"Bennett's Stump Puller."

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 292, 19 April 1894, Page 3

" Bennett's Stump Puller."

♦— An implement in which most bushfarmers in this district aretaking a lively interest at the presJfc time is "Bennett's Stump Extractor," the first trial of which was given in this district on Mr A. Perry's property, Kiwitea, yesterday. The trial was advertised to take place on the previous day, but had to be postponed, owing to the non-arrival of the plant in time. This was very unfortunate, as a large number of farmers from miles around attended at the appointed hour, while only about half the number were present yesterday. The machine arrived at Mr Perry's about half an hour late, and by the time it was put together the afternoon was well advanced. However, the expert (Mr Pickering) agreed to tackle a cicuu stump which measured at least four feet through, and admitted to be the toughest that could be found. The tree bad been felled about ten years ago, but the heart was almost as solid as the day it was felled, the sap only having rotted off. A stout chain was placed round a large root and attached to an "endless" chain on a pulley worked by a lever above a cog-wheel, which is hung from a tripod. Operations were stopped at dark, when tke root was raised and a portion of the stump split, and it was the expert's intention to complete extracting the stump this mornißg. This machine is claimed to be able to lift 50 tons, but is credited with having lifted 100 tons a few days ago. Trials are to be given indifferent parts of the district, including Halcombe, Birmingham (on Saturday), Colyton, and Waitun-a. A trial was given on Mr Johnstons property, Cheltenham, this afternoon.