A couple of yoking thoughts.

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  • June 12, 2009 at 12:17 pm #40628
    Rod
    Participant

    On yoking, training and weight lifting:

    Following up on a previous suggestion to spend time just yoking and unyoking for training purposes I thought of taking a 2×6 and drilling it to fit my bows. I could then use it to train for yoking only. Much lighter than my regular yoke.

    Another thought on making life easier when yoking is to hang my yoke on two pulleys over the location where I always yoke and unyoke. This spot happens to be under a 4′ overhang on my barn and is 10′ high, plenty high enough to get the yoke out of reach when not being used and out of the weather.

    Thought from a tired man with arthritic shoulders.

    June 12, 2009 at 12:37 pm #52887
    Carl Russell
    Moderator

    I’ve known several people who have used the pulley set-up. I think you’ll find that handy.

    Carl

    June 12, 2009 at 4:53 pm #52889
    Howie
    Participant

    Rod

    You could make that practice yoke out of a 2×4 and make the bows out of thin wall conduit. Make it a size or two big and you can use it later for a reminder to your steers, or a different pair that needs training.:eek:

    June 12, 2009 at 5:17 pm #52888
    Rod
    Participant

    Thanks Howie, a good idea.

    June 12, 2009 at 5:48 pm #52890
    Vicki
    Participant

    I sympathize with you, Rod, about difficulty yoking with pain of arthritic shoulders. The pulley system sounds good. One benefit of short oxen: don’t have to lift the yoke high. I had some tall shorthorns with very heavy hardware on that yoke and it was tough lifting that end up over the off’s neck which was almost higher than my shoulders.

    Not only does the type of wood contribute to yoke weight, but the hardware can add a lot. I like an old-fashioned two-pronged staple; the plate type adds so much weight. Unless you need a plate type for adjusting sideways or for very heavy pulling. . .

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