Turning the Header

by Lynn Miller
Photographs by Kristi Gilman-Miller

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.

In the case of this operation, two teams of exceptional McIntosh Belgians are employed. (Yes, it does require intelligent, well trained horses NOT prone to panic attacks!) To turn Mike swings the left team all the way out to 90 degrees of the other team which stand in waiting. Then he speaks to the left team to step ahead while he backs the right team slowly. This effects a pivoting turn. Kristi’s excellent photos do a good job of capturing the procedure. Everett Metzentine, walking in the pictures, is pointing out this maneuver to the crowd at the Dufur Threshing Bee.

This setup again demonstrates the incredible versatility of harnessed equine and what adventuresome engineers can accomplish.