DONKEY ENGINE

Relatively small engines used to drive the auxiliary apparatus of a larger engine installation, are sometimes known by this name. The term is also applied to engines driving pumps, hoists, etc., used in construction work and aboard ships. Many sailing ships carry a donkey engine which is used to hoist the sails, load and unload the cargo and to haul up the anchor. These engines are generally of the horizontal type, and have two double acting cylinders, geared to a drum or ‘head,’ around which the rope to be pulled is Se They are rarely rated at over