It produced 12.7 horsepower out the rear axle. That is pretty good for a 20 HP engine. Consider the old tractors that were rated 10-20, or 15-30 (Drawbar and Belt Pulley). Beat 50% of the rated engine horsepower and you are doing well.
In '81 I worked as a chassis and engine dyno mechanic for Clayton Mfg. The load measuring device is a water brake, and the torque is measured by the amount of deflection of the outer part of the water brake. Even at the relatively small amounts of horsepower being measured, the vehicle should have been strapped into place, and there should be chocks.
I went on a service call to a truck shop in Baltimore Maryland. A truck mechanic had a large double axle tractor truck on the chassis dyno, and the mechanic was sitting in the cab and applying the load by pushing buttons on the pendant. The control circuit developed a short, and the chassis dyno applied the brakes when the tractor was at full speed and full load. No straps or chains were in place, and according to the witnesses, the tractor left the dyno in a straight line, accompanied by the tires screaming at a volume and pitch that was easily outdone by the equally high pitched and louder screaming of the mechanic as he did a drag strip take off and went out the door of the shop. The door was open and he got the vehicle stopped before crashing into anything. Probably needed new underwear also.
looking at the geometry of the setup, there is little danger of runaway. in incline of the ramps supporting the axle would prevent any traction on the ground to move the vehicle forward. Just my opinion. Yes, safety first, but little danger here.
That track was almost too narrow to fit on the ramps.....
ReplyDeleteIn '81 I worked as a chassis and engine dyno mechanic for Clayton Mfg.
ReplyDeleteThe load measuring device is a water brake, and the torque is measured by the amount of deflection of the outer part of the water brake.
Even at the relatively small amounts of horsepower being measured, the vehicle should have been strapped into place, and there should be chocks.
I went on a service call to a truck shop in Baltimore Maryland.
A truck mechanic had a large double axle tractor truck on the chassis dyno, and the mechanic was sitting in the cab and applying the load by pushing buttons on the pendant.
The control circuit developed a short, and the chassis dyno applied the brakes when the tractor was at full speed and full load.
No straps or chains were in place, and according to the witnesses, the tractor left the dyno in a straight line, accompanied by the tires screaming at a volume and pitch that was easily outdone by the equally high pitched and louder screaming of the mechanic as he did a drag strip take off and went out the door of the shop.
The door was open and he got the vehicle stopped before crashing into anything.
Probably needed new underwear also.
Nope. Didn't make this up.
WOW! I noted the lack of tie-downs, too. I would not stand in front of even a Model T!
ReplyDeletelooking at the geometry of the setup, there is little danger of runaway. in incline of the ramps supporting the axle would prevent any traction on the ground to move the vehicle forward.
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion. Yes, safety first, but little danger here.