[hobnob]

Does’ Leap – yes, my original question referred to their ground drive mowers (they make them ground drive, PTO or motorised). Not that I’m passing judgement on anyone or anything, because everyone has their own situation & their own motivations, but purely for my own personal situation, I prefer to go for the non-motorised solution where there is one.

[hobnob]

Think this might be what sickle hocks is referring to above. Also some text that explains it a bit. Hope it’s of some interest.

“A Horse drawn Hay sweep or rake often referred to as a “Tumbling Tam”

It measures 12 feet across and is good condition for its age but has a bit of woodworm in the tines (ones been repaired). All its ironwork is present and is in good order.

The Tumbling Tam or Tumbling Tommy haysweep was used with a single steady, fast working horse hitched with chains, using the lugs at each end of the long beam. The hay was swept up from the field, running in stretches back to where the haycart stood. As the haysweep travelled it scooped up the hay in a mounting pile. When it was full the driver brought it to the cart and threw the handles upward, letting the horse go on walking. The sweep somersaulted forward and “leapt” over its dropped load of hay, righted itself and was ready to collect the next load. The driver caught up the handles, walked over or round the pile of hay, and went on for another lot. Meanwhile the men with the cart were forking the hay from the dropped load onto the cart.”

[hobnob]

Many thanks for all your replies. The consensus definitely seems to be that it can be done – which is good, as I’ve just won the mower in question on ebay! I will look out for the Lynn Miller book.

[Author]

Posts