Historical information

Spike toothed harrows were commonly used in Australia after 1870 to prepare land for sowing seed. The panel’s metal tines covered seed with a light layer of soil and they could also be used to break down clods or lumps of fertiliser and help with weed control. Frequent light tillage was useful for reducing the evaporation of moisture from the soil.

The irregular shape of the pictured harrow was suitable for rough surfaces while backward sloping tines helped prevent accumulation of weeds. The chain would have connected the panel to a draw bar that was pulled by a horse. Draw bars might take one, two or more panels. By the early 1900’s this type of harrow was largely replaced with other implements.

Physical description

Diamond (spike) harrowswith chain, unpainted metal