THE LUBRICATION OF TRACTORS.
Page 68
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Mr. E. F. Hughes, of the technical staff of the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., recently gave a lecture to the students of the Harper Adams Agricultural College, Newport, Salop, during which, in dealing with the question of lubrication of the farm tractor, he pointed out that, whilst capable of giving good service with proper care, this class of machine usually operates under conditions of heavy load, giving out an average SO per cent, of its full power for almost the whole time it is in use. Cense C46 quently, with the high temperatures prevailing, one is inclined towards the use of. rich, heavy-bodied oils to give adequate protection to the friction surfaces, and,' Mr. Hughes added, such lubricants can be 'safely employed. •
Some of the difficulties encountered, even" When using high-grade oils, were stated to include dilution caused by fuel passing to the crankcase as a result of incomplete combustion, faulty ignition, or incorrect use of the carburetter air strangler. Furthermore, sludge forma -lion in the oil is caused by condensation, excessive water accumulation and foreign matter in the oil. To minimise these troubles, Mr. Hughes first stressed the' importance of using a good-quality oil, and, secondly, of seeing. that it is stored in clean receptacles, thus overcoming the risk of contamination.: Maintaining the engine at the proper working temperature Will help to minimize fuel dilution, whilst correctigni4 tion and carburetter settings are essential.