英语翻译The machine is operated by one man,who shovels the linse

英语翻译
The machine is operated by one man,who shovels the linseed pulp into a stone vat,climbs up nimbly to a dizzy height to fasten ropes,and then throws his weight on to a great beam made out of a tree trunk to set the ropes and pulleys in motion.Ancient girders girders creak and groan ,ropes tighten and then a trickle of oil oozes oozes down a stone runnel into a used petrol can.Quickly the trickle becomes a flood of glistening linseed oil as the beam sinks earthwards,taut and protesting,its creaks blending with the squeaking and rumbling of the grinding-wheels and the occasional grunts and sighs of the camels.
想知道上面段落中的taut and protesting应该怎么翻译