F.E. Myers HAY (GRAPPLE FORKS ) CLAW HAY FORKS ,Original Red paint!

Description

ANTIQUE VINTAGE HAY FORKS (
F.E.Myers
) MFG Co BARN TROLLEY DOUBLE GRAPPLE LOFT
FORKS  ,
ANTIQUE FARM TOOL.
Patents for horse hay forks to “grasp” the hay from the wagon were first issued in 1854 and would total over 600 during the course of the loose hay handling era.These forks were commonly used by farmers from the mid-1800s onward. A wagon of loose hay was driven under the roof overhang gable.
"The fork is attached to a "trolley" riding on a track which extends the length of the barn. A rope runs from outside the barn front, through a pulley to the fork, then through a second pulley and out the rear of the barn and hitched to a horse.
"Once the fork is set into the hay, the horse pulls the fork up to the trolley, thence into the hay loft to the desired spot. The man there pulls a "trip" rope attached to the fork which lets the tines fall to vertical, dumping the hay.
"The horse is then backed and the rope in front is pulled, returning the fork and trolley to the overhang where the fork is unlatched from the trolley and is lowered again to the wagon.”
Mechanical hay forks and other apparatus used to lift and hold the hay from the wagon as it was suspended into the loft evolved from rather crude blacksmith forged single “prongs” into some quite efficient styles.
Personal preference as well as the type of hay or bundle being lifted off the wagon dictated popularity of the various forks.
The weight of the Hay would cause the release of the forks when the rope is tripped .
Selling as Pictured,
Auction is for ( 1 Double Grappling Hay Forks only).
18" depth.
"Trolleys & Track" available in my other listings !
Expected wear, Selling as pictured as Use or decorative.
Make a great look in your mancave, cabin, Rustic Setting!
Check my other auctions for other hay fork styles !
Please view Pictures and ask Questions.
Thank you!
surcharge for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
Check out my
other items
!
Be sure to add me to your
favorites list
!