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.

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

   1939 June, G. W. Tripp, “The Modern Railway Steamer”, in Railway Magazine, pages 393, 395

   1 more example

   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.

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