FIRE DEPARTMENT

RECEIVES NEWLY

MOTORIZED TRUCK.

——–

LA FRANCE TRACTOR PULLS THE TRUCK

——–

Reduce Gearing In Order To Increase Power Of Engine.

——–

Residents of New Ulm have enjoyed seeing the new motorized truck of the New Ulm Fire Department during the past few days as it was driven up and down the main streets of the city in its first try-out. It is fine looking with a coat of fresh red paint but the first try-out proved a great disappointment.

Truck Arrives Sunday

On Sunday, Charles Emmerich, Forrest English and Henry Groebner went to Minneapolis to get the truck which had been made over in the shops of the Minneapolis Fire Department. A man from that department assisted the local men in bringing the truck to New Ulm.

Motorize Old Truck

Several months ago the City Council voted to award a contract to W. S. Nott Company of Minneapolis for the motorizing of the hook and ladder truck of the local fire department. A second hand La France tractor was purchased from the company who took the contract for the work. The wheels on the truck were cut down and fitted with rubber tires and the whole truck was repainted. The Company also guaranteed that the tractor would pull the truck any place the department should want to go. As a test the tractor was started up the Center street hill. As the machine neared the center of the hill it refused to pull further and the driver believed the trouble to be an insufficient supply of gasoline. The truck was backed down the hill and more gasoline was put in the tank. The second time the tractor attempted the hill but the result was the same as the first trial. The truck had to back down the bill. It is believed however, that if the gears are reduced the tractor will have power enough to make the hill. This is being done and W.S. Browning, representative of the Company was in the city Tuesday attending to business in regard to the matter. A third attempt will be made to climb Center street hill before the local fire department will accept the tractor, and if it fails-that will be another story.

The motorizing of the old truck will cost approximately $4000. A 65-foot aerial extension is provided and the truck is equipped with necessary materials. The outcome of the third trial is awaited with interest.

New Ulm Review,

November 18, 1925

————————