1908 Geiser Model "ZZ" Steam Engine

The Geiser model "ZZ" double cylinder steam engine was manufactured by the Geiser Mfg. Co. of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. The model "ZZ" was the largest steam engine that Geiser Mfg. Co. manufactured in 1908, designed primarily for heavy hauling or plowing. It featured a double cylinder 8 1/2 x 10 inch steam engine, which ran at only 260 rpm and developed 35 horsepower. The entire steam engine was 23 feet long, with a 17 foot long boiler, 6 foot diameter rear drive wheels, and 4 1/2 foot diameter front wheels. Included for this size steam engine was a 540 gallon water tank, and a boiler that operated with 160 pounds per square inch of pressure. The maximum forward or reverse speed for this steam engine was only 2.38 mph. Another feature that was included was a Moore water pump and injector which delivered water through a double exhaust pre-heater. Overall, Pazandak was very pleased with the features incorporated in the Geiser steam engine and stated that "the excellent design and quality materials makes this steam engine a 'Cadillac' in its class."

Included in all the pictures showing the Geiser model "ZZ" steam engine is a companion, steam actuated, Geiser "Peerless" plow. According to Pazandak, the plow had twelve 14 inch bottoms which were raised and lowered by two long steam cylinders. The cylinders were linked to the steam engine, and when the operator turned a valve, steam was forced into the cylinders. The reaction of the steam being forced into the cylinders lifted the twelve bottom plow out of the ground. Conversely, when the operator turned the valve the opposite way, the steam was forced out of the cylinders and the plow was dropped to the ground. The front of the plow was clamped to the rear of the steam engine, and the rear wheel of the plow was turned by a cable connected to the front axle. A point that should be emphasized is that this plow is very unique, and represents a very early attempt by a manufacturer to design a fluid-based implement power lift. Steam as a fluid, however, had distinct limitations when used in a cylinder, and thus it was replaced by hydraulic oil in all implement power lifts which are used on plows and farm machinery today.