As a source of dependable, low-cost power, steam has always held
first place. The energy resulting from its natural expansion
against a piston head has never been disputed for reliability and
economy.
For these reasons a steam tractor adapted in every way to farm
and road work has long been one of America’s urgent needs.
Thousands Spent in Experimentation
Making a steam tractor that would be practical, simple and
effective from every standpoint has, however, been a baffling
problem.
Thousands of dollars have been expended in experimental work;
but, until the perfecting of ‘The Baker,’ some unsolved
portion of the problem has always remained to stand between the
thrifty farmer and the wide utility and economy which only steam
provides.
A Triumph in Engineering Skill
At The A. D. Baker Company, where steam and steam engines have
been a life study and work, we, too, shared this experimental
expense.
For many years this one problem was uppermost in the minds of
our engineers, and numerous failures were recorded before ‘The
Baker’ was ready, in every way, to go out and represent The A.
D. Baker Company’s high standards for quality and
efficiency.
We take more than ordinary pride, therefore, in our
accomplishmentthe designing and building of a steam tractor suited
in every respect to the requirements of the tractor user, a tractor
whose fuel and upkeep economy is a surprise to the entire power
machinery field. And what is it? Simply a Baker designed tandem
compound steam engine using a high degree of superheat ad equipped
with a condenser and automatic coal feed.
This view shows ‘The Baker’s’ radiator-type
condenser, one of the many’ features making for greatest
simplicity of operation. The steam passes from the cylinders to
this unit, is cooled and condensed by the fan, and, now in the form
of water, flows by gravity to the supply tank from where it is
pumped back into the boiler to be used over and over again. The
condenser has a capacity greater than the brake rating of the
tractor.
Built for Real Work
In ‘The Baker’s’ contraction every effort has been
directed to bring about greatest simplicity, rugged durability,
flexibility and economy.
Burns Cheap Slack Coal –And Not Very Much
For fuel ‘The Baker’ squires only the cheapest
coalordinary slack, available any place for a few dollars a ton.
700 lbs. of good slack will provide ample steam for a day’s
work under ordinary conditions.
In case fine coal is not available, lump coal may be used by
passing it through the coal crusher located over coal box, into
which the crushed coal falls.
Coil A is similar in principle to the coil in a steam gauge-it
expands under pressure. Stem pressure can be carried at any point
desired by the adjustment of length of arm joined to B and when
pressure reaches that point, expansion of coil disengages dog in
ratchet wheel C, stopping feed of coal. Slightest downward movement
of steam reassure contracts coil, causing coal again to be spread
over gates surface.
‘The Baker’s’ hopper, or bell-box, is located
directly over the fire-box. When engine is in operation fuel is fed
automatically, by the stoker, onto the Kites, evenly and better
than is possible to do it by hand.
Has Patented Automatic Fuel Feed.
‘The Baker’ has a fuel-box, which holds 175 pounds of
fuel. The fuel can be placed in this; compartment easily, and once
in, requires no further attention. It is fed automatically into the
fire-box as needed, leaving the operator free to attend to other
work.
Has Steam Condensing Unit
An. important feature is a steam-condensing unit. This unit
makes it possible to use the water over and over again with only
nominal waste. With it, the tractor, developing its rated
horsepower, will require less than 50 gallons of water per day, the
capacity of the supply tank.
The automatic fuel feed and the condensing unit on ‘The
Baker’ place all other types of tractors on an unequal footing
in convenience and simplicity of operation.
Separation of Oil from Feed Water
Exhaust steam and oil pass through the condenser and the hot
water and oil are delivered to a specially arranged tank oil
separator, which is equipped with an automatic valve, which keeps
the tank nearly full of water at all times. Water is drawn from the
bottom of the tank. The oil naturally floats on top of the water
and is drawn off every two or three days.
Half of the tractor work is belt work. The position and size of
the pulley are important factors. ‘The Baker’s’ large
32×10-in. pulley is conveniently located on the right-hand side,
directly in front of the operator’s seat. It has ample
clearance and is in the proper position to insure quick line-up
with the machine to be operated. Its generous size prevents
slipping and insures transmission of ample power for heavy
jobs.
