Potato Barrel Grapple, Presque Isle, ca. 1950

Contributed by Presque Isle Historical Society

Potato Barrel Grapple, Presque Isle, ca. 1950

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Description

This grapple is one of the many types of potato barrel grapples. It was used most frequently during harvest for loading barrels onto trucks in the potato field.

The attached rope is pulled by an electric or hydraulic hoist. The grapple is tossed from the truck over the top of the barrel. When the rope pulls up the two semi-circle hoops clamp down and grip the barrel. There are three teeth on each hoop that are filed sharp. These teeth are usually welded onto the grapple.

This grapple was favored by many farm workers because it could easily be thrown ahead of the truck to grip the barrel. Many workers would like to load without stopping the truck.

The disadvantage of this type of hoop is that it sticks to the barrel. When the barrel is loaded, the worker usually has to kick the grapple off. This is a minor inconvenience if you are looking for speed. It is for this reason that you seldom see this type of grapple in the potato house.

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About This Item

  • Title: Potato Barrel Grapple, Presque Isle, ca. 1950
  • Creator: locally made (unknown)
  • Creation Date: 1946–1976
  • Subject Date: 1946–1976
  • Location: Presque Isle, Aroostook County, ME
  • Media: Metal
  • Dimensions: 30 cm x 67 cm x 66 cm
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Presque Isle Historical Society
PO Box 285, Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 762-1151
Website

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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