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Title: |
1904 Article-American Road Roller Co., 20,000 lb. Steam Road Roller |
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Source: |
Good roads magazine Jun 1904 pgs 291-292 |
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Insert Date: |
7/2/2011 7:17:30 PM |
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The two steam rollers shown in the accompanying illustrations are manufactured by the American Road Roller Co., Groton, NY, and now form part of the regular line of road-making machinery built by this firm. The 20,000-pound roller, shown in Fig. 1, is of the three-wheel type, and is so constructed that the compressing power on both rear and forward rollers is practically the same, which ensures better results than if the machine was abnormally weighted in the rear. The construction of a road is very greatly facilitated by this equal distribution of the weight, as both rear and forward rolling wheels are effective as a compressing power throughout their entire width, which is a valuable feature, as is indicated by many expressions of approval from users. These machines are fitted with compensating or differential gearing, which renders them much more easily handled on sharp curves, and it is the intention of the company to equip all rollers similarly in the future. The boiler of the 20,000-pound roller is of the locomotive type, fitted with a dome for the creation of dry steam and the prevention of priming. Double steam-jacketed cylinders are used, which are entirely surrounded by live steam. Radial valve gear gives correct action, and equalizes cut-off. Locking pins to the driving wheels are dispensed with, and are rendered unnecessary by the compensating gear, which can be thrown on or off at a moment's notice. The rear axle may be removed or replaced without disturbing any other part of the machine, which is a unique feature. The fire door is unobstructed, and is easy of access for inspection or cleaning. The diameter of rear rolling wheels is five feet, and extreme width of machine is 6 feet overall. The highest grade of materials and workmanship is used in this machine, and it can be fitted with steam steering apparatus if desired. Fig. 2 shows the general-purpose roller, which weighs from 6½ to 9 tons, having vertical boiler and horizontal double cylinder. The roller wheels, front and rear, are of the same diameter, the boiler being placed in the center of the machine, permitting the weight to be evenly distributed, the center of gravity being kept well below the danger line. The engines are placed in the center of the width of the machine, balancing the weight equally. A pulley can be attached to either side of the machine for driving fixed machinery, and variable speed gear enables the roller to travel at speeds of two and one-half and four miles an hour respectively. The offices of the company are at 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City, with branch offices in Chicago and Philadelphia. |
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1904 American Road Roller Co., 20,000 lb. Steam Road Roller
1904 American Road Roller Co., General Purpose Steam Road Roller
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