Motor Road Transport For Commercial Purposes
(Liquid Fuel, Steam, Electricity)

CHAPTER XII STEAM WAGONS AND TRACTORS Steam traction has its own sphere of utility in the general scheme of mechanically propelled road trans- port, and, as in. the case of the electric vehicle, its field of activity is not only being maintained, but is even increasing. The steam wagon has long since ceased to be the unwieldy and unreliable vehicle which it was in the earlier days of motor transport, nor does it now require a great deal of attention to keep it in running order, even when employed on hard and continuous service. Legal Regulations for Heavy Vehicles. To those who are proposing to adopt this method of delivery, and who are not acquainted with the law relating to heavy machines, a word of warning should be given. The Heavy Motor Car Act of 1S04 defines a heavy motor-car as a self-propelled. vehicle weighing over 2 tons and under 5 tons unladen, and one which is not used for the purpose of drawing more than one trailer or vehicle, such trailer and its locomotive not exceeding 6| tons weight unladen. The above weights exclude water, fuel, and any special body or fittings which are not essential for the running of the machine. The speed is fixed at the following limits— With rubber tyres—if rear axle weight fully loaded does not exceed 6 tons, 12 miles per hour ; if weight does not exceed 8 tons, 8 miles per hour. With Steel tyres—8 miles per hour where hind axle weight does not exceed 6 tons, and if not over 8 tons, 5 miles per hour is allowed as a maximum. 93