Patrick Bell's original reaping machine

Made:
1827-1828 in Scotland

Patrick Bell's original reaping machine, 1826, with acquisition correspondence.

Patrick Bell's original reaping machine, 1827-1828. This machine, designed by Patrick Bell (1799-1869), is believed to be the first practical mechanical reaper and has several features that were incorporated into early combine harvesters. The reaper has undergone various modifications during its working life, one of the most important being the replacement of a cutter based on scissors with a reciprocating knife mechanism. The crop was collected by a revolving frame (reel) onto an inclined apron which delivered the corn at the sides of the machine. The reaper was designed to be propelled by a single horse but this was found to be inadequate; it was modified so that two horses were used behind it. Steering in this later form was achieved by a driver holding a bar connected to the horse-pole.

Details

Category:
Agricultural Engineering
Object Number:
1868-15
type:
machines
credit:
Bell, G.

Parts

Bell's Reaping Machine

Bell's Reaping Machine

Patrick Bell's original reaping machine, 1826

Measurements:
overall: 2060 mm x 2200 mm x 3510 mm,
Materials:
canvas , iron , leather and wood
Object Number:
1868-15/1
type:
reaping machine