5 Cool Antique Cotton Harvester

Published on: 13 May 2021 Last Updated on: 02 January 2025
Antique Cotton Harvester

Cotton plants have been an integral part of the United States and American history since the first days of colonization.

Along with tobacco and the gold and silver mines of South America, cotton was one of the most valuable exports which created an immediate demand in Europe, resulting in many investors funding some of the first communities to profit from cotton production.

Cotton is a labor-intensive difficult crop to grow and harvest, unfortunately, slave labor was sued for much of the hardest aspects of the job. With that said, people are inclined to always “build a better mousetrap” and also have tried more efficient means of harvesting cotton.

Although modern technology has made for much more efficient cotton machinery with an expected use for industrial farming, the simplicity and beauty of antique equipment can make for a fun hobby to restore and use on a smaller scale than what is required of commercial farms.

Some have been designed as an attachment to be used with a regular tractor, essentially running the tractor in reverse with the large wheels to the front instead of the rear, others were made as independent designs specific for the single use of picking cotton and transporting it back to the barn to be cleaned by a cotton gin and baled as a separate process.

Over the years, there have been some exceptionally cool ideas about how to pick cotton without the extensive labor required when people have to harvest by hand.

1820’s: Trained Monkeys

Nobody can argue how cool an idea it was when a Louisiana farmer had the idea in 1820 to purchase a group of money and train them to pick cotton.

This almost sounds like a joke from a comedy movie, but the guy actually thought it might work. Spoiler alert, it didn’t. He was able to teach them to pick cotton while in captivity, but when he released them into the fields to actually conduct the harvest, they quickly became distracted and ran off into the surrounding woods.

Okay, the proof is in the pudding and maybe that wasn’t a “great” idea, but such idiocy certainly brings a few giggles to nearly everyone when they hear the story.

Patent Number 7,631, Subclass 48

Invented in 1850 by Samuel S. Rembert and Jedediah Prescott of Memphis, TN., the first cotton picking machine used cylinders and disks to pick cotton.

The interesting aspect of the invention was it’s being designed to add more units capable of harvesting more than one row at a time, a concept still used by modern harvesters.

It didn’t work well in terms of reliability because it required the operator to constantly stop and clean off the cotton oils as they jammed up the operating mechanisms, but it did prove such a machine was possible but needed some further development and improvement.

1930’s: John Daniel Rust

Rust invented one of the first usable cotton pickers in 1933, which didn’t become commercially popular until 1938. It attached to the rear of a tractor and picked cotton without stripping it.

Pictures show the tractor driver often holding the steering wheel to maintain a straight line while looking over their shoulder to evaluate how the harvest was proceeding.

This was the machine that made mechanical cotton pickers an integral aspect of cotton farms, as they could produce as much cotton in an hour as had previously been expected after a day’s worth of labor.

The patent was sold in the 1940s and used by different companies before becoming an outdated machine, even though some of the most basic concepts it used are still part of modern cotton pickers, with a few upgrades and improvements to details of the harvest process.

1940’s International Harvester Model 114A

The I.H. Model 114A was one of the first cotton picking specific machines, and set a new standard for cotton farmers when it came out in 1943.

The problem with previous mechanical harvesting was it didn’t always clean the cotton efficiently enough to go straight to the cotton gin for separation.

The 114A resolved that problem and reliably picked cotton while removing unopened bolls and other debris which would clog a gin. By doing so, the amount of labor required during a cotton harvest was immensely lowered while increasing production rates.

With a growing demand for cotton worldwide both as a fabric and for other uses such as in cooking oil or rubber products, such an invention had become an absolute necessity toward a farm’s continued success in the cotton industry.

1950 I.H. M120 Cotton Picker

The I.H. M120 basically added a cotton picker to a tractor in a means which would turn the tractor into a specialized piece of machinery used only to pick cotton. It essentially turned the tractor around to drive with the large wheels in the front behind the spindles which harvested cotton one row at a time.

The steering wheel and seat were moved to face what is generally considered the rear of the tractor, and the basket was mounted over the engine hood.

Although modern cotton pickers operate much the same way with rear-wheel steering, they do more than just picking the cotton but also strip and bale the crop. It’s interesting to see how that design began and how it has evolved over time.

Certi-Pik USA Parts and Equipment

If you’re fortunate enough to find an antique cotton picker, it’s likely going to be in a condition that requires restoration, and that’s going to require parts.

At Certi-Pik, we provide certified aftermarket OEM parts for modern and older cotton machinery according to your needs; we’re specifically certified by John Deere and Case/IH. Although we also sell parts for many other makes of cotton picker and tractor equipment.

Our staff is trained and understands both the mechanical needs of your equipment and the importance of getting it fixed as quickly as possible to avoid downtime in the field. We can provide advice if you have questions about which part will best fix any problem your equipment may be having.

Contact us for all your aftermarket parts needs so we can help you achieve your goals of producing a successful and profitable cotton crop each year.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Aerial Innovations

Advancing Search and Rescue Missions with Aerial Innovations

The realm of search and rescue missions is witnessing unprecedented advancements thanks to aerial innovations. These technologies, like drones for search & rescue, are redefining the capabilities of emergency response teams, enabling them to conduct operations more effectively and safely than ever before. This article explores how these aerial innovations are transforming the search and rescue domain, enhancing missions' efficiency, speed, and success rates across challenging environments. Enhancing Real-Time Situational Awareness Aerial innovations have improved real-time situational awareness during search and rescue operations. Drones with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging can cover expansive areas quickly, providing live feeds to the command center.  This immediate access to visual information allows rescue teams to assess situations accurately and make informed decisions swiftly. The ability to survey disaster-stricken or hard-to-reach areas from the air has significantly reduced the time it takes to locate victims, evaluate risks, and strategize interventions, ultimately saving lives and optimizing resource deployment.  Utilizing AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms enhances the analysis of the data collected, helping in the identification of patterns and anomalies that human operators might miss, further increasing the effectiveness of search and rescue missions. Precision In Search Operations The precision offered by aerial technologies in search operations is unparalleled. Drones, for instance, can navigate through narrow spaces and harsh terrains, areas where human teams or traditional machinery might struggle or face risks.  Equipped with advanced sensors, these aerial devices can detect heat signatures or movement, aiding in identifying survivors in dense forests, collapsed structures, or avalanche sites. This precision not only enhances the chances of finding and rescuing individuals but also minimizes the exposure of rescue personnel to potential dangers.  Drones can drastically improve the outcomes of search operations by pinpointing the exact locations of victims, reducing the time required for rescue, and significantly lowering the risk of further casualties. Rapid Deployment And Scalability Aerial innovations enable rapid deployment and scalability in search and rescue missions. Unlike crewed aircraft or ground teams, drones can be launched quickly and in multiple numbers, allowing for simultaneous coverage of vast areas.  This scalability is crucial in the critical first hours following an emergency when the likelihood of saving lives is highest. The ability to deploy numerous drones at once or in response to evolving situations ensures that search and rescue operations can adapt dynamically to the demands of the mission, covering more ground in less time.  The agility and adaptability of drones make them an indispensable asset in the arsenal of search and rescue teams, enabling a more responsive and wide-reaching approach to emergencies. Cost-Effectiveness And Resource Efficiency Adopting aerial innovations in search and rescue missions introduces cost-effectiveness and resource efficiency. Operating drones or crewless aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and search efforts is significantly cheaper than deploying helicopters or large teams of ground personnel.  The reduced need for expensive crewed aircraft and the ability to conduct thorough searches with fewer resources means that emergency response units can allocate their budgets more effectively, enhancing their overall capacity to respond to disasters without compromising the quality of search and rescue efforts.  This economic advantage allows for more frequent and extensive training exercises, ensuring teams are well-prepared, and resources are readily available when real-life situations arise. Improving Safety For Rescue Teams One of the paramount benefits of aerial innovations is the improved safety they offer to rescue teams. By utilizing drones and other aerial technologies, rescuers can conduct preliminary assessments of unstable structures, flood zones, or wildfire-affected areas without directly exposing themselves to these hazardous conditions.  This precautionary measure ensures that rescue operations are conducted with a clear understanding of the risks involved, allowing teams to approach situations with the necessary caution and planning.  Moreover, by taking on tasks that would otherwise put human lives in danger, drones significantly reduce the risk of injury or fatality among rescue personnel. The deployment of drones in the initial stages of a mission can help determine the best course of action. In doing so, it ensures that when human responders enter the scene, they do so with maximum preparation and minimum risk. Which Drones Are The Best For Search And Rescue? When it comes to search and rescue, aerial surveillance can be done well with the right kind of drones. Just getting any type of drone doesn't help. Rescue missions are operated better with drones equipped with thermal cameras. If thermal cameras are the best, you needed  For identifying and searching for a missing person, thermal drones use heat signatures for thermal imaging of an individual. The human body is a source of heat. The thermal imaging technology equipped with the drone cameras detects the heat signatures that the naked eye cannot.  The best drones have infrared sensors, making those temperatures visible through the remote screen. It takes quick surveillance to find missing individuals during a disaster like a fire or plane crash. Drones can easily track and find a missing person thanks to the heat signature detection features.  Especially during the early morning and at night, the infrared sensor of a drone is useful. The temperature of any human being or animal will be more than rocks, vegetation, and water. So, it helps detect a missing person. Thermal drones cannot see through objects. But, it makes it easy to detect a missing person when their heat signature is visible.  A Technical Perspective on How Drones are Used for Search & Rescue 1. Easy Detection A search and rescue mission can involve various types of scenarios and difficult situations. If, for instance, when a rescue party is looking for someone stuck on one side of a cliff, the drone helps a lot. It gives the users a global perspective with real-time monitoring. The person handling the drone can see the movement and the position of the person they are trying to rescue.  2. Aerial Drones are Easy to Carry Also, teams that have to hike to a specific height are at an advantage, with the drone making the ways and navigation easier for them. Hiking parties can carry the drone in their backpacks or small cases. This makes these drones portable and easy to carry. It doesn't feel like an excessive burden.  3. Easy Detection And Remote Controlling According to the technical grid perspective, the process is mostly about collecting drone footage. It can also be used to employ the acquired data effectively. After the drones are deployed, the users can utilize the remote control to make it fly back and forth. This facilitates a comprehensive coverage of the landscape. This way, no necessary information is missed, and the rescue operation is carried out properly.  4. Streaming Rescue Footage Technically, the rescue team member is supposed to stay in a vehicle close by. They use HDMI and project the drone's visuals to another large screen for the cloud. This way, the rescue team can livestream the rescue mission, telecast it, or send it to a command center for observation. The command center and the rescue team can make decisions based on the live streams.  Conclusion The advancement of aerial innovations, as exemplified by technologies like drones for search & rescue, is revolutionizing the emergency response field.  These technologies improve the practicality and effectiveness of search and rescue missions and redefine the approach toward saving lives in critical situations. With the ability to offer real-time situational awareness, precision in search operations, rapid deployment, cost-effectiveness, and improved safety for rescue teams, aerial innovations are setting new standards in the rescue domain.  As these technologies evolve and integrate with search and rescue operations, the future promises even more successful missions, ensuring that the response is swift, strategic, and safe when disaster strikes. Read More: How Pests Control Maintains The Aesthetic Appeal Of Your Home The Impact Of Automation On Payroll And Compliance 6 Law Fields With High Demand In 2024

READ MOREDetails
Voice Over IP

An Introduction to Voice Over IP (VoIP)

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a new technology that enables users to make voice or telephone calls through a broadband connection as opposed to the traditional phone line. VoIP services can vary as some of them only allow the user to call people on the same service, but you will also find many VoIP services that allow users to call telephone numbers across the world. This technology has revolutionized the way people communicate and has been a major boost to businesses. How VoIP works? In order for the calls to be successful, VoIP uses signals through a digital network, which routes communication across the internet or intranet. A signal is received through the VoIP system then coded to conform to internet protocols. This process uses two coding standards namely Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and H.323. The H.323 platform was developed some years ago and was purposed for video conferencing through ISDN telephone lines. It is considered outdated and requires more overhead costs, lacks modern features, and might not allow the flexibility you would enjoy with SIP. On the other hand, SIP includes an end-to-end server/client session signaling protocol, which is less complicated. Its programming is easier and it provides all the features that are required to enable VoIP communications to go through smoothly. It is a more reliable solution for voice communication. However, with the development of VoIP, there are few technical issues that have to be addressed including security, which is threatened by wiretapping and other vulnerabilities. Security may not be an issue if you are a small business with no sensitive data transferred over calls, but major players have to invest in additional features to prevent data leaking. The first step to security is ensuring a sound IP network connection. Accessibility : One of the reasons VoIP has become a major breakthrough is the fact it can be implemented much easier. You don’t need special equipment to use the service. As long as you have a PC and a webcam, you can use VoIP to communicate over calls, which include video calls. You can find different VoIP services that provide low rates and free services for client-to-client calling. The technology relies on existing infrastructure and does not demand additional costs to set up the functionality. This is the kind of technology used by Skype and other video calling services out there. Most of them have mobile apps that you can use on your smartphone to make calls for free. The VoIP trend : This is a relatively new technology that has managed to attain widespread acceptance and application. Although there’s still more improvement to come, it has been instrumental in supporting businesses and enterprises that require to make calls to clients without spending a lot. It is poised to replace the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS). To help you understand how it could be beneficial to both businesses and individuals, below are some of its advantages that you could tap into. Advantages of VoIP : VoIP was introduced to offer access to voice communication, but it has grown and you can now do video calls over the internet. It is accessible across the world and you can easily reach users at any time of the day for free or for a small fee. If you are wondering how VoIP can benefit small business owners, there are many things the technology allows businesses to enjoy. Below are some of those benefits: Save money : If you are using the old phone line, each minute you speak costs money. You pay to use the service and when you don’t have the money you cannot communicate. However, VoIP takes away this cost as you need the internet to connect with users, and international calls are free unlike in the case of a packet-switched telephone network. This allows you to make business calls without the worry of additional overhead. More than voice : Another advantage of VoIP is that since it uses an Internet Protocol (IP), the technology allows you to share other media apart from voice. You are able to share images, videos, or text along with the voice. You can easily speak as you also send files and if both of you have a webcam, you could chat over a video call. This is a good step in business that enables the transfer of data at no cost quickly. Does VoIP work when it comes to RinglessVoicemail: There are many products and software in the industry when it comes to scanning, identifying, and blocking ringless voicemails. However, the effectiveness of ringless voicemail as a form of service is dependent on the features that the VoIP offers. Not all VoIP packages will help you when it comes to ringless voicemails. Banks, financial institutions, and automobile dealerships use these. Even though they offer businesses great marketing and selling advantages, they might have certain disadvantages as well. Useful features available : Using VoIP also allows you to benefit from its features, which can improve your experience. It could support your business and make communication better. For example, depending on the software you are using, you can access extra-virtual numbers, Voicemail, Contact Lists, and Caller ID, and you are able to make calls from anywhere in the world as long as you can access the internet. The development of VoIP has come as a major breakthrough in the way people communicate. This is a technology that relies on the internet to transmit calls. It has been especially pivotal in supporting business communications as you can use the service anywhere at no cost. The service gives useful features and could be used to share media like photos and videos. Read Also : Benefits Of Using Technology To Ace Your Physics Social Media Marketing Role In Technology Virtual Reality And Gaming Technology Innovation In 2017

READ MOREDetails
Video Interview

6 Things You Must Do to Prepare for a Video Interview

Video interviews can be nerve-racking especially if you are meeting the interviewer for the first time. Video interviews are more cost-effective, easier, and faster than a long phone call or in-person meeting. No wonder most organizations are using them to make hiring decisions among other job-related functions. Here are some of the tips that will increase your chances of success during video interviews. 1. Double-Check Your Internet Connection, Video, and Audio: You should always test your audio and video to make sure that everything is working well before the interview. The fact that it worked two weeks ago is not a guarantee that it will work properly today. No one wants to risk the embarrassment or headache of technological issues while conversing with a potential employer. Also, confirm that you have a stable wireless connection. Therefore, select a location where spotty connections will not disrupt your video conversation. 2. Choose a Background That is Free from Distractions: You have to make sure that you entirely focus on the face and what you will be saying during the interview. Therefore, choose a business-like background that is free of any distractions. Avoid windows and walls that are full of decorations, posters, and pictures. Clutter off your desk and clear all the books. The most important thing is to eliminate those things that can draw away the attention of the interviewer from you. If you cannot get an excellent background at your home or office, it is wise to use a solid wall. The guiding principle is to hold your video interview in a sterile and clean environment. Communicate on a human level so that the interviewers will find it easy to talk to you. There is nothing glorious about this as what they are doing it to talk with you. 3. Lit the Room Well: You have to make sure that the interviewer will see you clearly by paying close attention to the lighting. The interviewers should look at your face clearly, and hence you need to test the video beforehand so that lights don’t cast any shadows on your face. The challenge of having a single overhead light shining down from the ceiling is that it can be unflattering and create shadows.  Try to have one light emanating from behind you and one on the left to create a glow around your body. 4. Eye and Angle Contact Are Critical: You have to pay close attention to the place you look during the interview. Several people are thrown off especially if you are used to video interviews. The experience may not feel natural from the onset, and you may want to talk to the camera and not the screen. The position of the camera should always be at an eye level and not below or above you. The angle of the camera is so critical because the camera should not look down at you and you don’t want to look up your nose. Therefore, make sure that the position of the camera is okay. 5. Dress for the Interview: you need to groom yourself depending on the kind of interview you are attending. Remember presentation is critical and you should not overlook this idea because you are talking on video. Dress as if you are attending a face-to-face interview. The wrong dressing will also reflect in your speech and attitude. The interviewer will look at all aspects of a good candidate and dressing is one of them. 6. Maintain an Open Body Language: Like in-person interviews, its critical to be cognizant of the body language so that you can leave a positive impression on the interviewer.  It’s a good practice to gesture while speaking but remember to contain the movement of your hands and also within the video frame. Remember gestures may not translate over video in the same way in-person interviews do. With these tips, you are prepared to handle any video interview. The most important thing is to prepare well, and you will increase your chances of success. Read Also: Traditional Job Interviews Will Be Dead By 2020 Ten Interview Tips That Might Surprise You: The Medical Edition

READ MOREDetails