General information
A general agricultural tool, for beneficiary distributions. Forged iron tools, of appropriate strength and durability.
Local customs and basic tool shapes vary worldwide. Check the appropriateness of the tool prior to purchasing. The way in which the tool’s head is secured to the handle also varies (e.g., sunken eye, raised eye, spike).
Generally, cast iron tools are more fragile than forged tools. Some manufacturers produce very low-quality tools. Test several samples to their breaking point, prior to purchasing. Refer to Strength testing in Specifications.
- The terms "cast" and "forged" refer to the manufacturing process used to form the head of the tool.
- Casting involves turning metal into its molten liquid state, which is then poured into a mould to form the head of the tool.
- Forging involves pounding or compressing metal, in its solid form (cold or hot red), into the desired tool shape; thereafter, a number of other machining steps are necessary to complete the production.
Handles are often purchased separately from wood suppliers, or can be made locally by the beneficiaries. Where purchased, specify the required minimum length, diameter and type of wood.
Some specifications may vary with national standards and local market conditions. For locally sourced items, check the relevant national standards or specifications. Any important variation from the EIC standard needs to be approved by a specialist.
Specifications
Pitchfork
Hot-forged carbon steel, hardened and tempered; at a maximum, the hardened zone should extend half way up the fork.
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Quality: |
No excess of metal, no dents. |
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Rockwell hardness C (HRC): |
35 minimum to 48 maximum in hardened zone of the blade |
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Carbon content: |
0.4% to 0.5% |
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Manganese content: |
0.5% to 0.8% |
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Silicone content: |
0.25% maximum |
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Phosphorus and Sulphur: |
0.06% maximum |
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Dimension, full piece: |
180 x 230mm |
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Hole diameter: |
Front side 36mm, backside 40mm, or spike as per order. |
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Weight: |
As per order |
Strength testing:
- Fitted with a standard hardwood handle and clamped by the fork, near the handle, in a horizontal position, a load of 45kg is gradually applied and maintained for 2 minutes. This results in no damage to the blade or loosening of the handle, and no permanent set in excess of 25mm.
- With one centimetre of the end of the fork fixed in a clamp, the handle is moved back and forth 30 degrees. No permanent set greater than 25mm results.
- With the fork held in a digging position, a piece of wood 37mm in diameter is hit hard against it. The blade does not buckle or break.
If supplied with handle:
Smooth surface: no chips, rough surface, holes or knots. Dry, strong flexible wood. Handle adjusted to head in order to protrude through the other side of the head, where it is secured.