Draft:Self-rake reaper

The self-rake reaper (also grain reaper) was a harvesting machine (drawn by horses or oxen) for the grain harvest. It was the precursor to the self-binder (reaper-binder) or combine harvester. The rotating wings ensured that the cut grain did not fall forward in the direction of movement, but backwards. At the same time, the grain was deposited in portions. Harvest workers following behind, mostly women, then had to bundle, bind and set up the sheaves. This technology originated in the USA around 1840.

History
The Virginia Reaper was patented in 1834 after the 22-year-old Cyrus McCormick developed a grain sheaf reaper in 1831. The workshop moved to Chicago in 1847 and delivered over 1,500 units by 1849. In 1851, this mower was shown at the first World Exhibition in London.