traction engine

plural traction engines

1. A wheeled steam engine used to move heavy loads, plough ground or provide power at a chosen location.

   1 more example

   He found a great many things to see, such as dandelions, and ants, and traction engines, and bolting horses, and furniture being removed, besides being kept busy raising his hat, and passing the time of day with people on the road, for he was a very well-bred young fellow, polite in his manners, graceful in his attitudes, and able to converse on a great variety of subjects, having read all the best Australian poets.

   1918, Norman Lindsay, The Magic Pudding, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 17

   Synonyms: road locomotive, steam tractor