A New Track-layer for Row Cultivation
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rtA NEW oil-engined track-laying tractor, capable of drawing a threefurrow plough in average land and suitable for disc harrowing and similar work, has been introduced by John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd., Leeds. Known as the FD2, it is specially adapted for use with a rotary hoe.
The hoe is attached to the rear of the tractor and is driven from a power takeoff on the side of the transmission case. It is effective as either a spring cultivator on previously ploughed land, or for all-season work in inter-row cultivation and weed control. It is particularly suitable for work in hop fields and orchards, where the width of rows enables the fullest use to be made of the 42-in. hoe. Under normal conditions and on reasonably light land, the rotary hoe will, the Fowler company claims, provide a finished seed-bed in one operation and up to 10 acres can be cultivated in a day.
All controls are operated from the driver's seat and the depth of work can readily be adjusted white the machine is in motion. Power-lifting mechanism allows the tractor to travel with the tilling gear raised clear of the ground.
The four-cylindered oil engine is of 31-in, bore and 4i-in. stroke, and delivers 24 b.h.p. at its governed speed , of 1,250 r.p.m. Bearings, camshaft, and rocker gear, etc., are lubricated under pressure. The C.A.V. constattt-stroke fuel pump is driven through an adjustable service coupling.
Cooling is by means of a radiator and fan. A by-pass valve, manually operated from the driver's' seat, controls the water temperature.
Power is transmitted through a single dry-plate clutch and a gearbox affording six ratios in each direction. The engine and transmission casing, which form a unit, are mounted on two large leaf springs carried on the unit oscillating
type track frames. The tracks have caststeel shots 9 ins, wide and are steered by independent levers.
Principal dimensions and weights are: Overall length, 7 ft. 11 ins.; width, 3 ft. 6fins.; height, 4 ft. 1 in.; draw-bar height, 11 ins.; draw-bar lateral swing, 11 ins.; ground clearance, 10k ins.; turning radius, 5 ft. 3 ins.; weight, 4,000 lb.. -track gauge, 33i ins.; length of ground contact of each track, 52 ins.: area of ground contact, 936 sq. ins.