Mike threads the platform draper, much like with the Binder, under the roller. It’s fed all the way across to the opposite side after which the opposing roller is reset in place – then the draper is folded over and drawn back to meet for buckling.

Perusing through old books and magazines in the Small Farmer’s Journal library, one of my favorite things is the old advertisements. They provide some of the greatest archaeological evidence of how things have changed, and of how they have stayed the same. Here are some ads from Deering and one from Willys-Overland Jeep.

The Header had a short career in wheat country but was an absolute marvel of engineering. Horses pushed a cutting and conveyor assembly resembling that of a grain binder. The grain, instead of being tied into bundles, was conveyored up a ramp and into a Header box wagon. This cumbersome implement required an unusual maneuvering to complete operable turns.