Ketchum's Mowing Machine, 1859

Summary

This is the first successful machine designed exclusively for mowing. Earlier machines were designed as reapers, with mowing as a secondary function. This machine ran at a higher speed, more suited for mowing, and with more distance between the cutter bar and drive wheel, it could better negotiate uneven ground. By 1864, over 20,000 of these mowers were in use.

This is the first successful machine designed exclusively for mowing. Earlier machines were designed as reapers, with mowing as a secondary function. This machine ran at a higher speed, more suited for mowing, and with more distance between the cutter bar and drive wheel, it could better negotiate uneven ground. By 1864, over 20,000 of these mowers were in use.

Artifact

Mowing machine

Date Made

1859

Creators

Ketchum, William F. 

Howard, R. L. 

Place of Creation

United States, New York, Buffalo 

Creator Notes

Manufactured by R. L. Howard in Buffalo, New York based on a patented design by William F. Ketchum also of Buffalo, New York.

Agriculture
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Agriculture

Object ID

00.3.8166

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Cast iron

Dimensions

Width: 48 in

Length: 100 in

Weight: 753 lbs

Inscriptions

KETCHUM'S PATENTS JULY 10,1847, FEB. 10, 1852, MAY 17, 1853, DEC. 19, 1854, JAN. 15, 1856, MAY 27, 1856 MFD. BY R. L. HOWARD, BUFFALO, N.Y. 1859.

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