Traction Engine

Traction Engine is a steam locomotive specially designed for drawing heavy loads over ordinary roads. The boiler is usually of the locomotive type; and a simple or compound engine is secured to the upper part of the shell. The crankshaft (usually at the fire-box end) is connected by spur gear with a pair of large driving-wheels; the front wheels are capable of being turned for steering. To obtain sufficient grip on the road, and at the same time not to damage it, the driving wheels are made with wide rims, to which diagonal blocks are rivetted. Light traction engines are often used for agricultural purposes, in which case the gearing is made so that it can be detached from the wheels, in order that the engine may be used for driving threshing and other machines.