to the value of this tire has been received. In particular, we would mention that the Metropolitan Steam Omnibus Co., Ltd., using "Hercules " tires—another special manufacture of this company—has obtained an average tire mileage of 24,000. The maker's claim, that these tires are noted for resiliency and durability, would seem to be justified in view of this user's experience. Dook-Swains are also favourite tires with, steam-wagon owners.
Dunlop Rubber Co„ Ltd.
Works: Manor Mills, Aston, Birmingham. London Office : 150-152, Clerkenwell Road, E.C. There are few makers of tires whose names are so well known as that of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. If not actually the first maker of pneumatic or solid tires, this company was certainly the first to achieve anything like a famous name as a manufacturer of these accessories. Dunlop solid tires are now as favourably received by users of commercial vehicles, as are the lighter makes of pneumatic tire by the users of pleasure ears and lighter types of delivery vans. With characteristic enterprise, this company has built up a very respectable volume of business by the manufacture of tires bearing the names of different chassis makers who frequently equip their own vehicles with them. The Dunlop solid tire is firmly held by means of loose flanges which are retained in position by suitably-spaced felloe bolts. The patent extensible flange-ring joint has now been tried over a long period of years an vehicles using pneumatic tires, and an increasing number is sold yearly. This fact is sufficient testimony to the regard in which this patent appliance is held by users. We are in a position to inform our Overseas readers that an extremely simple detachable solid tire for heavy vehicles will shortly be marketed by this concern. The appliance is, so we are told, exceptionally simple in operation, the removal and replacement of a few bolts being all the preparation necessary before dismounting the old and attaching the new tire.
The B. F. Goodrich Co., Ltd.
Head Office : 117-123, Golden Lane, London, E.C.
Only one type of tire, namely, the pressed-on band, is made by this company. Three integral factors go to the construction of a Goodrich. These consist of: an endless steel base, dovetailed on its top surface; a hard rubber sub-base which is united to the steel base; and a soft rubber moulded tread, which is vulcanized upon the rubber sub-base. No metal fastenings whatever are embedded in the rubber. The maker claims that this method of manufacture allows the rubber to deform to its utmost safety limit, thereby giving the greatest possible amount of resilience.
The Commercial Tyre Co., Ltd. ("LT.") Works : 534, Old Kent Road, London, S.E. Head Office : 138, Long Acre, London, W.C. The " K.T." air-cushion tires, manufactured and sold by this company, represent an ingenious attempt to combine the resilience of the pneumatic with the good wearing properties of the solid-rubber tire. The maker states that the " KJ." is specially intended for use on light-weight commercial chassis, and at the time of writing some of the leading parcelcar makers have adopted it as standard on their models. The tire consists, as will be seen from our illustration, of a series of circular rubber lugs projecting outwards, and extending in a double row, around the whole diameter of the tire. Inside each of the projections is an air pocket, which accounts, to a large extent, for the resilience of this tire. A perforated steel rim serves to hold the whole rubber band and projections in place. For the use of Overseas users, this company supplies a hand press, by means of which the " K.T." tires can be removed and renewed without trouble. A recent '1(1." departure also, is the manufacture of a series of T-shaped segments, which are intended to fit between the lips of the ordinary pneumatic-tire rim. When these are fitted, it is possible to adapt the " K.T." tire without any structural alteration being required. The company also manufactures .a ranee of solid and pneumatic tires which are largely used by reading municipalities as well as by private traders. These tires are known as the " Eisner." J. Liveraidge and Son, Ltd.
Head Office and Works: 561, Old Kent Road, London, S.E.
A special feature is made by this company of what is known as the Merchant, the attachment for de Nevers solid tires, and which fitting can also be used with endless band tires of the ordinary type. Removable side flanges, circumferentially grooved, hold firmly in position a number of transverse pins tapered on the ends which pass through the bed of the rubber tire, and protrude into the grooves of the removable flanges. The construction is such that the more tightly the flanges are clamped into position, the more firmly the tire itself is bedded on to the felloe, or on to the steel band surrounding it. The rubber tire is knocked into position by means of a hammer and, if necessary, a short lever. J. Liversidge and Son, Ltd., also manufactures a special tire fixing for use with Clincher-type tires. This provides for the drilling of the rubber, and for the insertion, in the drilled holes, of T-headed bolts provided with suitable squared necks. These bolts pass through the tire, the steel clinched rim, and the felloe, and by this means bold the tire firmly in position on the rim, The Midland Rubber Co., Ltd.
Head Office and Works : Ryland Street, Birmingham.
It must be recorded that a special feature is made by the Midland concern of the method employed for the removal the Midland concern of the method employed for the removal of its solid band tires. This is known as the Ajax, and it consists of a special bonding iron' • slotted on its outer diameter to suit four solid keys, which form an integral part of the steel tire band. These keys are slightly tapered in section, and the bonding iron is so arranged that the tire may easily be slipped on to the wheel rim. Once in position, the whole is wedged up firmly, and secured by means of side flanges. The system here described has been put to a severe test over a period of years, particularly in some of the more inaccessible foreign and Colonial countries. Users who have helped in these trials and tests speak in the most happy manner as to the way in which the rims and tires have stood up to their work in actual rough service.
The North British Rubber Co., Ltd. Head Office and Works: Castle Mills, Edinburgh.
From a letter before us, we quote a statement made by this company: "We are makers of pneumatic and solid-band tires for commercial vehicles of every description." The tires known by the name of Clincher are intended for us on delivery vans, and on light-to-medium weight commercial chassis of all descriptions. A second type of tire made by this company, which is being increasingly used, is the Dueasble. Taking a section of this tire, it will be found that the tread consists of an inverted U-shaped piece of rubber and fabric, and fitting inside this is a steel channel, with which, at intervals, a number of T-shaped security bolts engage. The channel-shaped inner ring holds the tire firmly within, the containing channel. Air spaces are left by this means between the crown of the U-shaped upper tread and the top of the upper channel, and these tend towards coolness in running. A special series of tires known as the Clincher-grid and the Clincher-block, is intended chiefly for fire-engine and similar use. Sectional rubber blocks, vulcanized through the interstices of metal grids, are incorporated in these tires, and these are securely fastened to the rim by means of bolts. The Clincher pneumatic tires for motorcab and light-vani requirements are already well known, and it would be mere repetition further to describe the particular products of this company for such purposes. The whole of the rubber used in the tires of this company is analysed, and passed or rejected, by a competent staff in a well-equipped laboratory, which has been specially erected for this purpose.
Peter Union Tyre Co., Ltd.
Works: Frankfurt, Germany.
London Office : 190-2, Gt. Portland Street, W.
For some time it has been the policy of this company to specialize in one particular type of tire, namely, the solid band. As a proof of the general reliability and satisfactory service rendered by this company's manufactures, it is a fact that close on 1000 motorbuses now running in the streets of London are shod with Peter Union tires. Incidentally, exceptionally good mileages have been obtained, and the average life is a comparatively long one. The maker claims that
skidding and slipping tendencies are to some extent neutralized when vehicles are equipped with Peter `Unions, and, owing to the satisfactory design and labour put into these productions, there is little or no tendency for them to creep or to strip. All sizes of tires and rims, ranging from 21 in. to 6 in., are kept in stock at the company's numerous depots.
It will interest Colonial readers to obtain a list of the agencies maintained, numbering nearly 50 'in all. These are situated in many different parts of the world. The greatest success has been experienced by the Peter Union Tyre Co., Ltd., in various foreign countries, and from the repeat orders which are continually delivered to the agencies and offices in all parts of the wortd, it would seem that when once Peter Union tires are used the proportion of repeat orders is usually high.
The Polack Tyre and Rubber Co„ Ltd.
Works: Waltershausen, Germany. London Office: Bassishaw House, Basinghall Street, E.C.
It has been the policy of this company so to extend its ramifications that users in all parts of the world arc within reasonable distance of a Polack depot, where tires and accessories can be obtained. The factory, where a large number of employees are constantly engaged in the manufacture of the company's tires, is a most extensive one. Many of the great British railway companies, as well as a large number of private companies operating motorbuses and mechanically-propelled transport vehicles, have testified to the long life and general good wearing qualities of this company's productions. The Polack Tyre Co., Ltd., claims that this appreciation has been earned solely by the quality of the tires. In its own words, "Quality, design, materials and labour, with the economical production due to a large and scientifically-managed factory are found in concrete form in every Polack solid tire." For use abroad, the wedge method of securing the tire to the wheel is still adopted by this company. In order that this special tire may be fitted, our readers should bear in mind that the wheel felloe should be somewhat smaller in diameter than is necessary for the ordinary type of solid tire, of the same external diameter. The annular space between the base of the tire and the bonding iron of the wheel is Occupied by a double row of wood wedges, which can easily be replaced when necessary. These can be quickly removed and replaced.; and there is nothing in the construction which is likely to hold up vehicles in any isol.ated place beyond the general track of civilization. Side flanges hold the whole firmly in position. Special wheels are not necessary, in order that this method may be adopted; larger tires can be ordered.
Russian Tyre and Rubber Import Co., Ltd.
Works : Riga, Russia,
London Office: 162, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.C.
These tires are manufactured at the well-known works at Riga, in Russia, and they are experiencing a ready and increasing sale both in Russia and other countries. 'The great care taken that the mixture employed shall be such as to give satisfactory service on the road, and the thoroughness of the processes through which the tire passes in the course of its manufacture, have been approved on many occasions by independent authorities and observer& The company markets the usual range of sizes and profiles.
St. Helens Cable and Rubber Co., Ltd.
Head Office and Works : Warrington, Lancs. London Office : 174, King's Cross Road, W.O.
The tire-manufacturing department of this company reports that it is still working at full pressure, in order to cope with its recent orders, many of which are received from abroad. Some 12 months ago, it was decided by the directors of the concern, considerably to extend the tire-manufacturing plant at Warrington, and these extensions are now ie full working order.
The Clincher tires known as the " St. Helens " which are intended for use on light delivery vans, have met with considerable demand during the past year. They are made of one standard diameter, namely, 34 in., whilst the different widths range from 3 in. to 4 in. The rubber of which these tires are composed is known as " Elastinn," and the quality seems to be greatly appreciated by users in all parts of the world.
In 1911 an arrangement was arrived at by the St. Helens Cable and Rubber Co., Ltd., with the Cairn Tyre Co., Ltd., of Walsall, by which the former acquired the exclusive manufacturing and selling rights of the Cairn semi-so/id tires, which are intended for use on light vans. This tire is built up in sections, each of which is securely held to the felloe by washers, bolts and nuts. Three air spaces are provided in each section at the base of the tire. The weight of the vehicle compresses each space in succession as it comes between the van and the ground, the resiliency of the rubber being thereby greatly assisted. The tire and rim is quickly and easily fitted, and., should one part of the tire be damaged to destruction the injury dues not involve the necessity of fittiree a complete new tire, the fractured section alone needing replacement. This may prove serviceable on occasione in Colonial countries, where a stock of sections can be carried and fitted in real emergency. The St. Helens Cable Co. will shortly place on the market an easily detachable solid tire which should it in service give as good results as those which preliminary experiments have led its makers to anticipate, will deserve fuller attention from agents and owners.
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The Shrewsbury and Challiner Tyre Co., Ltd. Head Office and Works Ardwick Green, Manchester.
The question of tires is at all times a serious matter for users of commercial motors. Undersized tires are quickly \Non] out, and, owing to their inability to absorb vibration, considerably shorten the life of any chassis. To the owner who is undecided as to the adoption of solid or pneumatic tiles for light and moderate-sized vehicles, the Shrewsbury
twin detachable rim makes a special appeal. This device combines on the one wheel both a semi-solid and a pneumatic tire. Either the outer only, or if necessary, the two tiree, can readily be dismounted by the removal of a few screwed nuts. The combination gives a great degree of resiliency, and also provides much-needed extra tire support to the vehicle when it is travelling over rough roads or turning corners. The continual pounding beyond the safety margin experienced in such case by any unsupported pneumatic tire i3 exceedingly destructive to both rubber and fabric. The Challiner detachable rims are at once unique and successful.
The World and Giant solid band tires made by this company are intended for use on vehicles ranging from one ton to the largest size made. The steel bands which form the base plates for these tires are both grooved and perforated. The latter feature allows the rubber to secure a much firmer grip, and at the same time obviates all danger of creeping. The World tire is intended for rear wheel ese only, and takes a Siamese-twin form. In effect two tires are built an the one steel foundation, which extends the tetal width of the two bands. This construction gives all the advantages of the usual twin type tire, while at the same time it greatly improves resistance to lateral strains.
Simplex Rubber Co., Ltd.
Head Office and Works: Scrubbs Lane, Willesden, London, N.W.
Although not such an old-established manufacturer of solidrobber band tires as several other firms catering for this market., the economy of Simplex productions does not suffer on this account. It is not so very long ago since a
representative of Tule CommizaciAL. MOTOR made a tour of inspection round the Willesden factory of this company. The raw rubber material for the tires is carefully selected and graded in the early stages of manufacture, and this is later amalgamated at high temperatures and under great pressure. Extruded sections are finally vulcanized as clincher or band tires, of which the ultimate finish is of exceptional grade. Some 12 months ago, several London motorbus companies were engaged in testing sets of these tires, and since that period it has afforded the Simplex Rubber Co, Ltd., great gratification to have received several repeat orders for its productions from these concerns, prominent amongst which may be numbered the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., and the National Steam Car Co., Ltd. The Simplex manufactures are guaranteed for 10,000 miles, subject to the usual conditions adopted whtn giving such a guarantee. Both the process by which these tires are manufactured and also the machines used are fully protected by patents. The tires, which are of the solid-band type only, are pressed on to the rim in the usual manner. Steel felloes and side flanges are supplied by the Simplex Rubber Co., Ltd., when required. Simplex tires are now being used on steam wagons.
The Sirdar Rubber Co., Ltd.
Works: Milnes, Greenland Mills, Bradford-on-Avon. London Office : 21, Crawford Street, London, W. It is claimed on behalf of the Sirdar twin tires that they were the first in the world of this type to be fitted to a motorbus. Many experiments have been carried out by this company with a view to securing a durable fabric which would be attended in use by the greatest resiliency, a id although perfection has hardly been reached as yet, there is little difference of opinion but that a very high degree of efficiency has been attained. Particular attention is directed to the Sirdar pneumatic tires, especially those of the studded
type. A sstud of special hardness for use with these tires has been standardized, and it is claimed that the method of mounting these has rendered it extremely unlikely for them to come away from the tread when in service.
S. Stevenson and Ce.
Head Office sad Works: 59, Logan Street, Glasgow.
With the aeveket of the Faranaure tire and rim, the name of S. Stevenson quickly became increasingly well known to users of commercial motors. The advantages of equipping
vehicles with rims and tires on which one clinch could be removed in order to admit a new tire, were readily grasped. When this improved rim is fitted, the necessity of having a tire press within reasonable travelling distance is dispensed with. It became possible for vehicles to operate many hundreds of miles from the nearest depot, without fear of their being held up for the replacement of tires. After being thoroughly tested on various types of machines, in many different countries, the Faransure appliances were pronounced a success by many gratified users. In consequence the Glasgow works were soon being pressed to the limit of their capacity.
Other advantages are claimed for this device in addition to the easily-detachable rim. The base is of double-wedge shape, and this formation squeezes down the band between the two clinches when the detachable rim is bolted up to the wheel. Even at the highest speeds, and under the roughest usage, the tire is held firmly to the rim by this means, and
there can be, within reason, no risk of the tires flying oft. Foreign users will no doubt carefully consider these advantages when deciding on rims and tires.
Torkington Tyres, Ltd.
Head Office : 76, York Street, Buckingham Gate, London, S.W.
The chief claim made on behalf of the Torlungton tire, is that it is a soft, solid, and safe production, for use on light delivery vans, taxicabs, and similar vehicles. The maker states that its patent chain attachment dispenses with the usual steel band and hard rubber base fitted to solid tires, whilst at the same time retaining the tire firmly in the channel section rim. These productious are guaranteed on most vehicles up to 15,000 miles, subject to the usual conditions, and they are tested in actual service up to a speed of 40 miles an hour. It was the maker's endeavour to effect a compromise between solid and pneumatic tires in marketing this type, and, owing to the goftness and durability of the rubber employed, and its great I esiliency, the claim would seem to have been fairly well substantiated.
Wood-Milne, Ltd.
Head Office : Ribblebank Mills, Preston., England. Head Office and Works: Longford Bridge, Warrington.
For sonic time now Wood-Milne, Ltd., has been manufacturing its special tire into which the particular composition known as steel-rubber enters largely. In the tread of this tire a quantity of fine-drawn strands of steel are mixed, and during the vulcanizing process these are thoroughly embedded in the rubber. This process gives a very durable surface, • and the mileage results recorded; when these productions have been in use, are certainly satisfactory both to the maker, and also to users. We are told by Wood,-Milne, Ltd., that the demand for the tires is constantly increasing both at home and abroad.
At the moment of going to Press, we are informed that a new system of fixing solid tires, without the aid of a press or special wheels, will shortly be placed on the market by Wood-Milne, Ltd. No doubt: by the time this issue is in the hands of our readers it will be possible for them to order these detachable tires, for immediate delivery. The large factories, and the complete organization already possessed by
the company, will prove extremely serviceable in supplying the demands which are sure to arise for this new device as soon as it is completed.
Wallington, Weston and Co.
Office and Works : St. John's Mills, Frome, Somerset. Telegraphic address : "Wallington Frome."
This company manufactures several types of special elastic treads. The best-known of these is undoubtedly the tire known as the "Frome." This product has met with a favourable reception by many users in all parts of the world, and some excellent mileages have been attained. There are no unusual or freakish features to be mentioned when speaking of this tire, the makers relying, for recfignition, on its goon wearing qualities, and the care taken in the selection of material, together with correct treatment during the process of manufacture.