This is starting out more like an archaeologically dig rather than a restoration.. but we all know how it will end up.. a perfect restoration! Can’t wait
I agree watching Dave sift through the rubble with his brush and pan was revealing! He exposed loose bolts and nuts that belonged with this manure spreader and misc. farm equipment from other ancient ruins.
I have been watching old digs of Time Team, and I had the exact same assosiations.😅 Daves craftmanship is on its own level totally, but he does also have an air of an old academic too.👍
Rebuilding, restoration, reviving, re creating - you're giving a new meaning to these words with your creation of something from small scraps of rotten wood....
Just like all my bicycles when I was a kid. Taking them apart taught me how they worked. The only difference is they were still working when I decided to take them apart.
At any given time, Dave could easily just bypass the tedious process of identifying as much of the wagon parts as he may want to and just rebuild the wagon, reusing the parts wherever they might fit... and no one would be the wiser. He is being true to himself and his work by doing things the only way he knows how - the best he can - even if he is the only one to know it. Dave, you're a rare breed. Much respect!
Being a retired mechanic (50 years) and a wood lover, my nose is glued to the computer screen for this one. It should be a real challenge. keep er movin I am inpatient
All looks simple enough. As individual components. Add them together and that's a very different story. Being a hundred years ago thier simple is a different level then today's society simple. I enjoy watching your videos on all subjects keep them coming.
I've never been to the Smithsonian Museum but I'll get there eventually. I hope they have a building for horse drawn farm equipment and I'd love to see this spreader there one day. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
Watching you unlink the chains sure brought back some memories. It was not unusual for a chain to break while spreading manure in the winter time. We would have to unload the spreader with a fork and then pull it in the barn to thaw out before beginning repairs. Then it would be getting inside the spreader to remove the broken link(s) and put in the new link(s). 60+ years ago.
Bill--I'm curious as to why one would be spreading fertilizer in the wintertime. (?) But maybe no snow, and you had to clean out the stalls on a regular schedule throughout the entire year, I guess? Also, by placing it when it wasn't needed at the moment, because of the temperature being so cold, nothing went to waste. No question mark this time because I think I may have spoken before thinking it through. Cheers!
@@cotton-Dave I grew up on a small dairy farm. We had no space to store/pile up manure from the cows and calves. The barn would be cleaned daily. There were "box" stalls for the calves. We could fit about 3 days worth of cleaning in the manure spreader. We had to spread it. It was a good source of nutrients for next year's crops. A broken chain was a fairly infrequent thing---maybe once every couple of years. But no fun when it would happen.
@@billj.widmann112 Thanks for the reply, Bill. When I started the comment, I was asking a serious question, for me. The rest: you know. Thank you. However: A side benefit from your response is humorous, to me, and I'm referring to the third to the last sentence in your comment. Cheers! (seriously, Bill, thanks for the response).
@@cyrilhudak4568 We had no place to compost it over the winter. Also, piling for composting would have meant handling it twice. We were small and not enough manpower to do that.
Have to believe this was one loud machine, even on day one of its existence. Thanks for bringing us along. Looking forward to seeing the process it takes to get it going again.
One lever engages the beater, it's either on or off. The other lever adjusts how fast the floor travels. It is driven off an eccentric on the axle, which operates a ratcheting mechanism that slowly advances the floor.
This is another great exploration into the manufacture (and now remanufacture) of a common piece of ranch equipment from the late 1800's. I am looking forward to watching the progress and, as always to your demonstration of the skills required to restore this spreader. Thanks again for your entertaining and informative videos! Well done Dave, Thank You!
I love old mechanical stuff! The rusty gears that transferred the power from the wheels to two different components will be fascinating to see back in operation!
pretty amazing somebody figured out how all them gears and rollers would help the farmer do a pretty labor intensive job a little easier. Good luck Dave
Detective Dave taking us along as he unravels the mysteries of the Smith manure spreader. Dave I could watch you every night. You some of the most interesting content on CZcams.
It is facinating how you can figure out where everything goes by looking at them, but I guess when you have been doing this for as long as you have it comes easy.
In 1953 (I was ten) I assisted my neighbor and his son prepare a very similar manure spreader for operation. It, too, had a wood frame and wood spoked wheels. It was drawn by a Farmall tractor, though, and as it was pulled across the field the manure was very effectively thrown out the rear. The hardest task was shoveling the manure into the wagon. When I got home, my mother announced that although it wasn’t Saturday, I would be bathing that evening.
Greetings from Australia. Just a jigsaw this one, all credit to Dave for taking this on. I googled and found what she would look like once restored, there's a couple of pictures out there. Big project I'm looking forward to seeing the completion of
I have always heard of the grandchild digging in the manure pile because there must be a pony in there someplace. Uncovering that first layer explains why you are digging into this manure spreader. For the Gold hidden below the surface. Carry on with enthusiasm from your viewers.
Glad you are able to figure out how most of these old pieces were put together. I bet you wish there was a library of engineering drawings for these old wagons.
Most farms when I was growing up in the 1950s had their old horse-drawn manure spreader out behind the barn rotting away having bought new power take-off models or at least rubber tired tractor pulled ones. Dad said the new spreaders that had a wood bottom and wood sides lasted longer as the manure rotted the metal ones in 10 years or so. We had two old ones. My brother dragged them to his line of old farm machinery for display.
The double dog system was used to move the chain back at a selected speed (off, slow, medium, fast) and the other would engage the beaters and possibly could have had a speed selection.
Great detective work, Sherlock! Looking forward to see how this disassembly and subsequent restoration goes - looks really interesting so far. I'm amazed that so much of the mechanism has survived as well as it has done, to provide you with the clues of how it will go back together and work again. As always, a great video, Dave, thank you!
This is probably one of the more technically involved projects you've shown us. While the spreader itself is pretty simple in design, it does have a lot of bits to it.
I can see exactly what he is up to, he is on the learning part of the restoration where he is checking what he has (more importantly what is missing), and how it all goes together and how it works, I do exactly the same when I get a pile of bits and pieces that later become an antique car.
That's just fascinating to watch being excavated from the ruins... as many loose rollers as there were, you might want to run a metal detector over where it was parked.
To me, this is the most interesting “wagon” we’ve watched you work on. I’m sorry to say, this peaks my interest far more than another sheep herders wagon.
That's awesome, the manure spreader teaching you how it was put together so you can take the load of parts and pieces and build them then put it all back together. Wow, what a lesson we had today. Thanks Dave for sharing with us and taking us along on this journey. It's a chore but doable. Stay safe and carry us along as you go. Fred.
I am trying to take this in as this manure spreader is teaching Dave how it was all put together originally. My grandfather had a similar one that I figure was about 30-40 years younger. I didn't understand much about its operation but even at 10 years old I knew better than stand anywhere near the rear!
Reminds me of the days of going to my uncles farm in Wisconsin and having one of these spreaders. Anything that would decompose went into it and usually after cleaning the barn it headed out to the field.
Great detectiving Dave!! Seems to me you will have fun when you start this rebuild. And I love how you discover that the box-sides are connected in a mechanical way to the braces. Seems a very smart industrial way to be able and build sections of the wagon in pre-assembly and then quick as you can some guys build the sides with the braces and cross-irons to a box. And then some more guys roll the preassembled apron and chains in.
Yessiree...one huge puzzle. Similar to the NTSB when they put back an airliner that went down to determine the cause etc. Lots of wondering and NO BLUE PRINTS.
Considering how complex this all is, and the big volume and variety of metalwork involved, this must have been an expensive wagon to buy back then. You have taken on a project that 99% of folk would not have looked twice at. It is fascinating to see and hear, as you figure it all out. Looking forward to seeing thIs Phoenix arise from the ashes. I wish you good luck, and a Happy New Year, from the UK.
Good evening Dave and Diane, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The mystery is starting to unwind. It looks like a good one. Regards Richard 🇬🇧
I'm completely intrigued by this unique project David. I'm also impressed with your insight into its value and your long-term plans to restore it. Already I'm enjoying the mystery unfolding. Thank you.
Merry belated Christmas to you and your family Dave! I very seldom comment here, but I feel compelled to let you know how intrigued I am listening to you, explaining what things are and how you come to that conclusion. And I know you get tired of building and repairing wheels, but I never tire of watching you do it. Take care, and God bless!
I’m really eager to see how this thing comes together and finally how it works. Thank you for walking us through your learning process. It’s like reading a book, each page tells part of the story till you know all of it. Happy New Year and God bless you,
Very excited to follow this project. I love mechanical operating farm machinery from the late 19th to early 20th centuries as I come from a 6th generation family farm from Ohio. My grandfather and great grandfather would have had a similar spreader like yours.
I have great respect for you and admire your patience I can't wait to see this manure spreader completed,thanks for all you do for educating us and hopefully generations to come🤗😎🤗😎
Hi Dave, and Diane, this is a very interesting project. Looking forward to the build. I love to learn with you the aspects of operation on something like this. Thank you for sharing, and take care.
I would say that this is like an archeological dig, only it’s on/ about a machine or piece of equipment, you sir, have the right temperament for what you are doing. I am enjoying this series on the spreader, thanks for the update.
Absolutely fascinating the way you pick through the debris to sort out what does what. Wonderful to watch. Many thanks, a really interesting 2023, here's hoping you carry on with these most interesting projects into 2024. Best wishes to all, Ian in Blackpool, UK
It looks to me like there might be a constantly rocking arm driven by the connecting rod from the wheels, and then the driver's control lever slides the pawl assembly up and down that rod. At the top there is more stroke, so it advances more teeth on each revolution, and at the bottom, no teeth. This is vaguely the same as some elements of the Stephenson Valve gear seen on locomotives and traction engines.
It's fascinating to watch how your experience and expertise makes your brain work while figuring out where each piece of wood goes and what it did. I'm sure you'll figure out what the questionable pieces will do. I love watching your work. I'm certain it will be beautiful. Thanks, Dave.
Wow, this is like archeology and mechanics all in one. Fascinating how they were able to make that all work back then. Hope you can get it rebuilt, it will be very interesting to see!
I would doubt that the floor moved constantly, you would probably advance it into the beater a bit at a time to avoid clogging the beater. One handle to engage the beater the other to advance the floor intermittently. Anyway, wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous new year.
That apron moved at the rate set my an operators lever. Full, heavy load and run the apron slower. Lighter load run faster. Should add that it would be adjusted to how heavy you wanted the the load spread. On wheel driven ones the apron would be advanced by a ratcheting action.
We won't be quite sure til it's built. But look at Rural Heritage Magazine site. They went to a museum with similar examples. And for a 'modern version', see Working Horses With Jim. Jim just built himself a new skid and recommended Engles as a master craftsman.
If you Google Smith Manufacturing Chicago IL, you'll find a picture of the manure spreaders. Dave restored another sheep wagon a few years ago and did CZcams series on it. The name of the Playlist is Restoring a Sheepherder's Wagon.
@dianeengel4155 I am really excited to see how this turns out. I see Jacob haish has a good website, if you haven't seen that one yet. Has a few pictures and breaks down the different model types based on wheel width and bushel capacity. Looks like the manufacturing facility was destroyed at one point back in 1914. Best wishes to you both.
This is starting out more like an archaeologically dig rather than a restoration.. but we all know how it will end up.. a perfect restoration! Can’t wait
My exact thoughts! 👍
I'm just wondering if these videos are for us or for future Dave. ☺☺
Honey-wagon archeology! 😊
I agree watching Dave sift through the rubble with his brush and pan was revealing! He exposed loose bolts and nuts that belonged with this manure spreader and misc. farm equipment from other ancient ruins.
I have been watching old digs of Time Team, and I had the exact same assosiations.😅 Daves craftmanship is on its own level totally, but he does also have an air of an old academic too.👍
There’s not a lot of folks capable of doing the forensic analysis and even fewer who are willing.
Dave, you are a national treasure!
Rebuilding, restoration, reviving, re creating - you're giving a new meaning to these words with your creation of something from small scraps of rotten wood....
Just like all my bicycles when I was a kid. Taking them apart taught me how they worked.
The only difference is they were still working when I decided to take them apart.
Who, in their right mind, would attempt to restore this rubble? Dave Engels that's who!
Like others have said, can't wait to see the final product!
You know I get jigsaw puzzles in a much smaller box ;-) I salute your patience, knowledge and diligence.
At any given time, Dave could easily just bypass the tedious process of identifying as much of the wagon parts as he may want to and just rebuild the wagon, reusing the parts wherever they might fit... and no one would be the wiser. He is being true to himself and his work by doing things the only way he knows how - the best he can - even if he is the only one to know it. Dave, you're a rare breed. Much respect!
Agreed, it's a very interesting process. I wonder if there is any kind of Concours d'Elegance for manure spreaders and what you'd lose points for!
No, I think he needs to identify as much as possible so he knows what he's actually remanufacturing and why.
You certainly got your money's worth in rollers with that model.
Being a retired mechanic (50 years) and a wood lover, my nose is glued to the computer screen for this one. It should be a real challenge. keep er movin I am inpatient
All looks simple enough. As individual components. Add them together and that's a very different story. Being a hundred years ago thier simple is a different level then today's society simple. I enjoy watching your videos on all subjects keep them coming.
I've never been to the Smithsonian Museum but I'll get there eventually. I hope they have a building for horse drawn farm equipment and I'd love to see this spreader there one day.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
The Master Craftsman is performing a great job in preserving the history of the country.
the thing with my jigsaw puzzles is always having a nice picture on the box lid, Dave has much of the picture of his puzzle in his head. Amazing.
I am always amazed at how you can take a pile of garbage and come up with a design and working wagon from it.
Watching you unlink the chains sure brought back some memories. It was not unusual for a chain to break while spreading manure in the winter time. We would have to unload the spreader with a fork and then pull it in the barn to thaw out before beginning repairs. Then it would be getting inside the spreader to remove the broken link(s) and put in the new link(s). 60+ years ago.
Bill--I'm curious as to why one would be spreading fertilizer in the wintertime. (?) But maybe no snow, and you had to clean out the stalls on a regular schedule throughout the entire year, I guess? Also, by placing it when it wasn't needed at the moment, because of the temperature being so cold, nothing went to waste. No question mark this time because I think I may have spoken before thinking it through. Cheers!
@@cotton-Dave I grew up on a small dairy farm. We had no space to store/pile up manure from the cows and calves. The barn would be cleaned daily. There were "box" stalls for the calves. We could fit about 3 days worth of cleaning in the manure spreader. We had to spread it. It was a good source of nutrients for next year's crops. A broken chain was a fairly infrequent thing---maybe once every couple of years. But no fun when it would happen.
@@cotton-Dave I think the bigger question is spreading raw manure vs composted manure the most effective way to fertilize fields.
@@billj.widmann112 Thanks for the reply, Bill. When I started the comment, I was asking a serious question, for me. The rest: you know. Thank you.
However: A side benefit from your response is humorous, to me, and I'm referring to the third to the last sentence in your comment.
Cheers!
(seriously, Bill, thanks for the response).
@@cyrilhudak4568 We had no place to compost it over the winter. Also, piling for composting would have meant handling it twice. We were small and not enough manpower to do that.
Dave's determination to salvage as much as possible is admirable, but if it was me - I'd salvage the iron & scrap the remainder.
You was right when you said, "Coachology is a lot like Archaeology." Thanks for sharing 👍
Well the right man is on the job! Ray
Have to believe this was one loud machine, even on day one of its existence. Thanks for bringing us along. Looking forward to seeing the process it takes to get it going again.
No doubt you the only person and the right person to restore this wagon back to life bot it needs a complete restoration.
Ufda. This rabbit hole got a whole lot deeper. But at every turn it's fascinating how new details try to reveal themselves.
I never thought a manure spreader could be so interesting!!
One lever engages the beater, it's either on or off. The other lever adjusts how fast the floor travels. It is driven off an eccentric on the axle, which operates a ratcheting mechanism that slowly advances the floor.
This is another great exploration into the manufacture (and now remanufacture) of a common piece of ranch equipment from the late 1800's. I am looking forward to watching the progress and, as always to your demonstration of the skills required to restore this spreader. Thanks again for your entertaining and informative videos! Well done Dave, Thank You!
Thanks for letting us tag along on the adventure inti the past!
I really love when you start digging into a pile of wood and rusty iron and figure out whats what. I can't wait to see the manure spreader come alive!
I find it interesting of you working out how it worked , but also the idea that somebody had to figure it out from scratch
I love old mechanical stuff! The rusty gears that transferred the power from the wheels to two different components will be fascinating to see back in operation!
That's just about a 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. WOW!!!!!
Thanks Dave
Crazy how complex that actually is.
pretty amazing somebody figured out how all them gears and rollers would help the farmer do a pretty labor intensive job a little easier. Good luck Dave
I believe that you, sir, could build a beautiful coach out of a pile of sawdust. Best regards of the season.
Detective Dave taking us along as he unravels the mysteries of the Smith manure spreader.
Dave I could watch you every night. You some of the most interesting content on CZcams.
Cowboy archology mixed with master craftsmanship presented in a warm and interesting manor!
thank you sir :)
Well said
This was a fine built machine in its day !! I bet the ordinal owner was proud as he showed it off to his friends !
Equal parts craftsman, historian, detective and archeologist! Great fun to watch you figure everything out.
As you began opening up the bits and pieces the way it works is beginning to be revealed.🙂🙂
It is facinating how you can figure out where everything goes by looking at them, but I guess when you have been doing this for as long as you have it comes easy.
In 1953 (I was ten) I assisted my neighbor and his son prepare a very similar manure spreader for operation. It, too, had a wood frame and wood spoked wheels. It was drawn by a Farmall tractor, though, and as it was pulled across the field the manure was very effectively thrown out the rear. The hardest task was shoveling the manure into the wagon. When I got home, my mother announced that although it wasn’t Saturday, I would be bathing that evening.
Greetings from Australia. Just a jigsaw this one, all credit to Dave for taking this on. I googled and found what she would look like once restored, there's a couple of pictures out there. Big project I'm looking forward to seeing the completion of
Just as I get comfy the show is over. Such is the thoroughly entertaining Engel's bi-weekly lesson 😊
Very interesting thanks
Whether it's assembling or disassembling centuries-old vehicles, I've been addicted to this work since I discovered this channel a few months ago.
I have always heard of the grandchild digging in the manure pile because there must be a pony in there someplace. Uncovering that first layer explains why you are digging into this manure spreader. For the Gold hidden below the surface.
Carry on with enthusiasm from your viewers.
Glad you are able to figure out how most of these old pieces were put together. I bet you wish there was a library of engineering drawings for these old wagons.
Most farms when I was growing up in the 1950s had their old horse-drawn manure spreader out behind the barn rotting away having bought new power take-off models or at least rubber tired tractor pulled ones. Dad said the new spreaders that had a wood bottom and wood sides lasted longer as the manure rotted the metal ones in 10 years or so. We had two old ones. My brother dragged them to his line of old farm machinery for display.
Great start,very cool 👍👍👍😎😎😎
The double dog system was used to move the chain back at a selected speed (off, slow, medium, fast) and the other would engage the beaters and possibly could have had a speed selection.
That’s exactly what my thoughts are as well.
Great detective work, Sherlock! Looking forward to see how this disassembly and subsequent restoration goes - looks really interesting so far. I'm amazed that so much of the mechanism has survived as well as it has done, to provide you with the clues of how it will go back together and work again. As always, a great video, Dave, thank you!
One of the more interesting restorations you've acquired. When you're done, it will make a great political tool!
This is probably one of the more technically involved projects you've shown us. While the spreader itself is pretty simple in design, it does have a lot of bits to it.
I can see exactly what he is up to, he is on the learning part of the restoration where he is checking what he has (more importantly what is missing), and how it all goes together and how it works, I do exactly the same when I get a pile of bits and pieces that later become an antique car.
That's just fascinating to watch being excavated from the ruins... as many loose rollers as there were, you might want to run a metal detector over where it was parked.
To me, this is the most interesting “wagon” we’ve watched you work on. I’m sorry to say, this peaks my interest far more than another sheep herders wagon.
I look forward to the journey
That's awesome, the manure spreader teaching you how it was put together so you can take the load of parts and pieces and build them then put it all back together. Wow, what a lesson we had today. Thanks Dave for sharing with us and taking us along on this journey. It's a chore but doable. Stay safe and carry us along as you go. Fred.
I am excited about this project. I used one as a kid.
Oh Boy! Dave you have quite a puzzle on your hands! Can’t wait to see it working once you’re all done.
OMG what a puzzle
I am trying to take this in as this manure spreader is teaching Dave how it was all put together originally. My grandfather had a similar one that I figure was about 30-40 years younger.
I didn't understand much about its operation but even at 10 years old I knew better than stand anywhere near the rear!
You learn, we learn. Thanks!!!😊❤
I'm so much in admiration for your dedication in this mammoth restoration, well done
Reminds me of the days of going to my uncles farm in Wisconsin and having one of these spreaders. Anything that would decompose went into it and usually after cleaning the barn it headed out to the field.
Ah, the Archeaologist is back at it again! Love it!
Thank you Dave. You help feed me of my history addiction.
Great detectiving Dave!! Seems to me you will have fun when you start this rebuild.
And I love how you discover that the box-sides are connected in a mechanical way to the braces. Seems a very smart industrial way to be able and build sections of the wagon in pre-assembly and then quick as you can some guys build the sides with the braces and cross-irons to a box. And then some more guys roll the preassembled apron and chains in.
I can hardly wait to see you start it
Kim🍁🇨🇦
Indeed, a true wagon whisperer! Looking forward to the work and finale!
Looking forward to this project
That chain with the cast links was much used in the past, and still used in some machines like the Hesston stack mover.
Yessiree...one huge puzzle. Similar to the NTSB when they put back an airliner that went down to determine the cause etc. Lots of wondering and NO BLUE PRINTS.
Considering how complex this all is, and the big volume and variety of metalwork involved, this must have been an expensive wagon to buy back then. You have taken on a project that 99% of folk would not have looked twice at. It is fascinating to see and hear, as you figure it all out. Looking forward to seeing thIs Phoenix arise from the ashes. I wish you good luck, and a Happy New Year, from the UK.
So much Patience. I hope you took a day off for Christmas. All the best for 2024.
Good evening Dave and Diane, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The mystery is starting to unwind. It looks like a good one.
Regards Richard 🇬🇧
If they patented their spreader design, or maybe just the mechanism, would the drawings still be available from the US Patent Office?
I'm completely intrigued by this unique project David. I'm also impressed with your insight into its value and your long-term plans to restore it. Already I'm enjoying the mystery unfolding. Thank you.
Merry belated Christmas to you and your family Dave!
I very seldom comment here, but I feel compelled to let you know how intrigued I am listening to you, explaining what things are and how you come to that conclusion.
And I know you get tired of building and repairing wheels, but I never tire of watching you do it.
Take care, and God bless!
Thank you.
This is great!! I want to know how it all works..
Really looking forward to this project. Thank you!
I’m really eager to see how this thing comes together and finally how it works. Thank you for walking us through your learning process. It’s like reading a book, each page tells part of the story till you know all of it. Happy New Year and God bless you,
Very excited to follow this project. I love mechanical operating farm machinery from the late 19th to early 20th centuries as I come from a 6th generation family farm from Ohio. My grandfather and great grandfather would have had a similar spreader like yours.
I have great respect for you and admire your patience I can't wait to see this manure spreader completed,thanks for all you do for educating us and hopefully generations to come🤗😎🤗😎
Hi Dave, and Diane, this is a very interesting project. Looking forward to the build. I love to learn with you the aspects of operation on something like this. Thank you for sharing, and take care.
I would say that this is like an archeological dig, only it’s on/ about a machine or piece of equipment, you sir, have the right temperament for what you are doing. I am enjoying this series on the spreader, thanks for the update.
Absolutely fascinating the way you pick through the debris to sort out what does what. Wonderful to watch. Many thanks, a really interesting 2023, here's hoping you carry on with these most interesting projects into 2024. Best wishes to all, Ian in Blackpool, UK
This will be a great project. 👍
It looks to me like there might be a constantly rocking arm driven by the connecting rod from the wheels, and then the driver's control lever slides the pawl assembly up and down that rod. At the top there is more stroke, so it advances more teeth on each revolution, and at the bottom, no teeth. This is vaguely the same as some elements of the Stephenson Valve gear seen on locomotives and traction engines.
It's fascinating to watch how your experience and expertise makes your brain work while figuring out where each piece of wood goes and what it did. I'm sure you'll figure out what the questionable pieces will do. I love watching your work. I'm certain it will be beautiful. Thanks, Dave.
This is a fun project to watch you do, Dave. Thanks.
Well, actually, they all have been fun to watch.
Wow, this is like archeology and mechanics all in one. Fascinating how they were able to make that all work back then. Hope you can get it rebuilt, it will be very interesting to see!
I would doubt that the floor moved constantly, you would probably advance it into the beater a bit at a time to avoid clogging the beater. One handle to engage the beater the other to advance the floor intermittently. Anyway, wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous new year.
That apron moved at the rate set my an operators lever. Full, heavy load and run the apron slower. Lighter load run faster. Should add that it would be adjusted to how heavy you wanted the the load spread. On wheel driven ones the apron would be advanced by a ratcheting action.
Could you post a picture of what the 1890 manure spreader looks like please Dave? Thank you.
And the sheep wagon please.
We won't be quite sure til it's built.
But look at Rural Heritage Magazine site. They went to a museum with similar examples.
And for a 'modern version', see Working Horses With Jim.
Jim just built himself a new skid and recommended Engles as a master craftsman.
I goggled it.. lots to see, even a TikTok
If you Google Smith Manufacturing Chicago IL, you'll find a picture of the manure spreaders. Dave restored another sheep wagon a few years ago and did CZcams series on it. The name of the Playlist is Restoring a Sheepherder's Wagon.
@dianeengel4155 I am really excited to see how this turns out. I see Jacob haish has a good website, if you haven't seen that one yet. Has a few pictures and breaks down the different model types based on wheel width and bushel capacity. Looks like the manufacturing facility was destroyed at one point back in 1914.
Best wishes to you both.
This is an interesting build for you, Dave, and for us , seeing this working will be amazing. Good luck 👍
Very interesting Dave. I like how you said the wagon is teaching you how it was put together. Stay safe.
I have an old spreader that has never been used, it's very beautiful! Looking forward to seeing how this will look ☺️
Boy oh boy I'd be sorely tempted to set a match to that on the first cold day and find something else to restore.
If you end up missing some rollers, you might have to go back where it sat for years with a metal detector!
Fun watching and discovering how this all goes together,how it’s made and how it will work,,,
You never want to try and beat this guy at jigsaw puzzles.