The Smithfield Show Second Report.
Page 9
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More Traction Engine Builders Build Five-ton Tractors.
HORN, LITTLEWOOD AND CO., LTD.—This company makes a delivery van fitted with a two-cylinder isb.h.p. engine, the normal speed of which is 1,000 revolutions per minute. The ignition is by accumulators and a coil, but a dual system of ignition can be supplied, combining the magneto system with accumulators for L's extra. Water circulation is by a pump, and extra large radiators are fitted. A Long-uemare carburetter is supplied, and this is furnished with an automatic air inlet. The gear box contains three speeds and a reverse, whilst direct drive on the top gear is obtained. Transmission is by a cone clutch to the gear box; thence by transverse shaft and chains to the bark wheels. Two brakes are fitted. The first is worked by a foot pedal, which acutates a band on the main driving shaft; the second is operated by a side lever and brings into action a brake which grips two drums on the driving wheels. The petrol tank holds about eight gallons of spirit. The vehicle will keep up an average speed of twelve miies per, hour, with a load of ti-ton up. The engine is placed underneath the driver's seat and by loosening a few bolts, the seat can be removed and the whole engine then becomes accestsible for any adustment. The chassis throughout is specially built for commercial use, it is not mereiy a converted motorcar. The price is L:385, and this includes the services of a skilled driver for one week to teach the purchaser's man. The fittings included in the above price are two headlights, and a tail lamp, horn, a full equipment of tools, and sundry spare parts. Unfortunately, the van did not arrive in London until Wednesday the 6th instant, and was, therefore, not inside the actual building, but had to stand in one of the sheds at the back of the Ifni!.
CHARLES BURRELL AND SONS (31).--We now supplement the short description of the 5-ton tractor made by the above company, which we gave in our issue of December 7th. The main features in the design are very much on the lines of the larger types of road locomotives, which have been found to give excellent results with regard to durability and economy. The special points in the design of the tractor shown are the double gear drive, the steering gear, and the arrangement for readily locking the compensating gear when occasion requires it. The gear drive is constructed in such a manner that, although the engine is mounted upon springs, each of the back wheels is driven independently by its own pinion on the countershaft. This method of transmission puts much less strain on the back axle than would be the case if both back wheels were driven from one side of the engine. The steering gear was described in our first report. The means by which the compensating gear is locked, without the necessity for the driver to get down from the footplate, is the subject of a patent. After practical experiments, it has been found to act weil, and its usefulness is apparent on occasions when there is a tendency on the part of the back %%leek to slip round on a greasy surface. The locking gear consists of a set of suitably-formed sliding keys, which, by means of a hand lever, conveniently arranged, can be put into action at once. This action locks together all the gear wheels contained in the differential gearing. The tractor embodies the accumulated experience of nearly fifty years in the construction of self-propelled road locomotives.
THE IVEL AGRICULTURAL MOTORS, LTD. (182).--One of the standard agricultural motors wasexhib,. isfcl. This machine is fitted with an 18h.p. governed engine, an in conjunction with the company's ingenious and simple vaporiser, wifi use ordinary paraffin with good results. A friction clutch is employed for transmission of power, and two speeds and a reverse are fitted. The road wheels have extra wide rims with grips, making it impossible for them to skid even on soft or greasy ground. The motor will haul a two or three-furrow ough, a reaper, or a mowing machine; in tact, it wili be found most useful for power purposes too numerous to mention, as it can be coupled up to any existing agricultural machine. A belt pulley, driven directly off the engine, is used for stationary work, such as driving a threshing machine, a dynamo, a corn mill, etc. The complete machine weighs approximately 28cwt.
The feature of the Show was the number of traction en gine builders who have added tractors to their output, and this may be regarded as a direct outcome of the Heavy
Motorcar Order, 1904, which granted a tare of 5 tons instead .of 3 tons. The earlier limit had not appealed to these 'Alilders, but there appears to be a fair demand for the 'tractors, which can haul 5 or 6 tons.