Mechanical Tractor or Horses ?
Page 19
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Of the many satisfactory reports from users of Aveling and Porter tractors, few will be able to excel the excellent results that have been obtained by Mr. A. M. Cook, the road surveyor to the Rural District Council of Linton, Cambridgeshire. Mr. Cook, after careful investigation, persuaded his council to purchase one of the well-known Rochester company's compound tractors, an illustration of Which type is given .herewith, and he has been good enough to furnish •us with particulars of the comparative costs for this machine and for horse haulage. We regret that we have not received a photograph of Mr. Cook's patent truck, which has been specially designed by him, and fitted with 'a trap-door arrangement, so that granite can be shot in heaps to any required size without undue delay. Mr. Cook has, in addition, • adapted his own special form of road
pick to the engine. . .
In the course of a letter addressed to us on the 22nd ultimo, Mr. Cook states that he originally hoped to be able to do the carting with the tractor at 3d. per ton-mile, but he was handicapped by its late delivery his figures include a very large proportion of winter working, and every user of mechanical transport will know that short days and inclement weather, more especially snow and frost, of which there was much above the normal share last winter, do not allow of the same performance as may be achieved in the summer months. He hopes to be able this year, however, from the fact that he has been able to start use of the tractor in March, to get down the price to 3d. per ton-mile for the ensuing season, which will show a saving of no less than 80. per ton per mile against horses. The tractor will, for use next winter, be converted into a road roller, which will effect a still further economy in the oouncil's operations connected with road maintenance.