A New Three-wheeled Sweeper
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liRING the past year or two Rel./Rance three-wheeled, petrol-engined trucks have been performing many useful industrial functions. The maker, the Redshaw Lister Woollen Machinery Co., Ltd., Spen Vale Works, Heckmondwike, Yorkshire, has now introduced a model making use of the familiar chassis, but equipped with 'a mechanical sweeping and water-spraying outfit This is known as type SW'S and costs £150.
A cranked frame is employed for the chassis, and the power unit, which is mounted directly over and drives the steerable front wheel, can be rotated in its turntable housing to give directional control. The driver occupies a sprung metal pan seat immediately behind the powerunit assembly, and behind him is the 120-gallon galvanized-steel water tank which is equipped with a hinged filler and strainer. The sprayer pipe is mounted in front of the revolving broom and the water supply is regulated by a valve below the driving seat. Chain drive for the sweeping gear is employed from the off-side rear wheel to bevel wheels and then by a secondary chain to a sprocket on the shaft carrying the 3-ft. 6-in. broom. The bevel wheels, dog clutch and chains are fully enclosed. On the right-hand side of the driver is the lever for starting and stopping the broom, whilst the height of the broom is controlled by a lever to the driver's left. Jockey sprockets are employed to tension the two roller chains, whilst the broom-height adjustment can be altered to suit the action of the control lever.
A 6 h.p. four-stroke-cycle side-valve
engine of 596 c.c. provides the power. It is air-cooled and oil is supplied by an automatic pump. The oil tap incorporates a safety device which makes it impossible to run the engine unless the oil be turned on, thus safeguarding the operator against carelessness.
The drive is through a single-plate clutch by chains to the front driving wheel. All the wheels have solid tyres. The brake pedal takes effect on the two rear wheels, whilst the hand-controlled ratchet lever operates the front-wheel brake. If desired, a three-speed gear and electric-lighting equipment can be installed at an extra charge.