A Cross-country Vehicle for 4-cwt. Loads
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k N interesting type ot • crosscountry carrier has recently been produced by Roadless Traction, Ltd., of Gunnersbury House, Hounslow, Middlesex. It is intended for generalpurpose use and is. guided and controlled by a man walking -behind; although, of course, the machine is self-propelled, the power unit being a 1i h.p. Villiers engine, working on the two-stroke-cycle principle, which drives two endless. rubber tracks upon which the weight of the machine is carried by three double rollers at each side. The load-carrying rollers are fully canpensated by a patented system -of chain-cable suspension which ensures the equalizing of the weight on each roller, whilst allowing the tracks to accommodate themselves to inequalities of the surface over which they pass.
It is stated that the capacity :of this machine for carrying its full load of .4 cvvt; across country and over sift, :uneven ground' is truly remarkable, . and although the power of the,.eligine is so small the large gear-. red-net-ions afforded enable the MaChine to climb with
ease the steepest gradients likely to be encountered.
The speed can be regulated by the throttle to the equivalent of an easy walking pace. This first model is purely experimental and it is the wish of the maker to ascertain whether there is likely to be a commercial field for such a machine, which certainly has considerable potentialities. It enables loads to be conveyed to places hitherto inaccessible to larger vehicles, it can be equipped with any type of body desired, and if produced in moderate quantities it is quite conceivable that it will bp marketable at . about the same price as a motorcycle and sidecar.
It is possiblethat there will be an outlet for such a machine in replacing _pack. animals and porters where at present these are the only Means for transport, whilst the smallness ofthe machine and its narrow tread Would enable it to run between' rows Of plants, so that it -could be operated on estates where cotton, coffee, tea and other produce are grown.
For many operations over soft ground, such as Commonly exists around building sites, the vehicle in question should be capable of replacing the wheelbarrow. The low pressure upon the surface should prevent its-damage, even after continuous use.
The company will be pleased to receive inquiries regarding this machine and indications as to possible uses for it. If the idea meets with sufficient encouragement the company will be prepared to arrange for the production and marketing of the machine.