Unique Inter-row Tractor-cultivator
Page 32
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THE machine which forms the subject of the accompanying illustrations—the Atom tractor—possesses certain features which serve to distinguish it from the usual form of small machines designed for the market gardener, and for inter-cultivation work.
In the first place, the bulk of the weight of the machine and the driver are carried on a driven girder-D.G.type of track laying equipment, a new development of Roadless Traction, Ltd., Gunnersbury House, Hounslow, Middlesex. This gives the tractor a degree of grip and low rolling resistance impossible of attainment with the largest wheel that could be fitted to so small a machine.
Then, again, the implement frame, which is integral with the tractor, has, what might be termed, a drawbar hitch placed above the tractor element, which permits the maximum of manceuvrability. The effect of torque reaction is practically eliminated, as the reaction is taken through the implement frame, there being no horizontal pivot between that frame and the point of attachment to the prime-mover element. At the same time, the implement frame is free to swing laterally.
The designer of the machine, Mechanized Horticultural Implements, Ltd., 116, Old Broad Street, London, E.C.2, has fully realized the necessity of eliminating controls which have to be operated from the ground; furthermore, the weight represented by the driver is available for adhesion.
It is estimated that the present power unit—a Villiers 250 c.c. air-copled four-stroke—which develops 3 h.p. at 2,500 r.p.m., is capable of doing jobs which would normally call for a 500 c.c., or even larger, engine. The drive is taken through a single dry-plate clutch to a two-speed gearbox, the final drive to the track being by chain.
The approximate land speeds of the tractor are 1 m.p.h. on bottom gear, and 2-3 m.p.h. on top gear. Means are provided for adjusting the track of the rear wheels from 3 ft. to 4 ft.
General dimensions and other data are as follow:—Overall length, 6 ft.
3 ins.; height, 3 ft. 8 ins.; width, 3 ft.
4 ins. to 4 ft. 4 ins.; drawbar pull, 500 lb. (approximately).
This machine gave a most favourable impression when demonstrated recently by the maker, in co-operation with the Hampshire War Agricultural Executive Committee.