Hay Tedder, circa 1875

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Hay tedder

Date Made

circa 1875

Location

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