1021.] 



Lincoln Tractor Trials, 1920. 



tests, such as uphill ploughing, road-hauling and belt work, 

 were instituted, but only certain selected machines were 

 subjected to each test and no comparative data are therefore 

 available. No test was devised for demonstrating the advantage 

 (if any) possessed by machines with three speeds over those 

 with two speeds or one, a matter which certainly invites 

 investigation and one which could easily be dealt with in a 

 short-period trial. The important question of the relative 

 advantage of wheels and caterpillar tracks is passed by with 

 the remark that four *' tractors were supported on chain tracks 

 and in these no case was recorded of jamming by stones or 

 other matter." Questions of adhesion, weight in relation to 

 h.p., ranges of speed and many other points of importance are 

 passed by in silence. The data being so scanty it follows that 

 no useful purpose would be served in endeavouring to make 

 a comparison between Classes I, II, and VII, and any of the 

 other classes competing at the trials.* 



It is indisputable that a report on short-period trials could 

 be made much more informative than the present one. Clearly 

 some of the points w^e have mentioned are not matters which 

 can be dealt with adequately in the course of a few days or 

 under the conditions which necessarily govern trials of this 

 character; but still a very great deal can be done, and, as we 

 have already indicated, a uniform annual report would supply 

 comparative data of the utmost value, provided only that all 

 modifications in design and particulars of the implements used 

 were adequately recorded. 



^ Cf. JounKil X(.v., 11)20, J). 714 



