Object number
79/38
Description
This is a hedge clipper with a 'reciprocating knife' which is operating by a crank. A connecting rod, 'bushed with bronze' takes the rotary action of the hand turned crank to the knife bar is one metre long, and is painted green the wooden ash handles and crank are painted red. The machine contained in a wooden box which also holds a loose wooden handle, presumably screwed in the crank end.
Physical description
1 hedge cutter: metal
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Hedge cutter // Mr Hacker, Whitley Wood Lane // Description: Hedge clipper with a 'reciprocating knife' which is operating by a crank. A connecting rod, 'bushed with bronze' takes the rotary action of the hand turned crank to the knife bar is one metre long, and is painted green the wooden ash handles and crank are painted red. The machine contained in a wooden box which also holds a loose wooden handle, presumably screwed in the crank end. // Associated information: This particular clipper was purchased by the donor in Hambledon about 10 years ago for £2. 'The Little Wonder' hedge clipper is made in the country and sold by Mr John Hansen, Astor House, Aldwych, London WC2, is available in one size only, that with a 40'' cut...to operate the user turns a crank at a speed of about 60-80 revolutions per minute...The machine is supported by the operator by means of a shoulder brace, and four adjustments are provided to enable the machine to be correctly adjusted in relation to the height of the user and the size of the hedge, while further steadiness is provided by a waist support extending from the knife bar...the work is said to be done 10-15 times faster than hand work. When the cutting in the above mentioned manner, the machine will cut up 4' high in one operation, while sides as high as 9' can be dipped by two men without the use of scaffolding. In this latter case one operator guides the machine as the other turns the handle...Tops as wide as 61/2' can also be clipped in bar horizontal as the operator walks along, or alternatively two persons can work the machine, one steadying it at the extreme end of the cutter bar opposite to the crank handle. The bearings are made, and all other parts are manufactured in Birmingham...The price of the machine is £6 6s'
Production place
Birmingham, Sheffield
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_16180.tif - High resolution image
