Antique Hay Rake - Allentown, PA, USA - Old Agricultural Equipment on Waymarking.com

This hay rake has been painted black and is in a small garden at the end of a public street in an apartment complex in SW Allentown, PA. It is obviously intended as decoration and adds a rustic air to the mini garden.

The rake itself was very likely horse drawn, as there is a seat for the operator. There are about 20 curved tines which are about 2 ft in diameter. The entire construction is probably carbon steel, from the wheels to the seat. Looking at the wheels, there may have been rubber tires to cushion any farm hay gathering.

A hay rake was used to collect cut hay into windrows to prepare it to be baled or loaded on a wagon. The hay was fluffed up and turned so that it would dry. The rake made the entire process easier. The rake tines dragged the ground, collecting the cut hay. When the tines were full, the farmer lifted the rake, which left the hay in a pile. More hay was then added to the pile, or windrow with each pass.

I suspect that it was used somewhere nearby and the apartment complex bought is as a rustic decoration.

Use or Purpose of Equipment: Cultivating Hay by raking it up. Approximate age: 100 yrs Manufacturer and model: Could not tell Still in Use?: No Location: In a small garden at the end of a public street in an apartment complex. Fee for Access: no

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