Mechanical Reaper
Chloe and Sydney
Cyrus McCormick
Cyrus McCormick invented the Mechanical Reaper in 1831. It was invented in Rockbridge, Virginia. At first farmers were not interested in his invention but by 1851 it was an international sensation.
What it did and how it works
It cut small grain crops and replaced scythes and sickles. It used blades that moved back and forth to cut the grain and used a revolving device to push the grain to the back of the machine.
Impact
It reduced manual labor and made harvesting crops more sufficient. Less people were needed for the harvest. It made the work faster and easier, it took less time.