Chaffcutter from East Grinstead

A horse powered chafcutter from Bricklands Farm, East Grinstead, Sussex is installed in the stable.  It was manufactured in Chard, Somerset, probably between 1885 and 1910, and was in active use on the farm until 1939.  Chaffcutters cut hay and straw into short lengths for mixing with horsefeed, and previously cattle feed during the winter months.  The horse in a trace harness connected to the wooden shaft, walks around the horse gin (shown above) turning the crown wheel, which in turn drives a pinion and the drive shaft.  The drive speed is increased still further by further gears located outside  the stable.  This drive operates the chaffcutter located in the stable.

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