Hay Tedder, circa 1875
Add to SetSummary
In the late 19th century, mowing machines left thick swaths of moisture-laden hay grasses in the field. Farmers used tedders to fluff up hay, increasing air circulation to hasten drying before moving the hay into their barns. Drying helped retain hay's nutritional value and decreased the risk of spontaneous combustion that could occur with piles of wet hay.
In the late 19th century, mowing machines left thick swaths of moisture-laden hay grasses in the field. Farmers used tedders to fluff up hay, increasing air circulation to hasten drying before moving the hay into their barns. Drying helped retain hay's nutritional value and decreased the risk of spontaneous combustion that could occur with piles of wet hay.
Artifact
Hay tedder
Date Made
circa 1875
On Exhibit
at Greenfield Village in Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery
Object ID
25.106.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Dimensions
Width: 80 in
Length: 84 in
Diameter: 46 in
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