Pronunciation: [tˈɛdə] (IPA) 
The word "Tedder" is spelled with two consonants, "t" and "d", that are pronounced individually. The vowel sound in the first syllable is a short "e" as in "bed" (represented with the IPA symbol /ɛ/). The second syllable also has a short "e" sound, but it is unstressed and pronounced weaker than the first (represented with the IPA symbol /ə/). Therefore, the word "Tedder" is pronounced as /ˈtɛdər/, with the stress on the first syllable.
Tedder is a noun that refers to a type of agricultural machine or implement used in farming and haymaking. It is specifically designed to aerate and turn hay or forage crops in order to promote drying and even distribution. The primary purpose of a tedder is to hasten the drying process of harvested plants, especially when they are cut or laid out in windrows, before baling or storing them as animal feed.
The tedder consists of a rotating drum with multiple pitchfork-like tines or prongs attached to it. These tines are specifically designed to lift and gently turn the hay, enabling air to circulate through the cuttings, which helps accelerate the drying process. The drum rotates through the field, flipping and spreading the hay, minimizing the risk of mildewing or rotting caused by moisture retention.
Tedders are generally pulled by a tractor, either directly connected via a tow hitch or mounted on a three-point linkage system. They can be adjusted according to the desired spreading width, tine angle, and rotational speed to achieve optimal drying and uniformity of hay quality.
The tedder is a vital tool in modern haymaking techniques as it improves drying time, increases the nutritional value of the crop, and enhances overall forage quality. It is particularly beneficial in areas with unpredictable weather patterns or high humidity levels where drying time can be significantly prolonged without its use.
For tether, which see.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tedder" originates from the Old English verb "tædian", which means "to scatter". This verb gave rise to the Middle English noun "tedder" or "tedir", referring to a device used in farming to scatter or spread hay or grass to help it dry. The word likely has Germanic origins, related to Old High German "zezan" and Old Norse "teiða", both meaning "to scatter" or "to spread". Over time, the term "tedder" became specific to the agricultural tool itself, which is still used in haymaking today.
