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Jordans Spreaders - Type J
In 1955, The O. F. Jordan Co introduced the Type J Spreader. The Type J came in 3 basic models:
The design of the Type J was revolutionary in the fact that this model spreader is fully powered by hydraulics. Another feature added that year was the new front cab. This cab gave crews a much better vantage point when operating from all angles. The rear deck is also elevated and is also another good spot for keeping an eye on the wings.
The Type J is also "self reliant", meaning that a locomotive was no longer needed to supply air to a separate reservoir tank to feed the air cylinders as the Type J now had its own "on board" hydraulic pump which supplied all the hydraulic power as needed. The Type J also has an on board generator to operate the lighting and other electrical controls.
Other new features on the Type J model were the hydraulically operated sliding ditch casting. Instead of bolting a casting directly to the wing as on previous models, the Type J now had a casting mounted in a channel inside the wing that is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, which can raise and lower it from the cab control. Inside the cab, a new set of levers was made to fit each side, saving much space, instead of the massive manifolds of the previous models. Another option of the Type J was ballast scarifying rods mounted behind the wings.
Although the Type J has many new features, the Type J still shares options that had been introduced on previous models. The Carry Wing, Ice Cutters for the nose blade, Broken or Straight Wing and locking braces for the wings, although the ones on the J are hydraulic powered "wedge" locks.
Although these basic options seem to be enough, quite a few purchasers of the Type J customized their units after taking delivery. For example Southern Pacific RR ordered four units in 1962 and by 1964, they had extended the cabs on three of those.
The Chicago and North Western RR ordered their Type J's with medium blades and shorter wings. Also added on some models by the purchaser would be a control stand for operating the pusher locomotives from the spreader cab. A list of all the variants would be quite time consuming.
While Jordan Type J's are not in regular production like they used to be, but Harsco still seems to offer parts for them and apparently will construct a new Spreader upon order, if a railroad desires one.
Matter of fact, in 2001 the Alaska Railroad purchased a new spreader, and of an updated design. This spreader (ARR #9 ) featured a "joy stick" control for all hydraulic wing movements. It also featured new electronics and other updated features.
Conrail #64620. Nora Horsfall photo
SPMW #4034: One of the designated snow service spreaders after a fresh coat
of paint in 1991. Len Murray photo
ATSF #199251: Note the missing bank sloper. Len Murray photo
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