Grasshopper Engine
- Made:
- 1840
Single cylinder Grasshopper beam engine made in around 1840. Slide valve, speed 20 rpm, power output 5 horsepower.
This engine provided power at an alkali works in London.
The Grasshopper engine gets its name from the action of the beam, which moves up and down like the insect's legs. It works on the same principles as a beam engine but was made to fit in smaller factories that needed more compact power units. Steam engine development progressed so quickly that few of these engines survive today.
Details
- Category:
- Motive Power
- Object Number:
- Y1973.13
- Materials:
- cast iron
- Measurements:
-
overall: 1300 mm x 670 mm x 1900 mm,
- type:
- steam engine
- credit:
- Gift of Mr J R Platt, on behalf of Thomas Platt and Sons Limited