Images(3)

Treadmill, Animal

Object number2004.172.59 a-p

Manufacturer Foundry and Machine Company

Date1875-1899

OriginCortland, NY

MediumWood; Cast iron; Metal; Paint; Leather; Canvas

Credit LineMeadowcroft Collection

DescriptionDog or goat powered treadmill.DimensionsHeight x Width x Length (a): 45 x 24.5 x 65 in. (114.3 x 62.2 x 165.1 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 0.875 x 27.875 x 0.375 in. (2.2 x 70.8 x 1 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 1.438 x 10.75 x 6.25 in. (3.7 x 27.3 x 15.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 1.375 x 10.938 x 6.563 in. (3.5 x 27.8 x 16.7 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (e): 1.75 x 10.875 x 6.625 in. (4.4 x 27.6 x 16.8 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (f): 1.5 x 10.938 x 9.563 in. (3.8 x 27.8 x 24.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (g): 1.25 x 10.938 x 6.5 in. (3.2 x 27.8 x 16.5 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (h): 1.125 x 6.563 x 0.875 in. (2.9 x 16.7 x 2.2 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (i): 1.063 x 6.563 x 0.875 in. (2.7 x 16.7 x 2.2 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (j): 4.5 x 2.063 x 0.5 in. (11.4 x 5.2 x 1.3 cm)
Length x Diameter (k): 0.813 x 0.375 in. (2.1 x 1 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (l): 1.25 x 10.875 x 6.563 in. (3.2 x 27.6 x 16.7 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (m): 1.313 x 10.875 x 6.563 in. (3.3 x 27.6 x 16.7 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (n): 1.5 x 10.625 x 6.25 in. (3.8 x 27 x 15.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (o): 1.375 x 10.875 x 3.438 in. (3.5 x 27.6 x 8.7 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (p): 1.125 x 6.563 x 0.875 in. (2.9 x 16.7 x 2.2 cm)
Marks(a)
Each top wooden slat has stenciled text in black paint on exterior side "MANUFACTURED Y - FOUNDRY & MACHINE CO. - CORTLAND, N.Y."
Historical NotesGoat or dog treadmill from the late 19th century. Treadmills were used to power equipment on the farm. The natural action of an animal walking on the treadmill was transferred to rotary action of a flywheel which, through a leather belt connection, would turn the pulleys necessary to power the machine. Larger treadmills used a horse to power threshing machines and hay presses (an early type of hay baler). Smaller treadmills used dogs or goats to power smaller equipment such as a butter churn, grinding stones for sharpening tools, and fanning mills for separating chaff from grain. Found in collection of the Meadowcroft Museum.Label TextThis small treadmill was designed to be powered by a dog or goat rather than a horse. This machine powered small equipment such as a butter churn or a washing machine.

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