What is a pitchfork?
What is a pitchfork? |
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This is a pitchfork, isn’t it? | |||
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So you haven’t suddenly sprouted horns and used one to torment the damned? Then this is a typical pitchfork. | |||
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Also referred to as a hay fork, a pitchfork usually features two or three widely-spaced tines. It is very similar in design to the compost fork and their functions can overlap.
A pitchfork has been designed to pick up and pitch (throw or fling)! |
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Its uses |
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The tines |
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There are usually no more than two or three tines so that coarse material such as hay does not become stuck in the space between the tines.
Look for sharp ends for easy piercing in compacted material. |
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The most robust tines are forged from one piece of steel. That is, either a solid socket connection… | |||
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…or a strapped socket connection.
For more information on socket connections, please see our section: How are the tines attached to the shaft? |
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The shaft |
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A steel fork should have high quality welds (metal joins) that have no open points to allow water to enter.
This will reduce the risk of internal rust and damage. There should not be any fractured seams: welds must look immaculate and as smooth as possible. |
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The shaft – generally without a handle grip – is longer than other forks: the average length is 1.2m (48 inches).
Some shafts are as long as 1.83m (72 inches)! The long length gives a wider arm span for balance and control when lifting and pitching. Please see the section: What do we mean by leverage? in the Hand Shovels section for more information on longer shaft lengths. |
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