mechanical stoker

mechanical stoker (plural mechanical stokers)

1. A device for moving coal, coke or anthracite into the firebox or furnace of a steam boiler, which was fitted to many large steam locomotives.
   • 1939 June, G. W. Tripp, “The Modern Railway Steamer”, in Railway Magazine, pages 393, 395:

     These boats maintain a speed of 21 knots and were built for coal firing, with mechanical stokers.

   • 1961 March, ""Balmore"", “Driving and firing modern French steam locomotives”, in Trains Illustrated, page 150:

     But let us say that No. U.1 is a 4-6-4 fitted with Walschaerts valve gear operating piston valves, and a four-cylinder compound, with coupled wheels of 6ft 7in diameter. The boiler is pressed at 290 lb/sq in, the grate is of 56 sq ft and, for the pleasure of the enginemen, there is an American "Standard" mechanical stoker.

• stoker-fired