Louden (grapple Forks) Claw Hay Forks Louden. Fairfield, Iowa Barn Trolley Forks

ANTIQUE VINTAGE HAY FORKS (Louden) MFG Co BARN TROLLEY DOUBLE GRAPPLE LOFT FORKS. Last picture Shows a F. Myers HAY Grapple forks in my other auctions and not incluuded. These forks were commonly used by farmers from the mid-1800s onward. A wagon of loose hay was driven under the roof overhang gable.

"The fork is attached to a "trolley riding on a track which extends the length of the barn. A rope runs from outside the barn front, through a pulley to the fork, then through a second pulley and out the rear of the barn and hitched to a horse. Once the fork is set into the hay, the horse pulls the fork up to the trolley, thence into the hay loft to the desired spot. The man there pulls a "trip" rope attached to the fork which lets the tines fall to vertical, dumping the hay. The horse is then backed and the rope in front is pulled, returning the fork and trolley to the overhang where the fork is unlatched from the trolley and is lowered again to the wagon.

Mechanical hay forks and other apparatus used to lift and hold the hay from the wagon as it was suspended into the loft evolved from rather crude blacksmith forged single prongs into some quite efficient styles. Personal preference as well as the type of hay or bundle being lifted off the wagon dictated popularity of the various forks. The weight of the Hay would cause the release of the forks when the rope is tripped.

"Trolleys & Track" available in my other listings! Make a great look in your mancave, cabin, Rustic Setting! Check my other auctions for other hay fork styles! Please view Pictures and ask Questions. Check out my other items. Be sure to add me to your favorites list. The item "LOUDEN (GRAPPLE FORKS) CLAW HAY FORKS LOUDEN. FAIRFIELD, IOWA BARN TROLLEY FORKS" is in sale since Sunday, September 26, 2021. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Tools, Hardware & Locks\Tools\Pulleys, Block & Tackle". The seller is "mcartor55" and is located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This item can be shipped to United States.

Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Brand: Louden