Karrier Tractor which Displaces the Horse
Page 44
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
EMRODIED in our description of the new Karrier Colt three-wheeled refuse collector, which appeared in our issue dated November 25th, was a reference to an alternative to this model, namely, a tractor whip could be used in connection with horsed vehicles. Such a type of tractor was recently demonstrated by officials of the London, Midland and ScottiZ Railway Co., the road-motor engineer of which is Mr. S. Shearman, 1VI.I.Mech.E., who prepared the designs and carried out the experiments with the Karrier Cob, for this is the designation given by Karrier Motors, Ltd., of Huddersfield, to the new product.
For some time the railway undertaking has felt the need for some small type of economical motor tractor that can be used in connection with existing carts, for goods collection and delivery within a comparatively small radius of the company's headquarters. A high maximum speed has not been regarded as of primary importance' but manoeuvr
ability essential, and the latter end has been attained. The manner in which the machine can be piloted in confined spaces is remarkable. Low first cost, maintenance charges and low petrol consumption ,have been held by the railway company as of great importance.
The machines that were demonstrated to us are of an experimental nature, and are capable of haulineloads of three tons on existing horsed carts. The maximum speed on the level is said to be 18 m.p.h., and with a load of three tons it is possible to restart on a gradient of one in eight.
The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. is at present trying out two methods of coupling the trailer to the tractor. In the first case the front wheels are removed from the cart and are replaced by a pair of hinged legs, which support it while loading is in process. Next, the Karrier Cob backs under the front of its trailer, the forward part of which is lifted up on to an inclined ramp fixed on to the back of the tractive unit.
In the other.system hydraulic power is employed, and the front of the cart, which is left intact, is raised by Henry Miller apparatus. When the tractor is backed under tile trailer, two arms mounted on a swinging bracket at the rear of the prime mover engage with the front axle of the 'cart. An adapted hydraulic jack, which is fixed to the frame of the 'tractor, thou causes the swinging bracket to be moved forwards through an arc. The front of the cart is placed.across the frame of the tractor, where it is quickly and securely clamped into position, with the front wheels clear of the ground.
In essential details the Cob is similar to the Colt, but in the case of the former the frame is narrower than in the latter type of vehicle. , Although such a measure is not obligatory, the railway company is providinerubber tyres for the horsed carts that are being converted. Should the results of these experiments reach expectations it is anticipated that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. will extensively adopt this novel "mechanical horse." As a type it has considerable scope.