170 



MECHANICS. 



SPRING-TOOTH RAKE. 



The original form of the spring-tooth rake is shown in 

 fig. 188. The teeth were made of stiff, elastic wire, on 



thej^oints of which 

 the rake ran, and 

 not on the flat 

 sides, as in those 

 already described. 

 They bent in pass- 

 ing an obstruction, 

 and sprung back 

 again to their place. 

 Thisj-ake was un- 

 loaded by simply 

 lifting the handles, 

 which was easily 

 done, the rake be- 



Sprm_ 



r-tjoih Horsc-rakc. 



ing light, and 

 about one-half the weight being sustained by the hoi'se. 



All the spring-tooth rakes made and used at the present 

 time are attached to wheels, and a seat is furnished for 

 the driver. There are many patented modifications, some 

 possessing advantages of greater simplicity, or ease of 

 management ; but all appear to be good and efticient 

 rakes, enabling the operator to gather about twenty-five 

 acres in a day. 



Among the best of the spring-tooth rakes is that of 

 Hollingsworth, made by Wanzer Su Cromwell, of Chicago, 

 and represented in the accompanying engraving. Each 

 tooth is separate, and may be readily replaced. As soon 

 as the rake is loaded with hay, the driver, by touching 

 the lever before him, drops it at the line of the windrow. 

 The cost is about |45, 



