FARM MACHINERY 



259 



It is best that the wheels be placed far apart, as this makes 

 a better balanced machine as far as draft and driving power 

 are concerned. 



The main shaft should be a smooth or "cold rolled" shaft 

 throughout its entire length, and should be of liberal size. 

 Roller bearings for the main shaft are desirable, as they not 

 only reduce friction but also prevent any binding of the shaft 

 in the frame and furnish a good reservoir for a supply of oil. 

 It is well that the wheels be provided with a sufficient number 

 of pawls to engage the axle ratchets without much lost 

 motion. There should be little lost motion throughout 

 the entire mechanism, as it is highly desirable to have the 

 knife start as soon as the drivers and prevent the guards from 

 becoming clogged. 



There is at the present time a considerable difference in 

 the size of the gears used in mowers. Besides being strong 



Fig. 162. A modern mower at work. 



