"Marsh Buggy" Owes Its Success to Unusual Tyre Equipment
Page 17
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
VEHICLES that will operate in swampy, marshy ground have been made possible by the use of unusual tyre equipment A most striking example of this fact is to he found in the " marsh buggy" operated by the Gulf Refining Co. for research work in the marshlands of Louisiana, when water several feet in depth is often encountered.
The four huge Goodyear tyres with which the machine is equipped stand 10 ft. high and, as can be seen from an accompanying picture, dwarf the body and give a somewhat weird appearance to the outfit. Lengths of hose are fitted across the tyies to give extra traction when operating on land, and in the water the air within the tyres is sufficient to support the "marsh buggy" and enable it to be driven and manceuvred in parts of swamps that would otherwise necessitate the use of a boat.
The other vehicle which is illustrated is more normal in appearance with the exception of the tyre equipment. This consists of 10 13.50-24 Goodyear Sure-Grip tractor tyres, fitted as twins at the front and in triple formation at the rear, which provide the necessary traction to enable the machine to negotiate swamps, marshes, and deep, loose sand.
Originally developed for use in oilfields, for exploration, and for transportation of men and equipment, "marsh buggies " are now used for many types of service in jungles and swamps.