Name/Title
Fodder CutterEntry/Object ID
2021.2.3.1Description
This hand-crank fodder cutter has a wooden frame held together by metal bolts. The crank is connected to gears and knives used cut agriculture feed and other material into smaller pieces. The Markings on this cutter indicate that the Harrisburg, PA manufacturer T.H & D.T Willson company patented the design on November 6, 1860.Context
A fodder cutter cuts straw, hay, or oats into small pieces for mixing with other forage to feed horses and cattle. This helps the animals digest their food. An experienced operator on the original treadle version of this machine produced forty bushels of chaff per day. But the invention of the hand-crank feed cutter in the 1840s made the task easier. The crank turned two rollers. The soft metal upper roller provided a cutting surface for the straight, evenly spaced blades attached to the lower roller. The operator fed the fodder between the rollers. A heavy flywheel enhanced the crank action. Operators still had to feed the first rotary cutters manually, but improved versions came equipped with automated feed systems. Heavy-duty cutters powered by horses or steam engines had a capacity of 500 bushels per hour.Location
Building
Antique Barn and Nature CenterOhio State Park
Barkcamp State Park
