MASSEY'S TORONTO STRING BINDER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9201, 2 November 1888, Page 6

MASSEY'S TORONTO STRING BINDER.

This new harvester has recently been introduced into New Zealand, and in the Southern provinces, where the machine has tone through the most exhaustive trials, as proved itself to be the most perfect machine ever seen in the harvest field. We have inspected one of these machines in the agricultural implement department of Mossrs. T. and S. Morrin and Co. (limited), and a brief mention of a few of its main features will be read with interest. The construction is exceedingly simple, and, while every attention has been paid to build a durable machine, the draught is so light that two hordes can work it with the greatest ease in almost any crop. It has a solid steel frame, made of the best Bessemmer steel. A steel angle cutter bar at the inner end is rigidly bolted to the solid steel frame and a simple drop bend-in, which enables the cutter bar and platform to be carried very low down. The cutter bar is of solid rolled steel, and has a patented ledge to keep the guards in line. The platform canvas goes within half an inch of the heel of the knife, and by this means prevents the accumulation of short grain, grass, weeds, &c, everything being thus carried to the elevators, and the knife being kept clear. Another point worthy of mention is an ingenious device in the shape of a light, swaying fork, or r elief rake, which works backwards and forwards over tho heel of the knife, and effectually keeps the end of the platform clear from all chances of choking. A very prominent feature in tho Massey Toronto machine is the remarkable balance the machine has when cutting low; also the method of tilting, and the speed with which this can bo done. The operation can be made so rapid that tho cutting apparatus may be quickly raised to pass over an obstruction or lowered to cut tho shortest stubble. No one will deny the fact that there is no better system of guaging the binding of sheaves than by weight in preference to size. By this means the possibility of irregular sheaves is removed. If the grain happens to be green or damp, the sheaf is consequently smaller, because of its weight, and this gives it a better opportunity to dry. Spiral springs are placed to keep the canvases at a proper tension. In damp weather, when the canvas the springs prevent it contracting too much, and, as the canvas dries and stretches, the springs adjust it to the proper place. The reel column is simple, easy of adjustment, and capable of handling long or short grain. The binder is movable, and in a very simple manner can be set to the centre of the sheaf in any length of grain. The knotter is a modification of the Appleby, with all the latest improvements. The machine is supplied with transport truck. One man can load a binder on this truck in a few minutes, and, when loaded, may be driven anywhere an ordinary waggon may go. The sheaf carrier is very light, being made of steel, is most effective, and is really no perceptible addition to the draught of the machine. From the numerous testimonials of the Massey Toronto Binder, the unanimous verdict of the machine may be summed up as follows :—Simple in construction, superior quality of material, noiselessness while at work, lightness of draught, ease of operation, and magnificent work. Messrs. T. and S. Morrin are the local agents for the above machine.