Prototype Parkgate Tine Carriage at Parkgate
Forestry Commission copyright image of Forest Research photographs courtesy of Glenn Brearley, Roslin. Nil Ref No
One of a series of small image and somewhat indistinct images of a prototype plough beam and carriage developed by the Clarks at their Parkgate Works, Nr Dumfries. The design has some features with similarities to the cranked beams of the early agricultural ploughs whereby the double A frame swings forward and upwards creating a lifting force on the beam and plough head. This forward and upward lift was achieved by a winch rope pulling the top of the A frame towards a point forward on the plough beam. The lower A frame lay backwards on top of the beam at which point it was fixed to the beam with a very heavy pivot and axle. The apexes of the two A frames were permanently fixed some distance apart with a heavy spacer but their feet merged to hold stub axles for the wheels. This was the early universal plough frame most likely from an initial concept by Mr R B Ross (FC Inverness) but manufactured by Clarks of Parkgate. Note that the wheels are forward of the pivot point on the beam in this version.
Another innovation on the tine head is that the ripper tooth looks as though it has been abandoned and the land side board has been manufactured as a solid piece with a toe to take the standard tine sock. Picture is unclear to be absolutely certain. Note also the large depth adjustment screw to the rear of the A frame spacer. This design or a minor modification of it eventually became the standard for all the future forestry plough frames.
Note the early version of the Buffalo which has been pressed into service for this demonstration. It only has a hand winch at the rear but may have the remains of a hydraulic ram. Most likely one of Cuthbertson’s former hill draining machines complete with cab.
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Groups: Forest Research, Forestry in Action, Tractors Ploughs and Drainage Machines