Issue # 6: Oliver Hay Rakes

One hundred years ago the dump rake was a modern piece of farm equipment. Today they are simply yard ornaments adorning many a flower garden.

The dump rake was pulled through the field by horses with a rider sitting on the rake. When the rake had gathered a load of hay. The rider pushed a foot dump pedal which cause the rake to lift, releasing the load of hay. This was done with ratcheting teeth on the wheel. The rake was then dropped to the ground immediately without leaving an unraked strip. There was also an adjusting lever with would allow for three different positions of the teeth and four different positions for the heights. It was a time consuming process and a somewhat laborous job. As antiquated as it seems, this rake was available into the early 1950’s.

Things changed when Oliver introduced the side delivery hay rake, identified as No. 1. This modern tool saved the farmer quite a bit of time in the raking process as well as in baling. While this model seems primitive to today’s standards, it was quite an advance over the rake and dump method. Oliver said “There’s just one main reason for using a side delivery rake. That is to make better hay and make it faster.” By rolling the hay the heads were turned into the center of the windrow leaving the heavy butt end of the stems out. This quickly cut down the drying time.

The No. 1 had 4 steel wheels and was ground driven by the large wheels with cleats. The open gear system drove the 4 bars that turned the hay. This rake was designed to be used by horse.

When the No. 2 came along, it was designed to be used with tractors. The horse hitch was available as an option though. It is easily identified by its four rubber-tired wheels and the wind guard covering the front of the rake. The previously open gear was also updated to be enclosed and running in oil. While this was a very popular rake for many years, it lost it best-seller spot when the 107 was introduced.

In 1951 the list price on the No. 2 was $337. By 1955 this price had dropped to $267 but jumped to $406 by 1960.

Order your very own copy of Oliver Heritage issue # 6 for more facts on the Oliver Hay Rakes and other information from your favorite Oliver Source!!!