60 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION 



automatically loads the material into carts or wagons. Briefly de- 

 scribed, the machine consists of a plough which loosens and raises 

 the earth, depositing it upon a transverse carrying-belt, which con- 

 veys it from excavation to embankment. This carrier is built in four 

 sections, bolted together, so it can be used to deliver earth at 14, 

 17, 19, or 22 feet from the plough. The carrier, belt is of heavy 

 3-ply rubber 3 feet wide. 



The plough and carrier are supported by a strong trussed frame- 

 work resting on heavy steel axles and broad wheels. The large 

 rear wheels are ratcheted upon the axle, and connected with strong 

 gearing which propels the carrying-belt at right angles to the direc- 

 tion in which the machine is moving. 



The wheels and trusses are low and broad, occupying a space 

 8 feet wide and 14 feet long, exclusive of the side carrier. This 

 enables it to work on hillsides where any wheeled implements can 

 be used. Notwithstanding its large size it is so flexible that it may 

 be turned around on a 16-foot embankment. Pilot wheels and 

 levers enable the operator to raise or lower the plough or carrier at 

 pleasure. 



As a motive power 12 horses 8 driven in front, 4 abreast, and 

 4 in the rear on a push cart are usually employed. 



When the teams are started, the operator lowers the plough and 

 throws the belting into gear, and as the plough raises and turns the 

 earth to the side the belt receives and delivers it at the distance for 

 which the carrier is adjusted, forming either excavation or embank- 

 ment. 



When it becomes necessary to deliver the excavated earth beyond 

 the capacity of the machine (22 feet or 7J feet above the plough), 

 the earth is loaded upon wagons, then conveyed to any distance. 

 Arranging the carrier at 19 feet, wagons are driven under the car- 

 rier and loaded with 1J to 1J yards of earth in from 20 to 30 

 seconds. When one wagon turns out with its load, another drives 

 under the carrier, and the machine thus loads 600 to 800 wagons 

 per day. It is claimed that with six teams and three men it is capa- 

 ble of excavating and placing in embankment from 1000 to 1500 

 cubic yards of earth in ten hours, or of loading from 600 to 800 



