A New Oil-engined Track-layer
Page 52
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE application of oil-engine power to the bigger track-laying tractors has found considerable favour among several classes of user, especially agricultural ploughing contractors and those engaged in earth-moving operations. This is not surprising, for, apart from the big pulling capacity, these are probably the most economical of all tractors in operation and upkeep, and the lowest in depreciation.
A newcomer is the Cletrac BD type, handled in this country by Blaw-Knox, Ltd., New Oxford House, Hart Street, London, W.C.1. This machine follows the new American fashion for "Streamlining," which means, in tractor practice, a general cleaning up of the external outline, with a resultant improvement in appearance. Better protection is afforded to the radiator and, in this model, improved accessibility.
The power unit is a six-cylindered oil engine with electric starting, provided with a blow-lamp heater for assisting starting under extremely cold conditions. The horse-power available at
.81.8 the drawbar is rated at 35, which is approximately in line with that of several comparable models.
In bottom gear, with a speed of 1.7 m.p.h., the drawbar pull is given as 7,770 lb., whilst in second gear (2.625 m.p.h.) the pull is 5,000 lb. In " top " there is a pull of 3,580 lb. at 3.5 m.p.h. The machine is capable of handling a standard five-furrow plough to the full depth in heavy going.
The price is just over £800.