THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO THE BACKBONE

OF OUR NATIONAL PROSPERITY THE AMERICAN FARMER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I.

The Scope, Advantages and Applications of Power

Traction.

Influence of Mechanical Power on the Arts-Application of

Power in Agriculture-Advantages of Power Traction-

Comparison Between Work of Horse and Tractor-Thermal

Efficiency of Horse-Tractor Furnishes Power for Various

Farm Machines-Economical Aspect of Power Traction-

Analysis of Requirements of Ideal Tractor-Practical

Prime Movers-Comparing Steam and Gas Power from a

Practical Point of View-Efficiency of Steam and Gas

Power-Why Gas Tractors are Most Popular. 33-60

CHAPTER II.

Review of Conditions on Which Tractor Design is

Based.

Elements of Tractor Design Outlined-Selection of Power

Plant-Power Needed for Hauling-Energy Absorbed by

Ploughs-Power Delivery under Belt-Why Proper Dis-

tribution of Weight is Essential-Influence of Weight on

Traction-Influence of Road or Field Surface on Traction-

Effect of Grades on Traction-Types of Tractors-Traction

Engines for Small or Medium Sized Farms-Large Capacity

Tractors-Parts of Typical Tractors Outlined-Some

Distinctive Designs

61-91

CHAPTER III.

Design and Construction of Gas Tractor Power

Plants.

Power Rating Basis-Indicated, Brake and Drawbar Horse-

power-Types of Gas Engines-Comparing Two and Four

Stroke Cycle Power Plants-Operating Principles of Four-

Cycle Engine-How Two Cycle Engine Works-Advan-

tages of One Cylinder Motors-Features of Multiple

Cylinder Motors-Heavy Duty and Medium Duty

Engines-One Cylinder Tractor Engines-Two Cylinder

Engines-Three Cylinder Power Plant-Tractor Motors

With Four Cylinders
92-126

CHAPTER IV.

Gas Tractor Power Plant Components.

Parts of Tractor Engines and Their Functions-Cylinder

Construction-The Valve System-Piston and Rings-

Connecting Rod Types-Crankshaft Forms-Utility of

Flywheel-Engine Base and Bearings

CHAPTER V.

Making and Exploding the Gas.

127-152

The Liquid Fuels-Gasoline-Kerosene-Alcohol-Elements of

Carburetion-Simple Mixing Valves-Float Feed Car-

buretor Action-Automatic Carburetors-Parts of Car-

buretors-Typical Gasoline Carburetors-Carburetor for

Two Cycle Engine-Action of Kerosene Vaporizer-

Methods of Exploding Charge-Advantages of Elec-

tric Ignition- Methods of Producing Current-Dry

and Storage Batteries-Function of Induction Coil-

Producing Spark in Cylinders-Mechanical Generator

Advantages-Types of Magnetos-Oscillating Armature

Forms-Types with Revolving Armature-True High

Tension Device-Low Tension Ignition System-Simple

Battery Ignition Methods-Action of Magneto Ignition

System-Timing the Spark
153-218

CHAPTER VI.

Cooling and Lubricating the Power Plant.

Reason for Cooling Engine-Thermo-Syphon System-Forced

Circulation Method-Oil Cooling Features-Parts of

Cooling System-The Pump-The Cooling Fan-The

Radiator-Why Engines Are Oiled-Different Lubricating

Mediums-Simple Gravity Oil Cup Method-Mechanical

Oiling Systems-Constant Level Splash System. 219-244

CHAPTER VII.

Functions and Construction of Clutch, Gearset

and Differential.

Why Clutch is Needed-Action of Simple Clutch Described-

Some Typical Tractor Clutches-Friction Disc and Roll

Clutches-Why Reversing Mechanism is Needed-Typical

Reversing Mechanism-Why Speed Changing is Necessary

—Action of Simple Change Speed Gear Outlined-The

Differential Gear and Its Use .
245-281

CHAPTER VIII.

The Tractor Frame, Wheels and Axles.

Construction of Tractor Frames-Typical Frames Described-

Why Three Point Support is Needed-Facts Concerning

Tractor Wheels-Methods of Construction-Action and

Advantages of the Caterpillar Tread-Tractor Front

Axles-How Tractors Are Steered-Automatic Steering

Arrangements-Methods of Final Drive-The Conventional

Method-Use of Chains and Sprockets-Live Axle

Forms
282-325

CHAPTER IX.

Driving and Housing the Traction Engine.

How to Start Traction Engines-How to Start Tractor-

Typical Tractor Control Systems-Advice on Tractor

Operation-Housing the Tractor-Combined Tractor House

and Farm Workshop-Fuel Storage Methods-Tools and

Equipment for Care of Tractor

326-365