Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 76: Harvester

Translator: Cinder Translations

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Under Paul's continued "concern," the Alden Town Machinery Factory recently achieved a major breakthrough: the harvester was the primary research goal, and now it finally bore fruit.

During the development process, Paul proposed two development paths:

One was to develop a traction-type harvester similar to the American McCormick harvester, pulled forward by livestock.

The other was to develop a push-type harvester similar to the British Bell harvester, pushed forward by livestock.

After careful analysis, the craftsmen ultimately chose the traction-type harvester because it was simpler.

To advance the research and development work of the Machinery Factory and create an ideal testing environment, the Earl allowed the craftsmen to boldly experiment in Grayman's own fields.

However, the early experimental models performed poorly, and watching vast quantities of grain being "wasted," the servants responsible for managing the farm were heartbroken. They secretly complained that Paul was too extravagant, as they had to clean up the mess left in the wheat fields after the experiments.

But the "wasted" wheat fields by the craftsmen eventually yielded great results.

The finalized harvester was pulled by two horses and equipped with ground-wheel-driven cutting blades, a threshing wheel, and a grain collection platform. It not only cut the wheat but also automatically arranged the harvested grain neatly on a workbench at the rear. A single man could walk alongside the machine and rake it up, increasing harvesting speed by 3 to 4 times compared to manual labor.

Previously, a farmer skilled with a sickle might harvest only about 3 mu of grain in a day. With the harvester, a man with horses could harvest 10 mu or more in a day.

TL Note: 1 Mu corresponds to 1/15 of a hectare, or about 666.67m2

This would greatly increase the labor productivity of farmers and liberate them from strenuous physical labor, allowing them more energy to engage in other work.

Paul stood proudly next to the finalized harvester and said to the craftsmen and accompanying Hansel, Malon, and others, "Gentlemen, this will be the first step of our agriculture into mechanization."

Hansel was deeply moved. Having previously served as a tax officer at a farm in the suburbs of the capital, he understood very well: wheat is best harvested when 90% ripe. Once it reaches full maturity, nutrients flow back into the straw, causing a decrease in grain weight, with yield reductions of 30 to 50 kilograms per mu. In continuous rainy weather, grains may sprout and mold, further deteriorating quality, resulting in even greater losses.

Given the inefficiency of traditional manual harvesting, even with more cultivated land and more grain planting, the harvest could not be maximized during the ripe season.

Now, with this harvester, ignoring other factors, grain cultivation could increase by three times compared to before, and harvesting could increase by three times as well.

Malon's eyes sparkled as he grabbed Paul's sleeve and said, "Paul, will many of these harvesters be made? Can they be used by the farmers of Byerldine too?"

Paul slapped his chest and said, "Of course, my brother. Byerldine and Alda will be treated equally."

The craftsmen were also extremely happy and even excited. They often worked in the fields themselves and naturally understood the significance of the harvester. Although the initial design was completed by the Lord, the later improvements and enhancements were carried out by them. Being able to personally participate in the invention of such a great creation was indeed an honor.