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Diesel vs Steam Tractors

7K views 25 replies 17 participants last post by  Andy69 
#1 ·
850HP Diesel vs 18HP Steam

Here's the vebiage that goes with it: What "torque and traction" really means here. The reason the steam tractor wins has nothing to do with old technology beating new. It does have to do with what each tractor was designed for in its time and within its constraints. The steam tractor wins for three basic reasons : 1) The diesel has great torque but the steam tractor has much more (torque is a function of many things, but steam has it in spades); 2) Steam produces a continuous thrust pretty much throughout its stroke whereas the diesel (as amazing as it is) does so in spurts (many peaks and valleys); and 3) The steam train is much heavier giving it more tire friction (and resulting tangential force potential; push) despite the better tread on the diesel. The diesel never had chance. Great show! Never assume. But, don't trade in your law mower :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=FLQhvruimfs
 
#6 ·
Keep in mind, that is as fast as the old steamer will go.

I doubt it would make much difference how they were hooked up, the old steamer would still pull the diesel back. It is simply a lesson in applied power, or torque.

Some of the larger steamers of the 20 's and 30's pulled plows with as many as 60 rungs on a 80 ft spread. But it also has a whole company of support personnel keeping the beast fed with water and fuel.

And working around the old steamers was also a tad hazardous. Boiler explosions were not that uncommon.

But the video is really neat. It kinda makes you wonder what one of the really big steamers could do with that sled that the tractor pullers use in competition.
 
#10 ·
I'm a tech with a John Deere dealer for 23 years , and I saw a great weight disadvantage with the Deere from the get go , even though the J. Deere is definitely modified it wouldn't get any traction without more weight . The steam engine could hold the Deere still all day spinning wheels by just holding his brakes . It looked like also at the end of the footage the Deere lost the front wheel drive , even if it was working it would not have helped.
 
#12 ·
► 5:46► 5:46

Nov 13, 2010 - Uploaded by SteamUP
UP 844 pulling the 2010 Lionel Collectors Club northbound to Cheyenne July 26, 2010.

In today's world, the pinnacle of Diesel Locomotive power is 6000 HP. These biig Northern 4-8-4 general purpose engines were rated up to 6000, and could go as fast as the tracks would allow.
 
#13 ·
I think there are alot of factors at play here the angle of connection that Derek mentioned is a big one. Looks like the engine in that Tractor is a Cat C32 which would have somewhere in the neighborhood of 4500+ lb ft of torque in the 1500 hp variety. Any tuning beyond that would just add to that figure of course. That said its very possible the steam engine may have more effective torque but that C32 is no slouch.
 
#15 ·
I don't believe that's a C 32 in there,those are a V-12.If you could get it to fit in the chassis it would rip the gears out.Looks to be a Cat 3208 V-8,which is a popular retrofit in farm tractors.Juiced up,you can get 3-400 hp out of them.
Also,most steam traction engines don't have brakes or parking brakes.As a rule you don't stop them on a grade.A good operator on a grade,holds it with the throttle.A big block of wood is your parking brake.A fellow that used to work for me owned a Big Baker 23-90 Steam tractor,we used to haul it to shows on my low boy,had to chained and blocked well to keep from rocking and rolling.Only problem was dropping live cinders on my trailer floor during transit,and being careful to not set my trailer on fire!
 
#23 ·
Steam is very versatile. An engine can be designed with just about any torque curve desired, depending on application. Some of the engines designed by Jay Carter for car/truck applications had torque curves similar to gasoline engines.

Steam engines can have full torque at 0 rpm if the pressure is contained in a separate cylinder, boiler, or steam chest that is connected directly to the expansion chamber.
 
#25 ·
First off,the John Deere in the video seems to be built for hot rodding or racing, something other than pulling.Doesn't stand a chance,even with a level drawbar.The inline six engine that comes standard in that tractor can be modified to make a whole lot more torque,than a throwaway 3208 V-8 Cat engine,but the Cat will rev,and go fast,put on a show.Also,that tractor has been lightened considerably,esp. in the rear,no added weights,pressed steel rear wheels instead of cast,and from the way it acts,no fluid in the tires.Also,you don't build a puller out of 4 wheel assist tractors,because you're not allowed to use the front axle for pulling,also puts non movable weight where you don't want it.However hook up a fully weighted,field ready 8 or 9000 series Deere to that steamer,it would be very different result.:)
 
#26 ·
here are a couple more:





serious pulling power:



any way you look at it, steam tractors are some serious manly man **** :)
 
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