Increasing the Sphere of Usefulness of Low-powered Tractors
Page 25
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Demonstration of Ingos Rotaped Track-laying Device. Proves Its Degree of Universal Application. Machine of 6 h.p. Gives Steady Draw-bar Pull of 950 lb.
WE have, in the past, given full details, together with the results of practical tests, of the Ingos Rotaped, a
device which has been' designed to take the place of the normal type of tractor wheel, and to impart to the tractor the essential features of a track-layirrg machine. Such tests as have been con ducted have been on the larger types of tractor, so that the application of the Ingos Rotaped to a machine of a
modest 6 h.p. was likely to prove of especial interest to market-gardeners, small-holders, and even farmers whose requirements in this direction are of a
comparatively modest order. '
. Such a demonstration was recently staged at the nurseries of A. E. Mason,
Ltd., StaMes, the tractor used being an Iron Horse 6 h.p. machine,. a product of the British Anzarii Engineering Co..
Ltd., Windmill Road, Hampton Hill, Middlesex. It is of the two-wheeled type and is powered by an Arizani J.A.P. air-cooled engine. It has a centrifugal duthh, which automatically takes up the drive as the engine speed increases, an arrangement which considerably simplifies operation.
It is provided with a gearbox giving three forward speeds and a reverse, and
the final drive, via a worm reduction gear, is by an enclosed roller chain. An interesting feature of the tractor is that
the steering is power-assisted through the mediumof differential-action dog Clutches, which are under control from the tractor handles.
This feature enables the operative to pivot the tractor at the end of each row with practically, no effort. There is, too, an accessible power take-off.
• Whilst this little •machine undoubtedly gives an excellent performance within its capacity, and with its standard wheel arrangement, the logos Rotaped device undoubtedly increases • its sphere of usefulness under adverse conditions of ground surface.
Some idea of the heavy going to ' which the Iron Horse was subjected can best be appreciated from one of the accompanying illustrations. On hard, dry, and fairly even surfaces, the trackless method shows no advantage oVer the ordinary wheel system, and it is only under conditions where the going is • particularly heavy that the logos Rotaped shows to its full advantage.' The claim is made that the, fitting of this track-laying mechanism makes a difference equivalent of from 4 h.p.'tc 6 h.p. Considerations, based on thc results obtained, lead to the comparison being made between the mechanized unit and a two-horse team such as would be required by a farmer with 80 acres or so, with half in grass and with two or three fields of from 10 tc 70 acres of arable.
An actual dynamometer test, carried out by the Surrey War Agricultural Committee, showed a draw-bar pu:1 from 800 lb. to 1,100 lb., with a steady pull of 950 lb.
There is no doubt that such a combination provides 4n ideal and economical piece of equipment which should appeal strongly to any agriculturist whose needs are within its capacity,