Fencing wire unwinder and tensioner

Abstract

A fencing wire unwinder and tensioner for constructing wire fences, the apparatus comprising a carrying platform for spools and rolls of fencing wire, whereby the wire is unwound and tensioned in a single operation for attachment to the preset posts of the fence. The device may be adapted for barbed wire only, woven wire only, and chain link only, or barbed wire along with either of the latter. Spools of barbed wire strand and/or rolls of woven or chain link wire are carried rotatably on a platform, the wire being fastened to the fence and unwound therealong as the platform is carried along the fence line by the vehicle. The wire unwound from the roll is tensioned by braking band before leaving the platform. Helpers follow the platform and attach the fencing in tensioned condition to the preset line of posts. According to one aspect of the invention, a hydraulically operated locking device holds the woven and chain link wire in tensioned condition while a fresh roll thereof is attached for subsequent unwinding and tensioning.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.