Final answer:
A sickle bar mower, accurately defined as a reel mower with a curved cutting bar, uses a reciprocating back and forth motion to cut vegetation. It was historically significant in agricultural mechanization, pioneered by Cyrus McCormick's grain reaper. Correct answer is Option 2: Reel mower with a curved cutting bar.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sickle bar mower is a type of cutting device often used in agricultural settings, particularly for cutting hay or small grain crops. It operates with a set of toothed blades that move back and forth in a reciprocating motion, similar to how a scissors works, which are mounted on a long bar. This action provides a clean cut, slicing through vegetation close to the ground. The correct definition among the options presented is a reel mower with a curved cutting bar, which makes Option 2 the accurate choice.
The invention of machinery like the sickle bar has a significant historical context. Cyrus McCormick mechanized the process of harvesting wheat with his patented grain reaper, which included a sickle bar. This innovation was pivotal in augmenting agricultural productivity and efficiency. The McCormick reaper, with its reciprocating blades, was a forerunner to the modern sickle bar mower and profoundly impacted farming practices by enabling a dramatic increase in harvested crops. Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2: Reel mower with a curved cutting bar.