Questions frequently come up regarding the proper cart for 1- HP
and 1- HP Hercules and Economy engines. In reviewing Sears &
Roebuck catalogs and Hercules catalogs, it would appear that both
brands used the same cart during the same time periods.
I would like to back-track from the 1914 start of Hercules
production for Sears and start with the cart that was offered by
Sears for the 1 HP and 1- HP Economy engines built at Sparta,
Mich., in 1913. The cart is illustrated here and the dimensions are
as follows: Wooden beam size is 2- by 2- by 36 inches. Five spoke
cast iron wheels are 10×2 inches in front and 12 x 2 inches at
rear. (Illustration #1)
In 1914 the cart listed by Sears & Roebuck had a 40-inch
angle iron frame, 24-inch wide axles with five spoke cast iron 10-
x 2-inch front wheels and 12- x 2-inch rear wheels. This cart would
have been used for the Model D and the early Model E engines with
the tag on the base. (Illustration #2)
In 1915 and 1916 the cart listed had a 44-inch angle iron frame,
24-inch wide axles with six spoke cast iron 9- x 2-inch wheels
front and rear. This cart allowed the front wheels to be turned
under the cart. (Illustration #3)
For the years 1917-1919, the cart listed had a 33-inch angle
iron frame, 24-inch wide axles and six spoke cast iron 9- x 2-inch
wheels front and rear. The front wheels would turn under the cart
frame.
From 1920 through early 1928, the cart listed had a 26-inch long
angle iron frame, 18-inch wide axles and six spoke cast iron 9- x
2-inch wheels front and rear. The front wheels would not turn under
the cart frame. (Illustration #4)
Starting in late 1928 and through 1929 the cart no longer had a
frame, and the axle bolsters bolted directly to the engine base.
The bolsters were 15 inches wide and the six spoke cast iron wheels
were 8 x 1- inches.
For 1930-1932 the dimensions stayed the same, but the cast iron
wheels now had six round holes rather than six spokes, as before.
After 1932 the wheel kit was no longer offered. (Illustration
#5)
Finally, some time ago I made mention of a small clutch pulley
mounted on a 1- HP Economy engine. Here is an illustration and
description of that pulley from a Sears catalog.
Glenn Karch is a noted authority on Hercules engines.
Contact him at: 20601 Old State Rd., Haubstadt, IN 47639, or e-mail
at: glenn.karch@gte.net
