i8 4 



FARM MACHINERY 



the hay sling is used. The harpoon forks are best 

 adapted for the handling of long hay, like timothy. For 

 handling clover, alfalfa, and the shorter grasses, the 

 grapple and derrick forks are generally used. The der- 

 rick fork is a popular style for field stacking in some 

 localities. Harpoon forks have fingers which hold the hay 

 upon the tines until tripped. The tines are made in 

 lengths varying from 25 to 35 inches, to suit the condi- 

 tions. The grapple fork opens and closes on the hay like 

 ice tongs. The eight-tined fork is suitable for handling 

 manure. 



The hay sling consists of a pair of ropes spread with 

 wooden bars and provided with a catch, by which it may 



FIG. 139 A HAY SLING. THE SPRING CATCH BY WHICH THE SLING IS 

 PARTED IS ABOVE E 



be separated at the middle for discharging a sling load. 

 The sling is placed at the bottom of the load, and 

 after sufficient hay has been built over it for a sling 

 load, another sling is spread between the ends of the 

 hay rack and another sling load is built on, and so on. 

 Four slings are usually required for an ordinary load; 

 however, the number has been reduced to three, and 

 even two. The sling is a rapid device, but is some- 

 what inconvenient in the adjusting of the ropes 

 and placing in the load. It is very convenient at the 

 finish, as the load is cleaned up well from the wagon 



