ROAD SWEEPING WITH A BATTERY ELECTRIC.
Page 26
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
An Unusual Type of Appliance which Embodies a Three-wheeled Electric-tractor and Balanced Brush Gear.
A VERY interesting development of the battery-electric tractor is that marketed by H. C. Slingsby, of 89, 95 and 97, Kingsway, London, W..C.2. This consists of the Slingsby Little Elephant tractor combined with an easily fitted brush gear which transforms the machine into a simple and reliable sweeper. The complete vehicle thus formed has a turning radius of 4 ft. 2 ins., and can therefore be operated in exceptionally confined areas.
The motive power is provided by a 4 h.p. Automatic motor, which is spring suspended in order to isolate it from road shocks. It drives the fullfloating axle through worm gearing, the metal drum controller being provided with large contact plates, giving three speeds in each direction. This controller is". so mounted that it permits direct operation by the handle, thus eliminating the possibility of lost motion through a number of connections. In order to give a considerable measure of safety, there is an inter-locking device which prevents the release of the brake and the applying of the power until the operator is in position on the seat of the tractor.
The frame is constructed of 4-in. beams, and coil springs are provided between the chassis frame and the rear axle, whilst stout bumper plates at the front protect the machine and the operator. Quick demounting of the batteries from either side or overhead is B42 permitted by the careful design of the battery box.
The wheels are 16 ins, diameter, with pressed-on solid tyres. The normal drawbar pu.i is 600 lb., and the weights are 2,E50 lb. with an Edison battery and 2,750 lb. with an ordinary lead battery.
An adjustable balance we..ght is provided for the brush, the Leting and dropping of which are c,:ntrolled by a lever and ratchet quadrant at the off side of the driver, close to the tractor controls. Channel-section steel brackets are used to support the brush fulcrum bar, and the drive is very simply arraegad at the off side.
At the moment we have no figures regarding the current consumption of a sweeper cf this type, and we shall wait with some interest the zesults obtained with it in service.