Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 78, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 March 1912 — ROADS AND ROAD MAKING [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ROADS AND ROAD MAKING

AN IMPROVED ROAD GRADER. Possessing Points of Advantage Over = ; i:i Present Day Variety. Road graders are used extensively in the West, not only upon roads, but also upon other stretches of ground where an even grade is desired. Among recent improvement in graders is shown in the illustration to which horses can be attached to either side, something which has heretofore been Impossible. For that purpose there is a rod or chain attached to the side of the framework of the grader and a brace bar, having one end loosely secured to the frame some distance in advance of where the draft rod or chain is attached. The horses are attached to the forward end of this rod. As shown in the illustration the upper framework of a “Western reversible grader,” the draft chain or rod being hooked to eyebolts near the end of the side. A brace bar, composed of two pieces of gas pipe, is secured'ttr the draft rod, one portion being larger and admitting the smaller portion, the adjustment being made by means of a pin. The swingle-tree is attached to the front of the draft rod and in operation tends to guide

It straight, while the pressure on the blade of the grader when moving 'earth crowds the rear of the machine away from the earth. The machine can be adjusted for different grades of ground by lengthening or shortening the draft. Among the advantages are convenient means for attaching horses to the side to assist In propelling the grader, and at the same time to prevent it from sliding sidewise, commonly called “crawling,” away from the moving earth; attaching the horses to either side of the grader, the draft being near the rear of the grader, the rear ditch wheel Is prevented from climbing and cutting the bank, Insuring a clean ditch or furrow. It cannot be upset, and will work successfully in -loose or sandy soil.

Levels the ground.