What is this abandoned implement??

[oldron]

I used one in 1955,pulled it behind a Fordson Major Diesel.The old guy I worked for tore loose the dirt with a IH cat and I scraped and moved the dirt about a 100 yards to make a fill on a dam.We called it a tumble bug.
Ron

 

[beenthere]

I suspect the spring in the tongue is to absorb some shock when a root or rock is stopping forward movement. Otherwise, the scraper blade may bend or cause some other damage.

Might also have a trip to release the hitch, similar to pull-type plows that had such a design.
When they break away, you want to also have the ropes break away too, or the old pan seat on the spring steel bar will pull you down and flip you up in the air a bit.

 

[Mace Canute]

So should there be a blade on the bottom like a scrape blade? I am going to have to cut a path to this and hook it up and move it to get a better look. Wonder what the large long spring on the tongue is for?

If you can possibly save this old tumble bug scraper, go for it! It would be a shame to see an antique like this disappear into forest floor.

 

[HCJtractor]

Yes,I plan to at least pull it out to the light of day so I can inspect it more closely. It seems to be missing some parts. I do enjoy bringing old things back to life!