From the beginning of time, humans have adapted to their environment. As part of that adaptation, creative thinkers employed natural power in the form of wind and water. But these sources of nature’s blessings have limitations. Wind is not constant and water is not always available. And neither natural resource could provide power to till the land for food production.
As a supplement, beasts of burden – most commonly horses and oxen – were harnessed. These wonderful animals were also utilized for purposes other than working the land. It’s estimated that horses were used to generate rotary power well over 300 years ago.
In about 1840, horse sweep powers began to be developed. A large iron gearbox was mounted on a
