In selecting an engine of whatever style, or for whatever purpose it
is very important to get not only a good one, but one that is of the
proper size. Do not entertain the mistaken idea that it is best to have
a larger engine than is required (so that it will do its work easily),
as an engine which is too large for the work required is very wasteful
both of fuel and water. An engine always gives the best results when it
has a fair load.
In the selection of a farm or traction engine you should look carefully
to the arrangement of the driving gear, the manner in which the engine
and the traction wheels are attached to the boiler, the convenient
arrangement of the throttle lever, reverse lever, steering wheel,
friction clutch lever, independent pump (if used) and injector for easy
operation from the footboard, as the easy control of all these parts
by the engineer saves much time and annoyance and in many instances
may prevent accident which might prove disastrous to both life and
property.
Always purchase a boiler with sufficient capacity to allow a small
margin beyond its ordinary requirements. Be sure and have the boiler or
boilers properly set so that the best results may be derived from the
fuel burned. Many good boilers are condemned because they do not steam
well on account of bad setting.
If a locomotive style of boiler, see that it has a large fire box (well
stayed) and a sufficient number of flues to allow of easy firing and
good combustion of the fuel without being obliged to use a forced draft.
If a return flue boiler see that the main flue is of sufficient size
and of the required ⁵/₁₆ inch thickness of material; also that it has a
mud drum and from four to six hand-holes (the more the better) both top
and bottom for the purpose of keeping the boiler free from scale and
becoming mud burnt and unsafe.
Remember there is no advantage in carrying low steam pressure in
boilers as it is more economical to carry high pressure rather than
low. The average boiler pressure should be about 80 lbs. per square
inch, which is not too high for safety, nor too low for economy of fuel.
The purchaser must use his own discretion as to the style of engine
he prefers, a horizontal or vertical, side or center crank, as all
styles are extensively used with equally good results. It is purely a
matter of preference depending, of course, largely upon space or room
available for stationary engine.
Do not make the mistake of deeming that any kind of a foundation will
answer for a stationary engine. It should be built by a skillful
mason in every case and hard brick or stone and cement used in its
construction. The best is always the cheapest in the end.
An engine or boiler should never be put in a dark corner or damp
cellar, rather place them when possible in dry well lighted rooms and
so arranged that every part can be reached when necessary without
trouble or delay. Walls and floors should be kept clean and a good
supply of oil cans, wrenches, waste and whatever tools are needed
should be kept in their proper places.
The purchaser of a traction engine should see that it has a Friction
Clutch as an engine with a clutch is much more practical, convenient
and safe to handle upon the road than one without a clutch. The matter
of brackets, braces, gearing, traction wheels, axle, the manner in
which the engine is mounted upon the boiler should be well considered
as there are many kinds and styles, all of which have their merit “more
or less.” Your own judgment should be used as to the style wanted after
thoroughly studying the various kinds.
Do not make the too common mistake of thinking a cheap engineer is
the man you want. The engine and boiler are important factors in the
success of your business and no matter how simple and strong they
may be it will pay you to put them in charge of a competent engineer
who is capable of taking the proper care of them. For a small plant,
or traction engine, it is not necessary to have the highest grade of
ability, as there are several grades among engineers; but it is better
to pay a suitable man for competent and faithful work than to pay for
what may happen through the neglect or incompetency of one whose only
recommendation is that he is _cheap_.
Do not be deceived by imposters claiming to be first-class engineers,
who, the first thing they do, to substantiate their claims, alter the
engine in some way that only deranges it. Be watchful of this and see
that such men do not tamper with the valves and adjustments of the
engine, which are always set properly before it leaves the factory.