IH Tedder

[Claddagh Farms]

I just picked up a pair of older IH tedders. One–the older of the two– is basically for parts. The other is in operable condition, but still needs work. It looks like it was modified to work with a tractor some time in the 40’s. I am wondering if anyone has advice on setting it back up to work with my Belgian.

I am thinking of adding some ash poles, restoring the seat and perhaps putting the deck back on it. Does anyone know how to balance these things and set adjust them for use?

Thanks in advance. Neal

http://www.flickr.com/photos/86571141@N00/5754146165/in/photostream

[near horse]

I have one of those too and recently picked up a manual off E-bay (there’s a seller who has copies of lots of older equipment manuals, some horsedrawn – I can get you the link if you’d like).

[Bill Doyle]

Neal, I have a McCormick Deering 8 fork tedder that I fixed up last year. It really works good ! I don’t know why they weren’t more popular around here but you just don’t see them. I had two windrows of hay last year thrown together ready to round bale and I got rained out befor I got done. I had about 15 acres left. After a couple of days I hooked the team to the tedder and went over those wet windrows and 4 hours later it was dry enough to bale. I have an original manual for mine, I could copy for you ?? I actually need a part for mine. It is on the end of the crank shaft. A castle nut looking piece that holds the fork arm on and has a cotter pin in it. How about a trade ???

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Bill

[Big Horses]

Bill,
That sounds like the same thing I have….. although someone “borrowed” one of the outside forks. 😡 Sounds like your manual might be a good thing to copy!! I’d be interested in paying for a copy if you do!
John

[near horse]

In case you need other HD equipment manuals, here’s the eBay link. (

http://stores.ebay.com/LOstant-Merchantile_Horse-Drawn-Implement-Manuals (and free shipping).

[Big Horses]

Thanks Geoff…. now I’ll spend more money…..:eek:
John

[near horse]

Hi John – Always glad to help :rolleyes:

BTW – did you ever make it to Bill Twigg’s place (Moscow Carriage Works)?

[Big Horses]

Not yet, Geoff…. now summer’s coming…too many irons in the fire until the snow flies again. Not totally sure it’ll happen this winter either, as I have a big airplane project that needs to be done by spring, so the wheel work may wait….we’ll see.
John

[Claddagh Farms]

Bill,

My tedder doesn’t have castle nuts on anything but the wheel hubs. It seems to have many farm-made parts on it though, so I don’t wonder if they were scavenged for something else. Do you have any photos of your tedder?

Geoff,

Thanks for the link! I have just bought a manual.

Meanwhile I have made some in-roads into getting the tedder running. Because I am tight on time, I am going for quick and simple this round…..I should have cut hay by now, but I don’t have a single horse mower, and the tractor threw it’s clutch out two days ago….. But I have fit some shafts onto it, and added a seat.

[img]http://www.draftanimalpower.com/photoplog/images/6962/medium/1_photo_3.JPG[/img]

[Claddagh Farms]

Here’s Tony & I on one of our first go-arounds today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2_ojQl9JN0

I need to make some adjustments to the harness & shafts, but it all works pretty well. Tony quite a few rest breaks towards the end, and I don’t blame him, this field has a long slow slope on the uphill climb & it can’t be any fun hauling my lardy butt up there……

By the end of the 12 acres it looks like I have some minor repairs to make on the tedder. One of the wheel ratchets might need rebuilt and the drive-gears slipped apart a bit on the shaft. Otherwise, the old IH did fine. Better than my spine, for sure!

[Author]

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