CHAPTER XI 



HORSE-POWERS 



THE horse-power, which, at one time, was the prin- 

 cipal means of driving threshing-machines, is still 

 used to a considerable extent for this purpose. 

 With a sufficient number of good, strong horses, this means 

 of supplying the motive power for threshing is very satis- 

 factory, and, owing to the fact that the investment involved 

 in a horse-power outfit is considerably less than is required 

 for a steam rig, it is probable that the horse-power will 

 continue its usefulness in this industry for many years to 

 come. The present style of metal-frame power is superior 

 to the wood-frame because it is not subject to atmospheric 

 conditions, which continually cause the swelling and shrink- 

 ing of wood, disturbing the gearing. 



Starting a New Horse-Power. The first thing to do 

 in preparing a new power for work is to carefully clean 

 the cinders from the oil-boxes. Next, oil each of the bear- 

 ings and thoroughly grease all the gearing, turning the 

 power by hand until the entire wearing surface is well lub- 

 ricated. A new power should be run at least half an hour 

 before being coupled to the separator or other machine to 

 be run. If the horses be nervous, because unused to the 



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