Editing Pitchfork (section)

==Description==
[[File:CompostBinTube wb.jpg|thumb|A pitchfork with five [[Tine (structural)|tine]]s next to a [[compost]] bin. In this configuration, the pitchfork resembles a [[garden fork]].]]

The typical pitchfork consists of a wooden shaft bearing two to five slightly curved metal [[tine (structural)|tines]] fixed to one end of a handle. These are typically made of [[steel]], [[wrought iron]], or some other [[alloy]], though historically  [[wood]] or [[bamboo]] were used. Unlike a [[garden fork]], a pitchfork lacks a grab at the end of its handle.

Pitchforks with few tines set far apart are typically used for bulky material such as [[hay]] or [[straw]]; those with more and more closely spaced are used for looser materials such as [[silage]], [[manure]], leaves, or [[compost]].<ref name="FarmCollector">{{cite web|url=https://www.farmcollector.com/steam-traction/why-all-pitchforks-are-not-alike |title=Why All Pitchforks Are Not Alike |date=October 1996 |last=Rhode |first=Dr. Robert T. |work=Farm Collector |access-date=February 4, 2016}}</ref>