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Antique Engine Database
Hercules Gas Engine Works
Hercules Buggy Company of Evansville, Indiana, entered the gas engine business in 1912. Through the purchase of Holm Machine Company of Sparta, Michigan, Hercules began the business with a proven design. Early styles were distinguished by a flat-top water hopper with sizes ranging from 2 to 14 horsepower. In 1914 it was announced that the various styles were available in the 1 1/2 to 10 horsepower range, equipped to burn either gasoline or kerosene. At this point, Hercules was building 150 engines per day in a brand-new factory building measuring 775 by 150 feet.
history
Durin 1915 the Hercules line was streamlined to include an attractive water hopper design along with magneto ignition and fancy red striping over the green enamel finish. Hercules Buggy Company was reorganized as Hercules Gas Engine Company in 1912. Although the details are unknown, Sears, Roebuck & Company began marketing their nearly identical Economy engines by 1915. Contentions are that Sears & Roebuck actually bought out the Hercules plant to build the Economy engines. The 1922 Hercules line included several belt driven and direct connected pumping outfits, using either the 1 1/2 or 3 horsepower engine. This 3-horsepower geared pumper equipped with a gasoline carburetor and Webster magneto carried a dealer price of $97. Another $5 bought the kerosene engine similarly equipped. A plain 3-horsepower engine for 1922 was wholesaled at about $70.
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