Hay Rake, 1825-1835

01

Artifact Overview

This rake was common from the 1700s to the 1840s. Two horses dragged the rake over the field, reducing physical labor and time needed to harvest the scythe-cut hay. A farmer or a field hand walked behind holding the two wooden handles to keep the rake's teeth parallel to the ground. The operator stopped periodically and tipped the rake to deposit the hay into windrows.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Hay rake

Date Made

1825-1835

Place of Creation

Location

at Greenfield Village in Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery

Object ID

00.3.16460

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Metal

Dimensions

Height: 18 in
Width: 11 in
Length: 43 in

Hay Rake, 1825-1835