Chapter 75: The Mara Harvester
TL: Etude
Under Pauls persistent concern, the Lakeheart Town Agricultural Machinery Factory finally achieved significant results not long ago. The harvester was the primary research target, and now it had finally borne fruit.
During the research process, Paul proposed two developmental paths:
One was to develop a traction harvester similar to the American McCormick harvester, which would be pulled by livestock;
The other was to develop a push-type harvester similar to the British Bell harvester, which would be pushed by livestock.
After careful analysis, the craftsmen ultimately chose the traction harvester because it was simpler.
To advance the research and development work of the agricultural machinery factory and create an ideal testing environment, the Count allowed the craftsmen to boldly experiment in the fields of Grayman.
However, the performance of the early experimental models was so poor that, watching the vast amounts of grain being wasted, the servants managing the farm were heartbroken, shedding tears and secretly complaining that Paul was squandering resources. They had to clean up the mess in the wheat fields after the experiments.
But the wasted wheat fields eventually led to great results.
The finalized harvester was pulled by two horses, equipped with ground wheel-driven cutting knives, rakes, and a gathering platform. It could not only cut the wheat but also neatly arrange the cut wheat on a worktable at the back, allowing a man to walk along the machine and rake it up. The harvesting speed was 3 to 4 times faster than manual labor.
Before this, a farmer skilled in swinging a sickle could only harvest about three mu of grain per day, but with the harvester, a person with horses could harvest 10 mu or more in a single day.
This greatly improved the labor productivity of farmers and liberated them from heavy physical labor, allowing them more energy to engage in other work.
Paul, standing beside the finalized harvester, proudly said to the craftsmen and accompanying people like Hansel and Malron, Gentlemen, this will be our first step into the mechanization of agriculture.
Hansel was incredibly excited internally. Having previously served as a farm tax officer in the suburbs of the royal capital, he knew very well that wheat was best harvested when it was ninety percent ripe. Once it reached full maturity, nutrients would flow back into the straw, causing a decrease in grain weight, with a yield loss of 30 to 50 kilograms per mu. If continuous rain occurred, the seeds would germinate and mold, further reducing the quality and causing greater losses.
Given the inefficiency of traditional manual harvesting, even if more land could be cultivated and more grains planted, the best harvesting period limited the amount that could be harvested during the mature season.
Now, with this harvester, without considering other factors, the amount of grain planted and harvested could be tripled compared to before.
Malrons eyes sparkled as he grabbed Pauls sleeve and said, Paul, will there be many of these harvesters made? Can they also be used by the farmers in Baylding?
Paul patted his chest and said, Of course, my brother. Baylding and Alda will be treated equally.
The craftsmen were equally overjoyed and excited. They often worked in the fields themselves and naturally understood the significant implications of the harvester. Although the initial design was completed by the lord, they conducted the later improvements and refinements. Participating in the invention of such a great creation was an honor.
Paul cleared his throat and loudly said to the craftsmen, Your creation will produce more food, preventing many from hunger. This great achievement is no less than that of the heroes and saints in history. I announce that everyone involved in the research will receive at least one gold coin as a reward, and I will add more based on each persons contribution. The greater the contribution, the larger the reward.
The craftsmen let out incredulous exclamations, amazed not only by being elevated to the status of heroes and saints by their lord but also by receiving a substantial fortune.
For a while, words of praise, gratitude, and loyalty poured towards Paul.
Although the harvester was successfully developed, Paul was not satisfied with just this achievement. He ordered the craftsmen to continuously improve the harvester, making it more convenient, durable, and efficient. He promised significant rewards for every improvement.
Next came the promotion phase. Unfortunately, it was already September, and Paul had been overly optimistic about the R&D efficiency when setting up the agricultural machinery factory. He had prioritized the development of the harvester, hoping to catch up with this years wheat harvest. However, it seemed that they were unable to meet this timeline as the wheat in the northwest area had already been mostly harvested.
Nonetheless, he had reserved a wheat field on his own farm, allowing it to sprout and mold, just to demonstrate its use during the promotion.
Within a few days, Lakeheart Town issued an order to the agricultural associations already established in various places: In the name of the lords manor, every village and town landlord was required to arrive at Lakeheart Town within two days. Count Grayman would demonstrate a significantly meaningful agricultural machine to them.
The landlords saw an exciting scene at a nearby farm in Lakeheart Town: a strange machine pulled by two horses. This mechanical beast had a wooden turnover wheel and a cutting arm with sharp teeth, moving back and forth like a saw. As the horses pulled it forward, bundles of wheat were harvested and neatly stacked on the worktable at the back.
The onlookers were thrilled, with the experienced farmers exclaiming, Its just like a scene from a dream.
Hansel, in charge of the demonstration, seized the opportunity to start selling: Gentlemen, this machine is called a harvester. Do you want one?
Yes, of course, we want it. Is the lord planning to sell this machine? Please, tell us the price.
These farmers were very eager.
Humphrey announced the price: One harvester for 998 Ordo silver coins.
Upon hearing the price, everyone gasped in surprise. It seemed too expensive, and the atmosphere suddenly cooled.
Dont worry, everyone. Lord Grayman allows you to pay in installments. That means you dont have to pay all at once but make a down payment first and then pay in intervals until its fully paid.
Think about it! One harvester can replace several skilled farmers. With it, you can cultivate more land and plant more wheat.
For just 998 silver coins, you cant afford to miss out. What are you waiting for?
Hansel passionately pitched the product, and the farmers discussed among themselves whether the price was reasonable. Some were caressing the harvester, their eyes full of desire.
Finally, one of the farmers shouted, Ill buy it. What procedures do I need to follow?
Thats the spirit, sir! Hansel gave a thumbs-up to the farmer and immediately arranged for an official from the agricultural department to lead him to sign an agreement.
In fact, this person was a plant arranged by Hansel. However, once he stepped forward, several others followed suit, and soon, more and more people were lining up to buy.
By the end of the demonstration that day, the Lakeheart Town Agricultural Machinery Factory received over twenty orders.
Most of the farm owners said they needed to go home and think about it, but Hansel assured them that the doors of the Lakeheart Town Agricultural Machinery Factory were always open to them.
As for the self-cultivating farmers, it was very difficult for them to afford a harvester on their own. Therefore, Paul instructed the Lakeheart Town Agricultural Machinery Factory to add a rental service. During the busy farming season, the agricultural associations in various places would organize farmers to pool money and rent equipment from the factory.
Finally, a glimmer of hope could be seen in the agricultural reform of the Northwest Bay area.