A New Small Track-laying Machine
Page 72
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
SEVERAL authorities in the tractor world a short time ago expressed the opinion that the track-laying type of machine had become obsolete. In recent months, however, several new additions have been made to the list of models available and a further one takes the form of a small machine bearing the International name, thus refuting the statement in no uncertain manner. This model is handled by the International Harvester Co. of Great Britain, Ltd., 250, City Road, London, E.C.1.
So far as the engine is concerned, this is one of the same type as has been used in International tractors in large numbers and which has given great satisfaction in service. It is of the four-cylindered pattern (bore 41 ins., stroke 5 ins.) having overhead valves operated by push-rods, the cam
shaft being mounted in the crankcase ; two ball bearings carry the crankshaft.
The following are the leading dimensions :—Overall length, 9 ft. 81 ins.; overall width, 4 ft. 2 ins.; height to the top of the radiator, 4 ft. 41 ins.; height of drawbar, 1 ft. 1 ins.; track, 3 ft. 4 ins.; tank capacities, paraffin, 15 gallons, petrol, gallon ; wheelbase, 4 ft. 6i ins. ; turning-circle radius. 5 ft.; range of drawbar adjustment (horizontal), 1 ft. 2 ins. The approximate weight is 2 tons 16 cwt.
A single-plate 12-ip. clutch is mounted behind the engine, which is built into the one-piece frame in the manner popularized by the farm and
industrial tractors of International make. Three forward speeds are provided, giving 1.77 m.p.h., 2.41 m.p.h. and 3.44 m.p.h. at normal engine revolutions, namely, 1,000 r.p.m. Reverse gear gives 2.16 m.p.h. Power is transmitted from the gearbox to the driving sprockets of the track bogies by 12-in. plate clutches, one on each side. -Steering is effected by disconnecting the clutch on one side or the other. All the working parts, with the exception of the driving sprockets, the idlers and the track plates, are enclosed and run in 'oil.
A spring tensioning device is installed in each bogie unit to maintain the proper adjustment of the track. It also acts as a safety device should a stone or other object become jammed between the track and the driving sprockets or idlers. Three track rollers carry the weight of the
machine. Ball and socket joints are used to connect the front idler wheels to the forward axle, which is carried on a pin in a fork below the main frame ; the swivelling of this axle permits the bogies to maintain contact with the ground in all circumstances. Each track shoe is 10 ins, wideand spuds or grousers are built into the pla1,ts, each being 2/ ins. high.