For the Motorist.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7979, 9 December 1911, Page 17

For the Motorist.

Wanted: A Detachable Tyre for Lorry Work.

A FACT admitted by manufacturers and emphasised by truck owners is that the tyro is one feature of motortruck equipment which has long needed expert attention. In so far as the tyres themselves are concerned wonderful improvement has been shown in compounding methods and general development during tho past three or four years. In fact, the continued improvement of the solid tyro has made possible the phenomenal growth of the motor truck industry. In the matter of mileage returns tyres are yielding a very satisfactory service at the present time. But v hcu a tyre wears out or comes off as it must occasionally the task, of replacing presents so many involved complications that there is continuous demand for some form of demountable fastening. Under the present styles of fastening it is a good blacksmith's job to put on a. solid tyre, says an American expert. Not only must the tyro itself bo replaced, bat the wheel must be taken off and the bearings disarranged. What is the result? The truck must be .laid up while these mechanical details are "being looked after and the owner loses its service. His delivery system is impared in consequence. Belays in delivery defeat the real purpose of the truck and that is why it is so urgent that wo should have a demountable tyre that can bo changed by an ordinary workman in a short space of time. Supposing a truck loses a tyre several uih;s from the point of delivery. It is necessary, of course, to got another wheel to the truck ami the owner must carry in stock extra wheels shod with tyres. Even when the wheel reaches the disabled truck after a long delay it must bo put ou and the bearings adjusted. Kero is another big loss of limo at the expense of the owner. Of course it is possible to carry a spare wheel on the truck to meet just such emergencies as the one cited, but this is very unsatisfactory for the reason that a spare wheel is not only awkward but adds considerable to the weight of the load the truck must carry. On a five-ton truck fitted with dual solid rear lyres the wheel with its two tyres weighs between 6CO and 700 pounds, llonco the simple deduction that it is not a handy thing to have around. ..And even if the spare w-heel could be carried conveniently a great loss of time is involved in taking off one wheel and putting ou another. Furthermore every truck driver is not capable of doing the work and a skilled repairman usually has to be called in.

The ideal remedy for these unsatisfactory conditions would be a demountable tyre that could bo removed and replaced by any ordinary workman in a few minutes time without taking off the wheel.

BENZOL AS A MOTOR FUEL

Many European motorists, both carists and motor cyclists, are now using benzol as fuel in competitive events in place of petrol, as they'.claim that the former fuel gives anything up to 25 per cent, increased pouter. Benzol is perfectly safe to use, and is said to bo surprisingly economical. It is manufactured chiefly in those districts where coal and iron trades are carried on, and is,, used very considerably in Fiance. The'chief difference between benzol and petrol is in their specific gravity—the former having a specific gravity of 882 as against petrol's 730. There are said to be no great difficulties in the using of benzol if two points are kept in mind. First, owing to its greater gravity the carburetter iloat rises higher, thus lowering the height of fuel in jet, with the result that starting-up of engine is affected. This can bo easily obviated by adding a small lead washer to the top of the float so that tho liquid is brought up to tho same level as when petrol is used. Secondly, tho throttle docs not need to he opened quite eo much, whilst more air is needed. Benzol can bo procured in England at 9d per gallon, but the writer is not aware whether it is obtainable in this country in sufficient quantities to bo used commercially, As it is a coal product, these, should, however, be no reason why benzol should not be distilled in this country. AN EXPLANATION. "Halv'd that candidate come to git beat after he'd hired the best brass band in the county P” "Tho other feller he got, closer to the people. He’d go right into tho house an’ give 'em a new record of the latest smart song for the graphophone.'' A French aeroplane manufacturer recently offered five of life monoplanes for sale on the installment or "eaeypayment” plan to licensed aviators, the only condition being that the machines and the purchasing airmen take part in the aviation meets of the year in Fiance.