An Off-set Land Tractor Introduced By International
Page 26
Page 27
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Cultivision" and Plough Balance Among Outstanding Features of New Small " Farman" Land Tractor A Machine of Special Interest With Its Enginetransmission Backbone Well to Near Side of Centre Line
COINED to describe the characteristic of affording the operative an unrestricted view of the ground immediately in front of and below him, the term " Cultivision " has been introduced together with a new small Farman tractor with off-set power and transmission unit, by the International Harvester Co., of Great Britain, Ltd.,
259, City Road, London, E.C.I. • This is npt the only advantage of the novel layout; it also gives plough balance, because when the off-side wheels are running in the furrow and the near-side wheels on the land at 6 or 7 ins, higher level, the weight is better distributed transversely than with a symmetrical arrangement.
To compensate, however, for this lack of symmetry, and to improve the equilibrium when running on the level, the off-side hub is a heavy casting, whilst that on the near side is a relatively light 'pressing. Detachable wheel weights are also provided, and water may be introduced into the tyres for additional ballast, Powered by a 14.7 h.p, four-cylindered engine, and having a shipping weight of approximately 1,590 lb., the new Earmuff is primarily intended for use on farms of 80-100 acres and is admirably suited for row-crop work.
The track, or tread, to use farming parlance, can be varied from 40 ins. in 4-in, increments, to 68 ins. At the rear, the alteration is made by mounting the wheels differently on the hub, reversing them, and reverSing their fixings, and at the front by adjusting the telesc6pic axle and steering drag links.
Pneumatic tyres are standardized, the sizes for front and rear being, respectively; 4-15 and 7-24, Firestone or Goodyear makes being employed.
For agriculture, three gears are available, giving speeds of 2/, St and 4/ m,p.h,, whilst there is a fourth ratio giving 10 m.p.h. for haulage work, Further variations are effected by the variable governor, which regulates crankshaft revolutions between 900 and 1,400 r.p.m.
A:power-take-off and belt-pulley attachment is offered at slight extra cost. It is readily fitted, taking the place of a cover at the back of the right-angle drive unit. The price of the tractor in standard form is £195.
Three pedal controls are provided; that on the left is the clutch, whilst the centre arid right-hand pedals operate respectively the brakes on the near-side and off-side wheels, This ability to brake independently facilitates sharp turning. When running straight, the pedals can be easily coupled together. A ratchet is available for holding on the brake for parking.
Of the pan type, lined with waterproof fabric, and mounted on a pair of leaf springs, the seat can be tipped ap out of the way to permit the operative to stand.
At the base of the steering-box casting are lugs and bosses tor the fixing of the special implements used in conjunction with this small Farmall which, attached thus, are right inder the driver's observation.
In addition, there is an implement bar fixed to the lower forward parts of the two final-drive housings, and to this a coupled a swinging drawbar.
Petrol or paraffin can be used as fuel, there being an sttachment for the latter. A Donaldson oil-bath air cleaner s mounted on the intake at the near side, and an accessible Purolator oil filter is positioned on the off side of the engine.
Radiator shutters control the temperature of the cooling water and a heat gauge is provided.
One of thesp new International Farman tractors has, >ince its arrival about a fortnight ago, been in use on a 'arm in Surrey, drawing a two-furrow plough in medium sea,vy chalky soil. We are informed that it has been sloughing at the rate of acre per hour and consuming in this time 9 pts. of paraffin. This work is accomplished >atisfactorily in second gear. In the first ratio the rate is acre and 6 pts. per hour.
The advantages accruing from the ability to see the p-ound under the vehicle and the implement, if it be in the 'orward position, are said to be definitely material.
Here are further main details of thE specification: Draw
Jar hip., 12; bore,. 3 ins.; stroke, 4 ins.; ground clearance, ?,14 ins.; wheelbase, 70 ins.; overall length, 106 ins.; turnng radius, 9 ft. The engine has replaceable cylinder liners.