Title: |
1894 Article-Best Manufacturing Co., Steam Traction Engine |
Source: |
Scientific American, V 71 #2, 28 Jul 1894, pg. 57 |
Insert Date: |
5/21/2014 1:49:57 PM |
The successful employment of the traction engine in heavy work is most effectively illustrated in the logging business of the Siskiyou Lumber Company, at Sisson, Cal., as shown in our engraving, made direct from a photograph. It is said the grades traveled over are also much steeper than it has been usual heretofore, to attack with traction engines, but that the work is in every way successfully performed. The engine shown was made by the Best Manufacturing Company, of San Leandro, Cal., and many of these engines are now being used in California for agricultural purposes, freight hauling, etc. As the engine is three-wheeled, it can be turned in as short a space as a two-horse wagon. The starting, steering and reversing of engine, and pumping of water, are all done by one man without leaving his seat. The drive wheel tires are of steel, aid the height of the wheels of the 50 horse power engine is 8 feet; the width of the tire 26 inches. The engine is supplied with a windlass for hauling logs out of canons and other inaccessible places, this also being operated by the engineer from his place on the engine.
One of these engines is reported to be employed in hauling freight between Farmington and Stockton, Cal., on a road parallel with the railway and at the same rates, its owner thus doing a large and profitable business. The saving effected by there use in all kinds of agricultural work is something remarkable, the figures given for plowing, harrowing and seeding, with the aid of these engines, being as low as 60 cents per acre, while, with the aid of a steam harvester, it is said that grain may be cut, thrashed, recleaned and sacked ready for the mill at a cost of but 30 cents per acre. |
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1894 Best Manufacturing Co., Steam Traction Engine
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