AGRIMOTOR NOTES.
Page 22
Page 23
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Small Tractor.
THE OBSERVATION has already been made that a large number of tractors which do good work are of comparatively light weight, and that the tendency of makers is more and more in the direction of producing this type of machine. The type includes machines like the Fordson, Austin, Garner, Weeks, etc., and the tendency is a natural one. The greater proportion.of land in this country is of a class which is capable . of being ploughed and tilled by any machine of this kind. Further, the majority of farms are of mediumsize, therefore favouring the 'mediuin tractor:. But there is another important class of holding to -be considered, and that is the class to which belongs the small farm.. The progress of mechanical power in farming is becoming so rapid, and its advantages are so great, that the small farmer will not be able to "carry on " without his mkotor tractor or motor plough. Bearing this fact in mind, one is bound to admit that there is, undoubtedly, a future for the small tractor and motor plough. The time will come when machines of the Wyles and Fowler type of motor plough will be used extensively on small farms and in market gardens arid fruit plantations. At present, the number of these implements suitable for such work is decidedly limited, so far as this country is concerned. In time we shall see them taking their proper place in the economy of British agriculture.
The Wyles and Fowler are both excellent machines of this type. They become more perfect With each new model. Work is done accurately and cleanly, and the machines will turn on small headlands. Prices are continually going up and, with labour and materials at their present rates, there is not much hope of the machines becoming cheaper. ' Even so, the price compares very well with what the appliances are capable of doing on the farm. They are excellent for dealing with small intensive concerns, and are eminently suitable for working in fruit plantations and market gardens, as, owing to their size, the machines can get between and under trees with the greatest facility, and will work under conditions where a tractor could n4vt be usefully employed. One man can manage them and they are easy to handle, ploughs and cultivating implements can be attached, the usual stationary machinery (such as pumps, chaff machines, and the like) can be driven easily, and efficiency and economy are maintained throughout. The total weight of a Wyles with a twofurrow plough is 21 ewt, height 4 ft., length 12 ft. 6ins., width 2 ft. 10 ins. Both the Fowler and the Wyles have their own special features, and many could be enumerated, but sufficient has been noted to indicate the lines of development and the value of the machines for use on small farms, in market gardens, and fruit plantations.
People have still a good deal to learn in regard to the use of this kind of machine as an aid to higher production on small areas, and few have yet realized the value of mechanical power for small holdings. One of these great advantages is deep cultivation, to obtain which by the use of the spade or the horse plough is terribly costly. Growers have alwaYs realized the value of deep and seasonable ploughing, but the great cost of operation has always been a drawbaCk, and the slowness of speed renders it impossible to get all the work done at the proper season. The small tractor solves this problem. Of course, it means greater capital outlay at the outset or when the tractor is first intiodueed. This, however, is well counterbalanced by the reduction in working expenses which can be obtained irufront one to three years, and the increased profits as a result of having all cultivation.and sowings done at the proper time.
Besides the small motor ploughs mentioned above, there is another useful implement known, as the garden tractor. . Two makes are on the market at present. They are the Beeman and the Service, and are of considerable benefit on small holdings, in large private gardens, small fruit plantations, and market gardens. These machines are rather too small for the market gardener or fruit-grower doing business on a large scale, but, for all below this degree, it is most valuable as a tithe-saver and efficient worker. In large private gardens, where the labour difficulty is so severe, this type of machine is invaluable.
The implement is particularly applicable to smallholders, market gardeners, and fruit growers, being useful to -the latter as it will conveniently work betWeen the rows of sinall bush fruits. 'twill also work admirably between the rows of vegetables. The work which suits it best is cultivating and harrowing, although it has been adapted for light ploughing. The implements with which it was at one time fitted were not altogether suitable, but these have now been re-adapted and do. really good work. The appliance is quite small in size; and the operator walks behind. Developments along the lines of the Beeman and the Service should meet, with success, as they would effect a great saving of labour for the small-holder, and particularly in the large private garden.