Motor Control.—Some machines are provided with a foot lever mechanism (accelerator) as well as the throttle lever on the steering wheel. This is advantageous, because in moving through crowded streets, where frequent and quick changes are necessary, the foot is the most convenient for controlling purposes.
Throttle Movement.—A downward pressure of the foot opens the throttle, and a spring returns it to its normal position. The foot throttle is also convenient when shifting the transmission gear, as both hands are otherwise engaged, one to operate the gear-shifting levers, and the other for steering.
The hand throttle on the steering wheel, however, is most convenient for long runs, when little change is required, and it can then be set so as to avoid the use of the foot lever.
The levers are so arranged that they do not entirely close the throttle, but, when fully thrown to a closed position, will still provide a sufficient opening to keep the engine running light.
Fig. 20. Steering Wheel.
Steering Wheel Type.—The drawing, Fig. 20, shows a type of steering wheel, which has a segment A. The long lever B is for throttling purposes, as above described, and the short lever C for operating the sparking device.
These levers are differently disposed and arranged on the wheel, or on the column supporting the wheel shaft, but the illustration is sufficient to show the principle of construction, and we are interested only in the types and not in the modifications which are available, and are constantly being made to meet certain conditions.
Fig. 21. Steering Gear.