Introduction
The sickle mower is a piece of farm machinery used, as its name implies, to mow crops with a sickle-shaped knife. It is a very efficient tool for harvesting, as it can quickly cut through crops such as barley, oats, wheat, and rye without damaging the plants themselves. It is also useful for avoiding soil compaction, since it does not have a heavy wheel that can cause the soil to be compacted.
History
The use of a sickle mower dates back to the Middle Ages when farmers used it to harvest their fields. It was especially popular in the nineteenth century in Europe and North America as a more efficient way to cut hay and other crops. However, it was soon replaced by the mechanical mower and was later replaced by the motorized mower.
Design
Most sickle mowers depict a wooden frame with a curved, razor-sharp blade attached to the frame, which is usually made of either steel or stainless steel. Depending on the type of crop being cut, the blade can be attached to the frame either vertically or horizontally.
Usage
The sickle mower is usually mounted to the back of a tractor, but it can also be used with horsepower or in a standalone system. When the tractor is pulled, the blade of the mower moves in a scythe-like motion, cutting the crop as it passes. As the blade moves, the crop is thrown up onto the rack of the mower, which is then collected at the front of the tractor.
Advantages
The sickle mower is a very efficient tool for harvesting crops. Because of its sickle-shaped blade, it is able to quickly cut through crops without damaging the plants. It is also a better option for avoiding soil compaction as it does not have a heavy wheel that can press on the soil. Furthermore, since it does not have any moving parts, it is also less likely to break down.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of the sickle mower is that it can only be used to cut a certain type of crop, so it is not suitable for use on larger fields. It is also not suitable for use with hybrids or genetically-modified crops, as these may not be able to withstand the sickle mower’s cutting power. Additionally, because the blade is made of metal, it can become damaged quite easily and can also be a source of accidents, so it must be handled with caution.
Conclusion
The sickle mower is a very effective tool for harvesting crops quickly and efficiently. It is especially useful for avoiding soil compaction and for cutting hay and other crops without damaging the plants. However, it can only be used to cut a certain type of crop and can be a source of accidents, so it must be handled with care.