Cat Electric Trxctor Water Tower

Cat Electric Trxctor Water Tower

随附插图显示水塔with couple gear tractor in use in New York City. It was designed and constructed at Grand Rapids, Mich. It is claimed that in this gas electric machine the engine is not subject to the shocks and strains that must be met in a mechanical transmission outfit. It has also been demonstrated that a gas electric truck, fully loaded, can be stopped on a 15 per cent, grade by simply reducing the speed of the engine and started again by slowly increasing its speed until voltage is raised sufficient to overcome gravity and road friction. It is also claimed that a gas electric coupled gear tractor for fire apparatus is handled in narrow streets and congested districts easily, the four-wheel steer, together with four-wheel drive practically eliminating skidding. It occupies one-third the space required for horse and wagon apparatus, and by eleminating chains, sprockets, sliding and reverse gears it reduces the upkeep to a minimum. It is said that 75 per cent, additional ton-mileage is being obtained from rubber tires on semi-trailer in connection with third axle and steel tires. It is further held that the transmission gear, which divides the motor energy so that it is equally applied to both sides of the wheel will show a brake test efficiency of 97 per cent, at normal load for the motors. Rough or snow-covered pavements, heavy grades and low temperatures do not make it necessary to cut down the amount of load carried. The current consumption is increased and the speed decreased in proportion to the severity of the above conditions, but not sufficiently to cause undue strain or injury to any part of the mechanism. A speed of from 15 to 30 miles per hour is attained, a four-cycle, four-cylinder motor being used with lubrication by splash and also force feed to main parts, and the ignition is by the Bosch high tension dual system. The weight of engine and fly wheel is 8,000 pounds and the generator rated 12 ½ k.w. at 100 volts, 680 revolutions per minute will run completely sparkless with an ampere load 200 per cent, in excess Of its normal rating and with a 100 per cent, rise in speed.

It is said that the voltage at the maximum speed can be held down as low as 40. It is a six-pole machine, with the same number of commutating poles, compound wound with a dropping characteristic, which automatically assists the engine to hold or increase speed at approximately the same rate as the increase in power is demanded for its propulsion. It is equipped with rheostat connected to fields by means of which the operator may raise or lower the gear ratio at will. The bearings are of plastic bronze and ring-oiled and weigh 765 pounds. It is of interest to note that the mounting of engine and generator is on a sub-frame, suspended within the main frame from three points, thereby re lieving the power plant from any twisting strain while the wheels accommodate themselves to uneven road surfaces.