A New French Agrimotor.
Page 15
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AT the recant trials of agricultural machinery at Bac, which, by the way, were attended by M. 1-lerriot, the French President, we had an opportunity of observing the behaviour of the new Latil light tractor, which was subsequently shown at the Commercial :Motor Show in Paris. This machine drives and steers with all four of its wheels, and runs on pneumatic tyres. The engine is a four-cylinder Monobloc, 85 nun. and 130 aim., with a nominal h.p. rating of 14, and the clutch casing and gearbox are in one unit with the motor, the clutch being of the single-disc type. The gearbox gives six forward speeds and a reverse. Three of these speeds are very slow for field work, and the remaining three are faster for use when the machine is running on
the road. The engine has opposed side valves, and the forced lubrication is supplied by a gearwheel type of pump, whilst there is a special air purifier fitted to the carburetter to prevent dust from entering the engine.
The action of either the forward or rear differential can be stopped by means of a lever under the driver's control, so as to enable the machine to get out of slippery ground. Thanks to its four-wheel steering, the tractor is able to turn in a radius of 3 metres 60 cm., measured to the outer wheel track. Goad suspension is assured b-y means of four long and rather flat half-elliptic springs, which fact differentiates this machine from so many unsprung agrimotors. Another good feature is the brake equipment, the brakes operating on both
front and rear wheels. The total weight of the new tractor is a little over 35 cwt.
When the machine is intended for mixed work (road traction and field work), an arrangement of hinged plates is fitted to the steel disc wheels. These plates curve inwards over the tyre when the machine is to he used on soft ground and give a splendid grip. When running on the road, the plates are folded back on to the disc of the wheel. They are retained in each position by substantial springs. The machine can also be supplied with the ordinary type of steel-tyred tractor wheel When it is required for farm use Only. Under normal condition the tractor will pull a trailer with loads up to five tons of useful weight.