บท 76: Harvester
Translator: Cinder Translations
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Under Paul's continued "concern," the Alden Town Machinery Factory recently achieved a major breakthrough: the harvester was the primary research goal, and now it finally bore fruit.
During the development process, Paul proposed two development paths:
One was to develop a traction-type harvester similar to the American McCormick harvester, pulled forward by livestock.
The other was to develop a push-type harvester similar to the British Bell harvester, pushed forward by livestock.
After careful analysis, the craftsmen ultimately chose the traction-type harvester because it was simpler.
To advance the research and development work of the Machinery Factory and create an ideal testing environment, the Earl allowed the craftsmen to boldly experiment in Grayman's own fields.
However, the early experimental models performed poorly, and watching vast quantities of grain being "wasted," the servants responsible for managing the farm were heartbroken. They secretly complained that Paul was too extravagant, as they had to clean up the mess left in the wheat fields after the experiments.
But the "wasted" wheat fields by the craftsmen eventually yielded great results.
The finalized harvester was pulled by two horses and equipped with ground-wheel-driven cutting blades, a threshing wheel, and a grain collection platform. It not only cut the wheat but also automatically arranged the harvested grain neatly on a workbench at the rear. A single man could walk alongside the machine and rake it up, increasing harvesting speed by 3 to 4 times compared to manual labor.
Previously, a farmer skilled with a sickle might harvest only about 3 mu of grain in a day. With the harvester, a man with horses could harvest 10 mu or more in a day.
TL Note: 1 Mu corresponds to 1/15 of a hectare, or about 666.67m2
This would greatly increase the labor productivity of farmers and liberate them from strenuous physical labor, allowing them more energy to engage in other work.
Paul stood proudly next to the finalized harvester and said to the craftsmen and accompanying Hansel, Malon, and others, "Gentlemen, this will be the first step of our agriculture into mechanization."
Hansel was deeply moved. Having previously served as a tax officer at a farm in the suburbs of the capital, he understood very well: wheat is best harvested when 90% ripe. Once it reaches full maturity, nutrients flow back into the straw, causing a decrease in grain weight, with yield reductions of 30 to 50 kilograms per mu. In continuous rainy weather, grains may sprout and mold, further deteriorating quality, resulting in even greater losses.
Given the inefficiency of traditional manual harvesting, even with more cultivated land and more grain planting, the harvest could not be maximized during the ripe season.
Now, with this harvester, ignoring other factors, grain cultivation could increase by three times compared to before, and harvesting could increase by three times as well.
Malon's eyes sparkled as he grabbed Paul's sleeve and said, "Paul, will many of these harvesters be made? Can they be used by the farmers of Byerldine too?"
Paul slapped his chest and said, "Of course, my brother. Byerldine and Alda will be treated equally."
The craftsmen were also extremely happy and even excited. They often worked in the fields themselves and naturally understood the significance of the harvester. Although the initial design was completed by the Lord, the later improvements and enhancements were carried out by them. Being able to personally participate in the invention of such a great creation was indeed an honor.
Paul cleared his throat and loudly addressed the craftsmen, "Your invention will produce more food, saving more people from hunger. This great achievement is no less than that of heroes and saints in history. I declare that everyone involved in the development will receive a reward of at least one gold coin each, with additional rewards based on the size of their contributions—the greater the contribution, the greater the reward."
"Hmm..." The craftsmen exclaimed in disbelief. The Lord not only elevated them to the level of heroes and saints but also made them wealthy.
For a moment, words like praise, gratitude, and loyalty poured towards Paul.
Although the harvester had been successfully developed, Paul was not satisfied. He ordered the craftsmen to continue improving the harvester, making it more convenient, durable, and efficient, promising significant rewards for each improvement.
Next came the promotion phase. Unfortunately, it was already September when Paul established the Machinery Factory. He had been overly optimistic about the efficiency of research and development, so he prioritized the harvester in hopes of catching this year's wheat harvest. However, it became clear that they ultimately couldn't catch up; by now, wheat in the northwest region had already been mostly harvested.
Still, he kept a field on his own farm where wheat sprouted and molded freely, intending to use it for demonstration during the promotion.
Within days, Alden Town issued an order to all local agricultural associations: on behalf of the Lord's Manor, every village landlord must arrive in Alden Town within two days. Earl Grayman would demonstrate an agriculturally significant machine to them.
The landlords witnessed an exciting scene on the nearby farmstead in Alden Town: a peculiar machine pulled by two horses. This mechanical marvel had a wooden turnover wheel and a cutting arm with sharp teeth that moved back and forth like a saw. As the horses pulled it forward, bundles of wheat were harvested, neatly stacked on the workbench at the rear.
The onlookers were thrilled. These seasoned farmers exclaimed, "It's like a scene from a dream."
Hansel, in charge of conducting the demonstration, seized the opportunity to pitch: "Gentlemen, this machine is called a 'harvester.' Do you want one?"
"YES! Of course we want one." "Does the Lord intend to sell this machine?" "Tell us the price."
These landlords were eager and enthusiastic.
Humphrey reported the price: "998 Aldo silver coins for one harvester."
Upon hearing the price, the crowd gasped in disbelief. It was too expensive, and the atmosphere immediately cooled.
"Don't worry, everyone. Earl Grayman allows you to 'pay in installments,' meaning you don't have to pay all at once. Instead, you can pay a deposit first and then pay a sum every interval until it's paid off."
"Think about it! With one harvester, you can replace several skilled farmers. With it, you can cultivate more fields and plant more wheat."
"998 silver coins. Just 998 silver coins. You won't be cheated. What are you waiting for?"
Hansel shouted hoarsely, trying to sell them. Some landlords discussed whether the price was worth it, while others examined the harvester closely, their eyes filled with desire.
Finally, one landlord shouted loudly, "I'll buy it. What formalities do I need to complete?"
"This gentleman is straightforward!" Hansel praised, giving a thumbs-up to the landlord and promptly arranging for an official from the Department of Agriculture to lead him to sign the agreement.
In fact, this person was a plant arranged by Hansel. Once he showed interest, several others quickly followed suit, and soon there were more and more people wanting to buy.
On the same day after the demonstration, Alden Town Machinery Factory received more than twenty orders.
Most landlords said they needed to go home and think about it, but Hansel assured them that the doors of Alden Town Machinery Factory were open to them at any time.
As for the tenant farmers, purchasing a harvester on their own was extremely difficult due to their financial capabilities. Therefore, Paul instructed Alden Town Machinery Factory to add a rental service. During the busy farming season, farmers organized by local agricultural associations could pool money to rent equipment from the Machinery Factory.
Finally, there was a glimpse of dawn in the agricultural reform of the Northwest Bay area.
(End of the Chapter)
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