S.M.M. and T. TRACTOR TRIALS AT LINCOLN.
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WE have received from the S.M.M.T. a copy of the full regulations for the above trials, and the following is an abridgment for the convenience ot our readers. Those requiring fuller information should write to the Society asking for a copy of the regulations. The trial is open to agricultural tractors and self-contained motor ploughs of all kinds; entries should be made upon special forms to be obtained from the bociety of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., 83, Pall Mall, S.W. 1, and must be received not later than June 30th, 1919 (Cr by July 31st on payment of a late fee of 50 per cent, in addition to the entry fee). The entry tee is £20 for each tractor or selfcontained motor plough, and £5 for each implement to be drawn. •
Entries may be made by manufacturers or by flair accredited representatives: Not more than two machines of-the same model may be entered for the ploughing tests, one "ofwhich, or a third machine (which must be similar to the others) may be entered for demonstration of haulage or threshing, facilities for which operations will be provided during the period of the second part of the trials, if application be made at the time of entry. Entrants of tractors must provide suitable ploughs and cultivators to be hauled by their machines, and entrants of self-contained plough,s must provide cultivators. One grade each of petrol, benzole, and paraffin fuel will be provided for machines driven by internal-combustion engines, and one grade each of coal and E34 coke for steam-driven machines; but the entrants must declare the class and approximate quantity of fuel required at the date of entry. All fuel tanks must be provided with means for completely draining off the fuel for measuring purposes.
The selling price of each machine current at the date of entry is to be declared by the entrant for inclusion in the catalogue and a guarantee must be that tlt such price will not be increased for machines within a period of three months from the dale of completion of the trials, except under extracr d inary circumstances.
In their report the judges will take into consideration the following points, among others :--Weight of machine in full working order, with spuds; weight per square foot, on front and back wheels separately in the case of a wheeled machine, or weight per square foot of track in contact with the ground' for a track machine; cost of fuel and lubricating oil per acre, in proportion to the drawbar pull; water evaporated per acre; ease of handling, including starting time and turning at headlands ; reliability (freedom from mechanical trouble); capital cost, in relation to drawbar pull in lbs. ; mechanical construction, having special regard to simplicity and aCcess to wearing parts; safety of operation; number of atttindants; capacity in acres per day of eight hours; efficiency of adhesion; working cost per acre; suitability for haulage and threshing purposes as shown by construction. The trials will occupy five days and will be divided into two parts, as follows :— (a) One machine of each make and type entered will be selected, and submitted to a drawbar dynamometer test for the purpose of guiding entrants as to how many ploughs may be drawn by the machine, and their size, and alsofor' ascertaining the pulling capacity of each machine. 'These_particidars will be obtained by a recording dynamometer when the, machine is travelling at 21 miles an hour. The total ratio on each gear, and the driving wheel diameter in the case of a wheeled vehicle, or the pitch diameter and pitch of the track sprockets in the case of a track machine, must be declared and marked on a label carried on each machine, No structural alterations will be permitted alter the drawbar test.
(b) The second part of the trial will occupy three days. The first by ploughing on heavy soil from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with one hour's interval. The second day on light soil. The third day, two hours' ploughing in the morning, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in cultivating land previously ploughed.
For convenience in conducting the trials, generally, certain areas will be allotted to certain classes of tractors, hut, subject to that, all positions on the actual ploughing grounds will be balloted for, and entrants will be duly advised a few days before the trials as to their positions.