LAUSON ENGINES AND TRACTORS

The 2.5-12 HP models were available as Frost King hopper cooled engines, while plain cylinder versions were furnished in the 6-20 HP models. The 6-20 HP models employed separate castings for the cylinder and engine frame (and sub-base, when used) but the 2.5, 4 and 5 HP models used a one-piece cylinder/frame/case casting.

Valve location: Both valves in the cylinder head. Atmospheric-operation intake valve, pushrod operated exhaust valve.

Ignition: Battery and coil for all models. 2.5-5 HP were equipped with jump spark (spark plug). A make-and-break ignitor was standard on the 6-20 HP models. A friction drive 'auto sparker' was available.

Camshaft: One of the 'hallmark' Lauson features is that the camshaft on the ignitor-equipped models was constructed with separate cams for the exhaust valve pushrod and the ignitor pushrod. The camshaft runs in an enclosed housing that is partially filled with oil.

Governor: Hit and miss; governor weights located at the magneto side flywheel hub. The 2.5-5 HP models used a single weight.

Fuel: Gas, Gasoline, Distillate, Benzene.

Crankshafts: Machined from a one piece steel billet forging.

Connecting Rods: Turned from a steel forging, with adjustable 'boxes' at each end.

Pulley: Solid pulley was standard, clutch pulley was optional. The actuator on the clutch pulley was a single push-pull lever.

All models were available either as semi-portable (skid mounted), portable (on factory-equipped trucks) or stationary. The plain cylinder models were furnished with a screen cooler and water circulating pump.

Portable saw rigs were available in sizes of 6, 8, 10 and 12 HP. Sleigh runners could be ordered for any of the portable models.

Catalog 13 also shows a vertical cylinder engine, built in sizes of 2, 2.5 and 4 HP. I do not believe that this engine was actually manufactured by the John Lauson Manufacturing Company. This engine appears to be identical to a vertical engine that was sold by the C. P &.

J. Lauson Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; in fact, either engine bears a strong resemblance to a Bates and Edmonds vertical engine.

During the early part of this century, several engine building companies having 'Lauson' in their names evolved but there is no known connection between any of these and the John Lauson Manufacturing Company.

Catalog 14 dates from approximately 1910/1911. This catalog describes the following models: