[AT] OT - using pitchfork

[Herbert Metz]

Len
There were a few two time bundle forks; I bought one a Portland several 
years ago.   I finally got it home a year later.  I had temporarily stored 
it under the pickup, then drove off without it.   Farmer noticed it and took 
it home along, then brought it back the next year.   I doubt if I ever use 
it.
Herb

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Len Rugen" <rugenl at yahoo.com>
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2006 1:00 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] OT - using pitchfork


> Pitchforks usually have a tang that inserts into a hole on the end of the 
> handle.  The handle has a metal collar, but they aren't connected.  I 
> think you can drill (use a metal bit) until you hit the tang, then open a 
> vice enough to let the fork pass but catch on the handle and drive the 
> tang out. I seem to remember they are a lot easier to change than a shovel 
> handle.  If they are old and a little loose, you may be able to just drive 
> the old handle off without drilling first.  We used to lay them under the 
> wood stove and let them dry and shrink for a few days, then they nearly 
> fell off.  It wasn't too hot to touch, but dries enough to shrink the 
> handle.
>
> A pitchfork was an essential tool for the AC Roto balers.
>
> Pitich forks have 3 tines, manure forks have more 4-6 tines, if it looks 
> like a scoop shovel with tines, it's a silage fork.  If it has 3 tines and 
> a LONG handle, it's a bundle fork, for pitching wheat bundles onto a TALL 
> wagon.