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Why did steam tractors die out
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Posted by Ol Chief on February 16, 2003 at 21:07:51 from (24.175.114.218):
Funny thing this subject came up.Iam not sure what year The IRON MEN ALBUM had an article on a newly built steam tractor with several pictures and the inventors name and address.I believe that was between 1960 and 1966 when Rev.Elmer Ritzman was founder and owner of the magazine.If one of you Oldtimers have archives of those years it would help if you could look into this question. Any way Iam now a retired marine Chief Engineer and now farmer full time.At the time I owned a farm and was much interested in the tractor,so I went to California for a visit with the inventor.This gentleman was a retired Engineer from Buick engine division of G.M.He had perfected and built an four cylinder poppet valve condensing engine complete with a compact watertube, high pressure boiler ( 2500 PSI to ASME CodeSpec.) and passed the national code requirements and test.THE BOILER,fitted neatly in place of the engine. I believe the the original radiator was used as the condensor and the engine was installed in place of the transmission which had been removed from the original tractor.There was A boiler feed pump and hot well to collect and and recycle tne condensate.This entire set up was installed on a Cockshut tractor frame and differential.This fellow had perfected a means of collecting the blow by condensate but would not tell me how this was accomplished.He actually poured water in the crankcase fill pipe in my presence.It ran out clean w/out a trace of oil and returned to the hotwell.He allowed me to drive the tractor.It was soundless.Reverse was accomplished by merely sliding the camshaft backward which changed the valve motion to reverse or by manipulating the throttle while in that mode you could instantly stop the tractor. I do not know what horse power or torque was developed but he said if more power was required he would simply bolt on another engine and use eight cylinders.I believe it produced 24 HP on 600 lb. steam pressure.However there is almost no limit to power of a steam engine except the strength of materials and piston speed.I rue the day that I did not purchase this fine machine for $2500.Steam up time to working pressure was around 5 to 10 minutes if not in a hurry. I turned all the information I had to a rep. of Case Co .but can only think he never passed it up to higher management. If any one is further interested in this subject e mail me.
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