An eight-fork hay tedder was one of the first implements to carry the ‘International’ name. They were one of the earliest mechanical forms for lifting hay off the ground to assist with drying the crop. The shape of the tines and motion of the crankshaft ensured a consistent lifting motion through the hay. On every tedder forks were placed outside the wheels so tedded hay would not be mashed down on the next pass.
This Massey Harris tedder was constructed by the Massey Harris workshops at the Sunshine Works of Melbourne, Australia. We haven't an actual date of manufacture but believe it to be one of the oldest hay conditioners in this collection. This machine was faithfully stored and then presented to the Coach House Museum in 2009 by the Rod Port family of Mount Richards, in the Pohangina Valley. It has been restored to its present condition by Brian Schnell of Bunnythorpe. This machine is now mounted up high and motorized to allow visitors to see the tynes moving as if lifting a crop of hay at the push of a button.