LIFTING POSTS BY HAND.
lever for lifting postsFig. 166.—A Convenient Post Lifter.
Fig. 166.—A Convenient Post Lifter.
Fig. 166.—A Convenient Post Lifter.
A convenient and sensible implement, for taking up fence posts without the aid of a team, is shown atfigure 166. It consists of a stout pole of the size and shape of a wagon tongue. The thicker part of this pole, for about fifteen inches from the end, is shaped into a wedge. This is sheathed with a frame made of iron, half an inch thick and two and a half inches wide, and securely fastened with screws or bolts. The end should be pointed and slightly bent upwards. The manner of using this convenient implement is shown in the illustration.
lifting a post with a leverFig. 167.—Lifting A Post.
Fig. 167.—Lifting A Post.
Fig. 167.—Lifting A Post.
Frequently a farmer has occasion to lift posts, and has not time to wait for the construction of an iron-shod lever.Figure 167shows a very simple, inexpensive contrivance for such cases. A spadeful of earth is taken from each side of the post, and a short, strong chain loosely fastened around the lower end of the post, as fardown as it can be placed. A strong lever—a stout rail will answer the purpose—is passed through the chain, as shown in the engraving, until the end of the rail catches firm soil. By lifting at the other end of the lever the post is raised several inches, when both chain and lever are pushed down again for a second hold, which generally brings the post out. The chain is furnished with a stout hook at one end, made to fit the links, so that it can be quickly adjusted to any ordinary post.